Animal Care Technician

Animal Care Technician (Part-Time)The City of Elk Grove is now accepting applications for the position of Animal Care Technician (Part-Time). The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong organizational and professional communication skills, with the ability to effectively manage multiple competing priorities and meet established deadlines. The successful candidate will possess experience handling animals and demonstrate sound judgment and appropriate care when working with animals in a variety of situations. This job will primarily be focused on coordinating the Elk Grove Animal Shelter foster program, outcoming animals to foster homes, facilitating foster exams, and communicating with fosters about upcoming appointments or challenges they are experiencing.Tentative Recruitment Timeline: (subject to change)Filing Deadline: August 27, 2026, at 11:59 pmSelection Interviews: September 21, 2026 & September 22, 2026 (In Person)The City offers a competitive salary and generous benefit package including CalPERS retirement benefits, a deferred compensation match and more.Elk Grove is a vibrant, family-friendly community of approximately 174,775 people in the Sacramento, California region, located 14 miles south of the State Capital and 60 miles east of the Bay Area. Elk Grove has low crime, excellent schools, over 100 community parks and 28 miles of trails, plentiful dining and shopping options, numerous annual events and festivals, and over 270 sunny days per year.Representative DutiesUnder general supervision, performs a variety of technical level work in providing care for animals in the City's Animal Shelter, to include evaluation of animal behavior, behavior modification and training; provide training and support to current or prospective foster parents regarding animal welfare; assists in performing euthanasia; provide routine care and support of animals; and performs related duties as assigned.Receives general supervision from the Animal Care Supervisor. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.This journey level classification is responsible for independently performing technical duties in support of animal care and socialization. Positions at this level exercise judgment and initiative in their assigned tasks, receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.Examples of typical job functions (illustrative only):Answers inquiries from the public, both over the counter and by telephone, on laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to animal control and the City's animal shelter.Processes impound/intake, adoption, euthanasia, and reclaim of animals; receives, classifies, and records animals entering shelter; performs behavior evaluation of animals; performs health check of animals to identify illnesses; determines which animals which will be placed for adoption based on results of temperament testing and evaluations.Lifts, moves, and/or carries animals, applies restraints as needed; handles frightened, fractious,and injured animals; conducts health evaluations of animals; performs routine testing for disease as needed; administers injections of medication, vaccinations, tranquilizers, or other drugs.Conducts behavior training classes for staff and volunteers; trains animals in general obedience; conducts training and one-on-one counseling to adopters, assists with animal behavior modification planning.Receives foster/rescue/adoption applications; communicates with various rescue agencies and/or foster families.Identifies animal placement outside of the City shelter; conducts foster exams; provides guidance to customers for foster inquiries and concerns.Provides food and water for each animal; observes food consumption to ensure animals' overall health; observes animals' behavior and physical appearance; reports illness/injuries to supervisory personnel.Assists with the cleaning of enclosures and kennels; exercises animals; socializes animals; replaces bedding, toys, and litter pans; cleans linens and shelter equipment; maintains a clean and safe environment.Provides information and assists members of the public, including individuals who may be angry, hostile, or distraught, in search of lost or adoptable pets, according to established laws and departmental procedures.Assists with the documentation and development of reports related to animal's behavior and suitability for adoption; prepares, files, and maintains adoption documentation.Monitors inventory of supplies and request and restock needed supplies.Performs related duties as assigned.QualificationsKnowledge of:Animal breeds, species, illnesses, vaccines, conditions, terms, behaviors.Animal related codes and laws pertaining to care and welfare.Methods and techniques used in customer service and public relations.Methods for caring for and feeding domestic animals.Proper restraint of fractious, dangerous, aggressive, or otherwise feral animals.Occupational hazards and standard safety practices.Physical and behavioral characteristics of various animal species.Practices, methods, and materials used in cleaning animal facilities.Principles and procedures of record keeping.Safe and humane animal handling principles and practicesGeneral practice and operation of municipal animal shelters.Techniques for effectively representing the City in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, educational, regulatory, and legislative organizations.Recent and on-going developments, current literature, and sources of information related to the operations of the assigned division.Methods and techniques of preparing general business correspondence.City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging concepts and principles, including their significance in organizational dynamics and the functioning of the City and their impact on fostering innovation and collaboration.The structure and content of the English language at a level necessary for successful job performance.Current equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.Ability to:Provide affection and concern for animals.Utilize public relations techniques to interact with internal and external customers, including responding to general inquiries and complaints.Effectively represent the City to outside individuals and agencies to accomplish the goals and objectives of the unit.Independently handle and care for animals housed in the City's Animal Shelter.Learn to euthanize animals in a humane manner.Learn to operate the equipment used in handling various types of animals.Plan and organize work to meet changing priorities and deadlines.Recognize symptoms of common animal health concerns and disease.Work safely with aggressive animals and hazardous chemicals.Respond tactfully, clearly, concisely, and appropriately to inquiries from the public, City staff, or other agencies on sensitive issues in area of responsibility.Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.Communicate clearly and concisely in the English language at a level necessary for successful job performance.Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.Engage with a diverse public and workforce, facilitating inclusive service delivery, and implementing equitable city policies.Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.Education and Experience:Completion of the twelfth (12th) grade and one (1) year of responsible experience in an animal shelter, humane society, veterinary office, or similar setting.Licenses and Certifications:Possession of, or ability to obtain by the time of appointment, an appropriate, valid California driver's license.Employment Sponsorship:This position is not eligible for H-1B visa sponsorship or any other type of employment-based visa sponsorship.Physical Demands and Work EnvironmentPhysical DemandsWhen assigned to an office environment:Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer, and to operate a motor vehicle to visit various City and meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. Standing in and walking between work areas is frequently required. Finger dexterity is needed to access,