Temporary Animal Services Counselor

For questions regarding this position please contact the Recruiter listed in the Supplemental Information section.

The ideal candidate also supports adoption outreach and education programs by participating in community and adoption events coordinating spay/neuter services maintaining records and assisting with staff or volunteer training. Works collaboratively with Animal Care Technicians and adoption partners to improve outcomes for shelter animals and may work evenings weekends and holidays as needed.

The Riverside County Department of AnimalServices 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 I
Experience: Six months performing animal care duties in a public or non-profit animal control program.

OPTION II
Experience: 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 III
Experience: Two years of experience within a customer service environment.

ALL OPTIONS
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.

Other Requirements

License: Possession of a valid California Drivers License may be required.

Whats Next

Open to All Applicants

This recruitment is open to all applicants
The closing date and time forthis position
Monday August 3 2026 at 10:00 AM Pacific Time

* Based on the number of applications received this posting may close early with or without notice.

For questions regarding this requirement:

APPLICATION INFORMATION

Veterans Preference
The County has a Veterans Preference Policy applicable to new hires. To qualify attach the required documents to your job application. Documents include a copy of your (or your spouses) Member-4 Form DD-214 indicating dates of service. For spousal preference and as applicable the following documents: a copy of your marriage certificate spouses death certificate a letter of spouses disability and/or letter of service-related death (if available) from the U.S. Veterans Administration. For privacy reasons it is recommended that you remove your social security information from the document(s). A Human Resources Representative will review the materials and determine if you qualify for veterans preference. For complete details and documentation requirements please review the Veterans Preference Policy C-3 here: Accommodations
The County of Riverside is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter for the position noted above. For additional information and/or to obtain the appropriate form for requesting a reasonable accommodation please visit the Disability Access Office web page located at: of Education
If using education to qualify or when requested by the recruiter upload a copy of any license(s) official/unofficial transcript(s) degrees and/or related employment documents to your NeoGov account at the time of application and before the closing date. Official or unofficial transcripts will be accepted.

If your education was completed outside of the United States you will need to provide a copy of your Foreign Education Equivalency evaluation from a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or Association of International Credential Evaluators Inc. (AICE).

Work Authorization Requirement
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application. The County of Riverside does not participate in visa sponsorship programs including H1-B visas and will not provide sponsorship for any employment-based visas.

Equal Opportunity Employer
The County of Riverside is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the County of Riverside to provide equal employment opportunities for all qualified persons. All applicants will be considered without regard to race color religion sex national origin age disability sexual orientation gender gender identity gender expression marital status ancestry medical condition (cancer and genetic characteristics) genetic information or denial of medical and family care leave or any other non-job-related factors.

Pre-Employment
All employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of pre-employment requirements including a criminal background investigation which involves fingerprinting. (A felony or misdemeanor conviction may disqualify the applicant from County employment). A pre-employment physical examination and background check may be required.

Probationary Period
As an Approved Local Merit System all County of Riverside employees except those serving At Will are subject to the probationary period provisions as specified in the applicable Memorandum of Understanding County Resolution or Salary Ordinance. Temporary and Per Diem employees serve at the pleasure of the agency/department head.

General Information
Current County of Riverside and/or current employees of the hiring department may receive priority consideration. Qualified candidates may be considered for future County vacancies.

Job postings may close without notice based on application volume. Submit your complete application by the recruitment close date; no late applications are accepted. Ensure all relevant experience/education is reflected on your application/resume as a failure to demonstrate position requirements may disqualify applicants. A description of job duties directly copied from the job classification or job posting will not be considered.

Please read and follow any special application instructions on this posting. Click the Apply link located on this page to submit your application. For additional instructions on the application process examinations Veterans preference pre-employment accommodation or other employment questions please refer to our web site .

If you are experiencing technical problems you may contact the applicant support desk Monday through Friday 6 am to 5 pm Pacific Time at or toll-free 1-.