Animal Services Counselor (Finance)
The County of Riverside seeks candidates to fill positions throughout Riverside County. A list of eligible candidates will be established to fill current and future vacancies.
The County of Riverside's Department of Animal Services currently has an opportunity for an Animal Services Counselor in San Jacinto. However, we anticipate having multiple vacancies throughout Riverside County in the near future.
The Animal Services Counselor is responsible for overseeing the basic animal intake process, ensuring accurate documentation, conducting initial assessments and health checks, and supporting proper placement within the shelter system. This role plays a key part in improving animal outcomes by coordinating spay/neuter procedures for outreach adoptions and managing the safe transportation of animals to outreach events. Additionally, the Counselor supports the Volunteer Services Program by assisting with foster animal intake and management, supervising volunteers, and organizing training sessions, presentations, and orientations. Other duties include preparing instructional materials, coordinating outreach and volunteer events, conducting shelter tours, and participating in the recruitment, interviewing, and training of new volunteers, thereby bridging operational tasks with community engagement to promote animal welfare.
Competitive candidates will have strong customer service and excellent communication skills. Experience with animal intake, leadership or supervisory roles in customer service, and familiarity with Chameleon Animal Shelter Software and Volgistics volunteer management software are highly desired.
This position have a 5/40 schedule with every Monday off and includes weekend work. Availability to work weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed to meet department needs is required.
The Animal Services Counselor is a first professional level classification and reports to a supervising or manager level position. This class is characterized by the responsibility for coordinating the animal intake and improving animal outcomes of shelter animals and participating in the Animal Services Community Outreach & Education Division activities.
Meet the Team!
The Riverside County Department of Animal Services has a vision for promoting an environment of responsible pet ownership through progressive animal welfare initiatives, community outreach, and humane education in a culture of compassion, creativity, and integrity. The Department of Animal Services believes the character of their organization is best reflected in the strong dedication of each one of their employees who strive to meet the highest standards of performance and compassion on behalf of the animals and people that they serve. The Department of Animal Services operates four shelters located in Blythe, Jurupa Valley, San Jacinto and Thousand Palms.• Participate in Animal Services Community Outreach & Education Division activities; answer questions concerning age, breed, characteristics, and care and treatment of animals; responsible for knowing which animals are available for adoption, return-to-owner, etc., and knowing the temperaments and personalities of these animals.
• Assist and counsel owners and members of the public in the admittance and surrender of animals through proper interviewing techniques and completion of necessary paperwork; obtain accurate information regarding animal temperament, living habits and training, medical conditions, behavior, age, breed, and any relevant information from the relinquishing party; assist owners with alternative options to surrendering an animal.
• Prepare reports, maintain records, and fill out forms concerning activities; assist with the training of new staff and/or volunteers.
• May be assigned to any shift and required to be available as needed.
• May be specifically assigned as an Adoption Partner Coordinator and act as point of contact for rescue groups (adoption partners), coordinating the adoption of shelter animals to adoption partners and developing/maintaining relationships with adoption partners, and other related activities as assigned.
• Participate regularly in community events or animal adoption events that frequently occur on weekends; coordinate spay/neutering of animals in anticipation of outreach activities.
• Act as a fully participating member of the Community Outreach and Education Division and of the Adoption Team and work collaboratively and supportively with the Animal Care Technicians. OPTION IExperience: Six months performing animal care duties in a public or non-profit animal control program.
OPTION IIExperience: One year of paid or voluntary experience in a veterinary office, animal grooming, animal board and kennel facility, or similar setting which included the care of animals.
OPTION IIIExperience: Two years of experience within a customer service environment.
ALL OPTIONSLicense: Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License at the time of application is required, as the incumbent will be required to drive a County vehicle to off-site events.
Physical exposure: This position will require working in an environment with exposure to animal smells, dander, excrement, fluids and wounds. Knowledge of: Techniques and procedures for the safe, humane, and efficient handling of animals; laws and ordinances governing the licensing and treatment of animals; the symptoms of common animal diseases; common breeds of domestic animals and appropriate practices for their care and feeding.
Ability to: Establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relations with the public, adoption partners and other employees; handle animals humanely and safely; manage difficult to place animals; read and comprehend laws and regulations pertaining to animal control; clearly explain animal services to the public; exercise tact and good judgment in dealings with the public; recognize symptoms of rabies and other animal diseases; keep statistical records; lift and handle cats, dogs (including large breeds) and other animals. This recruitment is open to all candidates.
For more information, please email Silvia Trammell at strammell@rivco.org .
