POSITION DESCRIPTION

Looking for an opportunity to create a positive change in your city? Look no further! The Fresno Animal Center is recruiting for an Animal Care Specialist II.

Animal Care Specialist II is the experienced level class in the Animal Care Specialist series. Responsibilities include performing intake and processing animals as they arrive at the Animal Center; feeding animals and providing medical care in accordance with established policies and procedures including administering vaccinations, medications and basic first aid; monitoring and documenting animal behavior, temperament and health; ensuring that kennels, cages and equipment remain clean and sanitized; assisting the public with meet and greets with adoptable animals; assisting with animal enrichment activities including social and mental stimulation and physical exercise consistent with the animal care plan; and performing related work as required.

Incumbents will be required to work nights, evenings, weekends, and holidays and respond to after-hours emergencies as needed; will be exposed to a working environment with animals (primarily dogs and cats) which may lead to possible exposure of unpleasant odors and noises, allergens, interactions with animals, and possible exposure to zoonotic diseases; and will be required to handle and restrain animals humanely and safely using approved protocols and practices. Incumbents will be required to hold euthanasia certification and will perform euthanasia as needed.

Several vacancies exist in the Fresno Animal Center Department. Immediate and future vacancies will be filled from this eligible list for a period of three (3) months from the date the eligible list is created, with the option of extending that period for up to a maximum of two years at the City's discretion. If the examination process is suspended for this recruitment, the eligible list may be limited to three (3) months.

THE REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications on or before the posted filing deadline in order to qualify for the examination and does not assure a place on the eligibility list: 

High School diploma or GED equivalent

AND

Six (6) months of experience equivalent to that gained as an Animal Care Specialist I with the City of Fresno. Equivalent experience may be defined as direct care of animals in a veterinary, livestock, wildlife, kennels, zoos, or related settings. Personal pet ownership is excluded.

Incumbents must have completed Euthanasia Training consistent with California Code of Regulations, Title 16, Section 2039 at time of application.  

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Possession and continued maintenance of a valid California Driver's License may be required at time of appointment. 

A valid Veterinary Assistant Controlled Substance Permit (VACSP), issued by the Veterinary Medical Board of the State of California, may be required upon direction of the appointing authority. 

Depending on assignment, complete training and obtain certification to operate a Forklift.

Recruitment may be limited to a specific area of expertise as required by operational needs.

The selected eligible candidates certified will be required to successfully pass a Department interview and a Department of Justice fingerprint process prior to employment with the City of Fresno.

SELECTION PROCESS

The selection process for Animal Care Specialist I and Animal Care Specialist II may differ. The City of Fresno reserves the right to amend the selection process at any time.

The examination process may consist of the following: 

WRITTEN EXAMINATION: 100%: A job-related written examination will be administered which may test a candidate's knowledge in the following areas: animal care, public contact, safety, office software, and other relevant information.

Candidates must achieve a passing score to qualify for the eligible list. 

The written examination is tentatively scheduled for the week of July 6^th, 2026.

HOW TO APPLY

For information on how to complete an online application, please visit the Help & Support tab. For NEOGOV Application Assistance, please call 1-855-524-5627 or email [email protected]. ONLY ONLINE APPLICATIONS AND MATERIALS ARE ACCEPTED and must be submitted by midnight on the closing deadline, or they will not be accepted for any reason.

Required licenses, certifications, and education must be verified with supporting documents. Foreign education must be evaluated by a credential evaluation service recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Please ensure all relevant attachments are uploaded with your application.

For the work experience section, provide detailed descriptions of job duties for each position related to the specific role you are applying for. Resumes are not a substitute for completing this section and will only be reviewed as supplemental information, not for determining minimum qualifications.

For other City of Fresno employment opportunities, please view our Careers Homepage. If you have recruitment questions, please call our office at 559-621-6950. Our office is located at 2600 Fresno Street, Room 1030, Fresno, CA 93721.

