Part-Time Animal Shelter Assistant

Salary: $18.00 - $21.00 Hourly
Location : City of Rohnert Park, Animal Shelter, 301 J. Rogers Lane, Rohnert Park, CA
Job Type: Part-Time Temporary
Job Number: PTASA March 2026
Department: Animal Shelter
Opening Date: 03/12/2026
FLSA: Non-Exempt


The Position


Do you like animals?? Love working with the public? Have excellent computer skills? The City of RP is looking for an outgoing, organized, hard-working Part-time Animal Shelter Assistant.

The City of Rohnert Park is seeking two (2) compassionate, caring and hardworking individuals to fill a Part Time Animal Shelter Assistant position. This recruitment is open until filled and will also create an eligibility list which may be used for future openings.

*Bilingual in Spanish is preferred but not required

This position is budgeted to work an average of 20 hours per week (up to a maximum of 1,000 hours per fiscal year, i.e. July 1st through June 30th) and requires flexibility in work hours at the City's 365 days a year Animal Shelter. There are no fringe benefits with this part-time hourly "at will" position.

TO APPLY:
To be considered for this opportunity, please visit "Job Opportunities" at and complete the online application and required supplemental questionnaire. All applications will be screened in detail for completeness and possession of minimum qualifications to identify the most qualified candidates to interview.

You may submit a resume or other relevant documents to further describe your qualifications; however, "See Resume" will not meet the requirement to submit a complete application, including employment history or be accepted in lieu of responses to supplemental questions. Be advised that your resume and other attachments not specifically requested, may not be used to determine your qualifications.

If you need assistance applying online, please click on the Application Help FAQ's link:

PLEASE NOTE:
CalPERS retirees may not work for the City of Rohnert Park more than 960 hours per fiscal year, nor in a permanent position. Work assignments must be temporary, i.e. typically limited to 12 months.

DEFINITION
Under direct supervision, assists in the operation and maintenance of the Rohnert Park Animal Shelter, including cleaning kennels, cages, dishes and litter boxes; feeding, medicating and exercising the animals; cooperatively works with other staff and volunteers, including junior volunteers; assists in the intake of strays and owner-surrendered animals, and the redemption and adoption of animals from the Shelter; helps maintain records; provides front counter and phone coverage; and performs related work as required.


DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Part-Time Animal Shelter Assistant is responsible for performing a wide variety of office and field duties at the City's Animal Shelter. This classification differs from the Animal Shelter Technician in that the latter class is primarily responsible for carrying out the direction of a licensed veterinarian in providing medical treatment and care to animals.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED/EXERCISED

General supervision is provided by the Animal Shelter Supervisor or his/her designee.
Ideal Candidate
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

These duties are a representative sample; position assignments may vary.

• Cleans, feeds, and medicates animals
• Clean animal enclosures and cages, scoop and change out litterboxes, and keeps all areas of the Shelter clean and sanitary
• Ensures animals are properly cared for
• Assists with the sale of animal licenses and the collection of established fees
• Assists members of the public seeking to redeem an impounded animal or adopt an animal
• Performs front office duties including maintaining daily records, answering incoming calls and completes simple reports; answers citizen inquiries and provides shelter information to the public; conduct tours of the facility
• Oversees adoption events at business, farmers markets and other off site locations
• Assists in Volunteer Program coordination including recruiting volunteers, training new volunteers, tracking work schedules, and providing orientations to new volunteers
• Receives and records payment for licenses and adoptions as needed
• Provides customer service at the front counter in person and on the phone
• Utilizes computers and computer software programs; assists with updating website and social media sites that promote Animal Shelter programs, services and events
• Washes dishes, laundry, and performs janitorial duties
• Exercises good judgment when dealing with difficult situations and customers
• Assists in the intake of strays or owner-surrendered animals
• Assists with euthanasia of animals as necessary
• Provides input on temperament of animals
• May drive animals to vet offices for medical attention
• May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker in the event of a disaster or emergency
• May attend and/or oversee adoption events that include transporting animals and oversight of on-site adoptions
• Performs other duties as assigned

CITY EMPLOYEES ARE EXPECTED TO:

• Provide outstanding and friendly customer service
• Create and maintain a respectful and collaborative working environment
• Communicate honestly and behave in a manner that is ethical, legal and fiscally responsible
• Demonstrate care for the organization, customers and coworkers
• Practice and encourage initiative and innovation to improve the workplace

Qualifications and Requirements
QUALIFICATIONS

Sufficient education, training and/or experience to successfully perform the duties assigned to the Part-Time Animal Shelter Assistant .
EDUCATION/TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE
Positions in this class typically require:

• Education equivalent to a high school diploma
• Two years of animal-related work experience, paid or unpaid, is preferred

LICENSING AND CERTIFICATION:

• Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License and a good driving record is required
• Possession of a Euthanasia Certificate is desirable

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Techniques for properly handling and caring for animals
• Operation and functions of an animal shelter
• Physical and behavioral characteristics of domestic animals; breed identification basic office functions, working with the public, and customer service skills
• Basic math and cashiering skills
• Computers and standard software programs and web-based programs
• Risk management policies, procedures and techniques
• Proper documentation and recordkeeping

SKILL TO:

• Safely assess and handle scared or fractious animals
• Perform data entry quickly and accurately
• Write legibly

ABILITY TO:

• Effectively and safely handle a variety of animals, including fractious dogs, feral cats, and occasionally, exotic animals
• Lift and carry a maximum of 50 pounds (i.e. animals, bags of litter, etc.)
• Process payments
• Perform basic math transactions
• Maintain accurate records
• Follow oral and written directions
• Deal effectively and tactfully with the general public
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships
• Learn and utilize new technology

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be 18 years of age
• Must be available year-round and able to work a flexible schedule. The Animal Shelter is staffed 7 days a week from 8 a.m. to approximately 8 p.m., including all holidays. Work shifts are 6-11 hours typically.
• Per California State Law, smoking is not permitted inside City facilities/vehicles or within 20 feet of main entrances, exits and operable windows.

Additional Information


Position requires extended periods of sitting, standing, walking, reaching, twisting, and turning, kneeling, bending, squatting, and stooping in the performance of daily activities. This position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement and fine coordination in preparing statistical reports and data, using a computer keyboard. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Hearing is required when providing phone and counter service. The incumbent is frequently around animals that are agitated or injured and may attempt to bite or scratch. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is exposed to outside weather conditions, wet and/or humid conditions, moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, fur, hay, dust and vibration. The noise level in the work environment may be moderate to loud, depending on working conditions.
~EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER~ INFORMATION SUBJECT TO CHANGE

• Free memebership to the Callinan Sports & Fitness Center
• You will receive $1.00 /hour for any hours worked between (9pm -7am).
  • In addition, you will receive overtime pay at 1.5 times your regular hourly rate for any hours worked on a City recognized holiday.
• Sick hour accrual - 1 hour of paid sick leave for every thirty (30) hours worked beginning on the first day of employment.

The City does not participate in Social Security, but does withhold 1.45% of wages for Medicare taxes.


In January 1992, Congress passed new regulations that mandated Social Security coverage for part-time government employees that weren't covered by a retirement plan. The City implemented a Deferred Compensation Plan through Nationwide Retirement Solutions as an alternative to Social Security. Under this plan, 7.5% of your wages will be deducted prior to any tax calculation. In other words, you will not be paying any taxes on these funds when they are deducted from your paycheck. These funds will be deposited in an account set up for you that will earn tax-free interest at a rate set up every quarter, based upon current interest rates.
01


The Animal Shelter is staffed 7 days a week from 8 a.m. to approximately 7 p.m., including holidays. Please indicate the days and hours you ARE AVAILABLE to be scheduled to work?
02


Are you currently a student with a changing schedule each semester?

• Yes
• No

03


Are you available year-round and able to work a flexible schedule?

• Yes
• No

04


Are you available 4 days a week?

• Yes
• No

05


Are you currently volunteering at the Rohnert Park Animal Shelter?

• Yes
• No

06


Please describe your experience working with volunteers?
07


Briefly describe your work/volunteer/ personal experience with animals: Include what types of animals you have experience handling and any experience you have had working in an animal shelter program, dog day care center or boarding/grooming facility.
08


Please describe any experience you have had administering medications, vaccinations, fluids, treating injuries and illnesses.
09


The Rohnert Park Animal Shelter is a municipal, open-door shelter, which means we do get animals that are not adoptable. What is your experience with euthanasia and what are your thoughts about participating in this process?
10


Please describe your level of experience with (a) computers - what programs do you know (b) Cashiering and (c) phones.
11


By typing my name below, I am acknowledging my understanding that this is a VERY PHYSICAL position which includes cleaning kennels, taking out large dogs, putting away heavy supplies, etc.. Also, this position requires the ability to lift/carry a minimum of 50 pounds. (NOTE: A basic physical exam is part of the pre-employment process)
12


Do you have a valid California Class C Driver's License?

• Yes
• No

13


Is your driving record clear of accidents and traffic violations? Please answer yes or no in the text below. If your answer is no, please briefly explain.
14


Are you currently in a Registered Veterinarian Technician Program?

• Yes
• No

15


If you are currently in a Registered Veterinarian Technician Program, time worked in this position will not count for that program. The duties of this position will be varied and include cleaning cages and feeding animals, but not performing clinic assistant job duties. Are you still interested in this position?

• Yes
• No

16


Have you ever been employed with the City of Rohnert Park? If yes, please list when and the departments you worked in.
Required Question