Animal Care Technician (Part-time)

Job Description:

Animal Care Technician (Part-time)

Description

Description/Special Instructions

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 judgement 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 pm

Selection 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. Why work for the City of Elk Grove? Elk Grove Jobs

COMMUNITY PROFILE

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 is a young, ethnically diverse, modern city that was incorporated in 2000. 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 Duties

DEFINITION

Under 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 .

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from the Animal Care Supervisor. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

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.

Representative Duties

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• 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.
  

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge 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 practices
  
• General 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 Environment

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

When 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, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification frequently bend, stoop, kneel, and reach to perform assigned duties, as well as push and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 50 pounds. Reasonable accommodations will be made for individuals with disabilities qualified to perform essential functions of a position or positions within this classification.

When assigned to a field environment:

Must possess mobility to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; to reach, twist, turn, kneel, bend, stoop, squat, crouch, and grasp; to climb and descend ladders; strength, stamina, and mobility to perform light to medium physical work, to work in confining spaces and around machines; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone or radio. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate the above-mentioned tools and equipment. Employees must be able to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 50 pounds, or heavier weights with proper equipment and assistance from other staff. The work requires wear and use of proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Reasonable accommodations will be made for individuals with disabilities qualified to perform essential functions of a position or positions within this classification.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Employees predominately work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may work in the field and occasionally be exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous chemical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with members of the public or with staff under emotionally stressful conditions while interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Employees may be required to work extended hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

The information listed above is subject to change and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract. The City of Elk Grove is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and professionalism. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, should special accommodations be necessary at any stage of the selection process, please contact the Human Resources Department at (916) 478-2230. City of Elk Grove participates in E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all new hires.

This position does not qualify for any City benefits.

Closing Date/Time: 8/27/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

$23.67 - $31.72 Hourly