VETERAN PREFERENCE REGULATIONS  

Candidates applying for veteran's preference are required to submit a copy of their DD214 with their application during the specified filing period.  Evidence must be presented to indicate that the candidate was discharged honorably from the military service.  Veterans, including City employees, must resubmit proof of honorable service for every examination for which veteran's preference credit is requested. Qualified veterans who pass the examination will have five (5) points added to their final score.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Under close supervision, provides clerical and administrative support for clients in the Animal Center; greets clients and assists with check-in/check-out at the front desk and lobby including directing to complete appropriate forms; answers inquiries, evaluates calls and determines appropriate routing and response according to established policies and procedures; provides information regarding Animal Center resources, events and programs; performs data entry and updates records and animal profiles in the kennel management software system; accepts and processes payments and issues receipts; and performs related work as required. 

Incumbents will be exposed to a working environment with animals (primarily dogs and cats) which may lead to possible exposure of unpleasant odors and noises, allergens, interactions with animals, and possible exposure to zoonotic diseases; and will be required to handle and restrain animals humanely and safely using approved protocols and practices.

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

• Greetings clients and directs the completion of appropriate forms; answers inquiries, evaluates calls and determines appropriate routing and response according to established policies and procedures

• Provides information on Animal Center procedures and programs including intake of stray or deceased animals, trap-neuter-release, owner surrenders, adoptions, licensing, spay/neuter, vaccinations, foster, volunteer and rescue; refers clients to staff and resources for low-cost food, training, medical care and animal enclosures to assist in retaining pets in their homes.

• Reviews applicable forms and verifies information is complete and accurate and within the jurisdiction of the City of Fresno; refers the public to the appropriate jurisdiction or agency as needed.

• Research microchip information to locate the registered owner of animals brought into the Animal Center: makes contact with registered owners and arranges for pick up, return to owner or animal surrender, updates information in the kennel management software system; follows up with Animal Center staff for additional information on forms.

• Processes payments including cash, checks, credit cards and issues receipts; receives in kind donations and provides donors with forms; receives monetary donations from donor, enters information into the kennel management software system, prepares and issues receipts; balances receipt and provides to financials staff for processing.

• Assists the public including interested parties and rescue organizations in providing information on animals that are pending and being held or are available for adoption or transportation; ensures animal information is accurate and up to date in the kennel management software system including information on health, vaccinations, temperament and outcomes before an animal is released to the public or another party.

• Monitors office supplies and submits requests to reorder supplies; maintains copies of all appropriate forms including in respective files and forms accessible to the public; maintains animal information in the kennel management software system including scanning completed forms and ensuring all forms are filed appropriately; monitors calendars for daily activities and special events; participates in special events as needed.

• May generate reports, memos, correspondence, activity logs and maintain animal data through forms and databases and files.

• Operates two-way radio, cellular devices, computer hardware and software and other equipment.

• May utilize equipment such as animal catch pole, leashes, harnesses, muzzles, physical restraints and animal traps when necessary.

• May be required to handle and restrain animals humanely and safely using approved protocols, personal protective equipment (PPE) and= practices including assisting in cleaning and disinfecting kennel areas, food dishes and equipment along with feeding and exercising animals.

• Performs related duties as required.

Immediate vacancies exist in the Fresno Animal Center. Immediate and future vacancies will be filled from this eligible list for a period of three (3) months from the date the eligible list created, with the option of extending that period at the City's discretion.  Should the competitive process be suspended for this recruitment, the eligibility list may be limited to three (3) months.

Full job description available at:

https://www.fresno.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Animal-Services-Representative-II-12_23.pdf

THE REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications on or before the posted filing deadline in order to qualify for the examination and does not assure a place on the eligibility list:

Animal Services Representative II

Education:

High School diploma or GED equivalent.

Experience:

Six (6) months of experience as an Animal Services Representative I, Call Center Representative I or Customer Services Clerk I with the City of Fresno.

OR

Two (2) years of increasingly responsible clerical experience in an animal centric setting. Private pet ownership is not qualifying experience.
 

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
 Possession and continued maintenance of a valid California Driver License may be required.

Candidates considered for hire must provide proof of a valid driver's license and current copy of their driving record. The selected eligible candidates certified will be required to successfully pass a department interview and a Department of Justice fingerprint prior to employment with the City of Fresno. 

Recruitment may be limited to a specific area of expertise as required by operational needs.

THE SELECTION PROCESS

The selection process for Animal Services Representative I and Animal Services Representative II may differ. The City of Fresno reserves the right to amend the selection process at any time.

The selection process may consist of the following:  

WRITTEN EXAMINATION: 100%:  A job-related written examination which may be administered online may test a candidate's knowledge of: various breeds and behavior of dogs, cats, and other domestic animals, animal behavior and symptoms of common diseases including rabies, applicable Federal, State and local laws, codes, regulations and ordinances regarding animal adoptions, foster, rescue, spay/neuter and vaccinations, effective customer service, records management and file maintenance, proper English usage, grammar, spelling and punctuation, basic arithmetic, safe work practices related to animal handling and care including the use of equipment.

Candidates must achieve a passing score to qualify for the eligible list. 

The written examination is tentatively scheduled for the week of July 6, 2025.

Qualified veterans who pass the examination may obtain five (5) additional points. Candidates applying for veteran's preference are required to submit a copy of their DD214 with their application during the specified filing period.  Evidence must be presented to indicate that the candidate was discharged honorably from the military service.  Veterans, including City employees, must resubmit proof of honorable service for every examination for which veteran's preference credit is requested.

VETERAN’S PREFERENCE Candidates applying for veteran's preference are required to submit a copy of their DD214 with their application during the specified filing period.  Evidence must be presented to indicate that the candidate was discharged honorably from the military service.  Veterans, including City employees, must resubmit proof of honorable service for every examination for which veteran's preference credit is requested. Qualified veterans who pass the examination will have five (5) points added to their final score.

The City of Fresno offers outstanding career opportunities for veterinarians seeking flexible, shift-paid scheduling who have a passion for making an impact on life-saving efforts at the Fresno Animal Center.  These positions will significantly enhance spay and neuter surgical capacity and medical care provided to homeless pets, helping them recover and quickly find homes.  This position will work closely with and provide critical relief for the staff Veterinarian and be instrumental in carrying out the City Manager’s vision for the veterinary programs for the community.   

The ideal candidate should possess thorough knowledge of veterinary treatment, prevention, control, and surgical procedures, as well as care for a wide range of animals. Additionally, they should be familiar with California state, federal, and municipal animal health laws and regulations governing the impounding, releasing, and euthanasia of animals.  In addition, qualified candidates must possess and maintain a valid license to practice veterinary medicine issued by the State of California Veterinary Medical Board.  Veterinarians who are licensed in another State may be qualified but must acquire a valid license from the State of California to practice veterinary medicine at the time of appointment.  Note: A prospective veterinarian who is licensed in another state may be hired by the City of Fresno while obtaining their State of California license.  The incumbent must obtain their California license within six (6) months of appointment and cannot practice or serve as the City’s Veterinarian until a valid license to practice veterinary medicine, issued by the State of California Veterinary Medical Board, is granted. 

Possession and continued maintenance of a valid California Driver's License may be required within sixty (60) days of appointment.

This is an unclassified position in which incumbent serves at the will of the Director. 

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this position is a flat rate of $1,000 per shift.   This position offers a flat rate of $1,000 per shift. It is not a contract role—Per-Diem Veterinarians will be hired as City of Fresno employees and compensated via W-2 payroll, not 1099.

The Process

To pursue this phenomenal career opportunity, please visit our website at www.fresno.gov/jobs.  To apply, please complete an employment application and upload your letter of interest, resume, and five work-related references. For information on how to complete an on-line application, please view "Instruction Guide" on the City's website, Personnel Services Career Opportunities page, or call (559) 621-6950 for assistance.  A select group of candidates will be invited to participate in the department interviews. Resumes WILL NOT be accepted in lieu of a completed employment application.

Inquiries should be directed to: 

Stephanie Rendon, Sr Human Resources/Risk Analyst 

2600 Fresno Street, Room 1030

Fresno, California 93721-3614 

(559) 621-6950  

RECRUITMENT IS OPEN UNTIL FILLED OR UNTIL A SUFFICIENT NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED.  Recruitment may close at any time. 

Are you passionate about animal health and ready to make a real impact? The City of Fresno is seeking a skilled Registered Veterinary Technician to join our fast-paced Animal Center team, assisting with surgeries, administering medications and vaccines, and supporting vital animal care efforts. If you’re looking for a rewarding role where you can truly make a difference, apply today!

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

- Assist the Veterinarian with exams, treatments, surgeries, and high-volume spay/neuter. 

- Administer vaccines, medications, and microchips; maintain accurate medical records. 

- Provide pre- and post-operative care and monitor animals during surgery and recovery. 

- Safely handle, restrain, feed, exercise, and clean animals and their living areas. 

- Perform lab tests, collect specimens, and manage medical waste per protocols. 

- Monitor medical equipment, maintain inventory, and manage controlled substances. 

- Support animal cruelty investigations with examinations, documentation, and expertise. 

- Train and provide lead directions to staff and volunteers on medical procedures. 

- Ensure safe, humane animal handling using approved protocols.

- Maintain accurate medical records and data in the kennel management system.

- Support animal care programs, community events, and public inquiries.

- Performs other related duties as assigned.

Incumbents assigned to the Animal Center will be exposed to a working environment with animals (primarily dogs and cats) which may lead to possible exposure of unpleasant odors and noises, allergens, interactions with animals, and possible exposure to zoonotic diseases; and may be required to handle and restrain animals humanely and safely using approved protocols and practices and may be required to handle and restrain animals humanely and safely using approved protocols, personal protective equipment (PPE) and practices including assisting in cleaning and disinfecting kennel areas, food dishes and equipment along with feeding and exercising animals.

Duties and schedules may vary, please inquire about specific duties and/or schedules if called upon for an interview. Incumbents may be required to work any shift; nights, weekends, and holidays and respond to after-hours emergencies as needed. 

Full job specification may be viewed at:

https://www.fresno.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Registered-Veterinary-Technician-11_23.pdf

The current vacancies exist in the Animal Center Department. Immediate and future vacancies will be filled from this eligible list for a period of three (3) months from the date the eligible list is created, with the option of extending that period at the City's discretion. If the examination process is suspended for this recruitment, the eligible list may be limited to three (3) months.

Are you passionate about animal health and eager to make a difference in the lives of shelter animals and pet owners alike? The City of Fresno is seeking skilled and compassionate Registered Veterinary Technicians to support our dedicated team in providing top-tier medical care to animals. In this dynamic role, you’ll assist with surgeries, administer medications and vaccines, and ensure the well-being of animals in need—while contributing to community outreach and education. If you’re looking for a challenging and rewarding career in a fast-paced environment with opportunities for growth and flexible scheduling, we want to hear from you!

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

- Assist veterinarian with exams, surgeries, treatments, and high-volume spay/neuter procedures.

- Administer vaccines, medications, and microchips; maintain accurate medical records.

- Provide pre- and post-operative care, monitoring animals during surgery and recovery.

- Handle, restrain, feed, exercise, and clean animals and their living spaces.

- Perform lab tests, collect specimens, and manage medical waste per protocols.

- Monitor equipment, track inventory, and manage controlled substances.

- Support animal abuse investigations with veterinary expertise and documentation.

- Supervise and train staff and volunteers on medical procedures and animal care.

- Ensure safe, humane animal handling using approved protocols.

- Performs other related duties as assigned.

Incumbents assigned to the Animal Center will be exposed to a working environment with animals (primarily dogs and cats) which may lead to possible exposure of unpleasant odors and noises, allergens, interactions with animals, and possible exposure to zoonotic diseases; and may be required to handle and restrain animals humanely and safely using approved protocols and practices and may be required to handle and restrain animals humanely and safely using approved protocols, personal protective equipment (PPE) and practices including assisting in cleaning and disinfecting kennel areas, food dishes and equipment along with feeding and exercising animals.

Duties and schedules may vary, please inquire about specific duties and/or schedules if called upon for an interview. Incumbents may be required to work any shift; nights, weekends, and holidays and respond to after-hours emergencies as needed. 

Full job specification may be viewed at:

https://www.fresno.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Registered-Veterinary-Technician-11_23.pdf

View “We Work For You” video to get an inside look at how rewarding it is to work for the City of Fresno: https://youtu.be/RjOUf52KPrk?si=NmkwtgYbTxdKcKOz

Learn more about the Animal Center department here: https://www.fresno.gov/fresnoanimalcenter/

The current temporary vacancy exists in the Animal Center Department. 

Pay, Benefits, & Work Schedule

The salary range posted in this bulletin represents the salary range for a FULL-TIME position. Compensation will be pro-rated for temporary positions based on the number of hours worked. 

These are temporary employment opportunities that do not provide health benefits, or retirement and are not in any way a guarantee of permanent employment.

The Requirements

Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications on or before the posted filing deadline in order to qualify for further consideration:

Possession of a current and valid certification as a Registered Veterinary Technician

(RVT) issued by the Veterinary Medical Board of the State of California. Failure to maintain the valid certification for the entire term of employment in this job class shall be cause for termination.  

Registered Veterinary Technicians who are licensed in another State may be qualified but must acquire a valid license from the State of California at time of appointment.

APPLICANTS MUST ATTACH A COPY OF VALID CERTIFICATION AS A REGISTERED VETERINARY TECHNICIAN (RVT) ISSUED BY THE VETERINARY MEDICAL BOARD OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA. Applications lacking the documentation may be rejected. 

Additional Requirements

The work experience section MUST be completed with detailed duties, dates and weekly hours worked for each title held. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed employment application and will not be used to evaluate minimum requirements. Applications lacking a completed work experience section may be rejected.

Incumbents may be required to obtain and maintain a valid Drug Enforcement Agency

(DEA) license based on operational needs. Failure to obtain and maintain DEA licensure in this job class based on operational need shall be cause for termination.

The selected eligible candidates certified will be required to successfully pass a Department interview and a Department of Justice fingerprint prior to employment with the City of Fresno. 

Selection Process

Applicants that meet the minimum qualifications will be referred to the hiring department for further consideration. A select group of candidates deemed to have the most relevant qualifications will be invited to interview. 

Be part of the City of Fresno’s new Animal Center Department!  The City of Fresno Animal Center Department is seeking a compassionate and dedicated Veterinarian to join their team. The Veterinarian will play a vital role in ensuring the health and well-being of the animals in the Center’s care while embodying the goals, innovation, and animal care compassion that the City Manager envisions for the veterinary program and the community.   

The ideal candidate should possess thorough knowledge in veterinary, treatment, prevention, control, surgical procedures, and care of a wide range of animals; knowledge of California state, federal, and municipal animal health laws and regulations governing the impounding, releasing and euthanasia of animals; and possess the ability to develop and implement goals, objectives, policies, procedures and work standards of staff.  In addition, qualified candidates must possess and maintain a valid license to practice veterinary medicine issued by the State of California Veterinary Medical Board.  Veterinarians who are licensed in another State may be qualified but must acquire a valid license from the State of California to practice veterinary medicine at time of appointment.  Note: A prospective veterinarian who is licensed in another state may be hired by the City of Fresno while in the process of obtaining their State of California license.   The incumbent must acquire their California license within six (6) months of appointment and cannot practice or serve as the City’s Veterinarian until such time valid license to practice veterinary medicine issued by the State of California Veterinary Medical Board is granted.

Possession and continued maintenance of a valid California Driver's License is required within sixty (60) days of appointment.

Must obtain valid Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) license within ninety (90) days of hire and maintain a valid license while employed.  May be required to hold the Veterinary Premises License issued by the State of California Veterinary Medical Board. 

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this position is between $143,496-$233,340. Additional information regarding the City of Fresno benefits is available at 

https://www.fresno.gov/personnel/human-resources-support/#tab-1

The Process

To pursue this phenomenal career opportunity, please visit our website at www.fresno.gov/jobs.  To apply, please complete an employment application and upload your letter of interest, resume, and five work-related references.   A select group of candidates will be invited to participate in the department interviews. Resumes WILL NOT be accepted in lieu of a completed employment application.

Inquiries should be directed to: 

Stephanie Rendon, Sr Human Resources/Risk Analyst 

2600 Fresno Street, Room 1030

Fresno, California   93721-3614 

(559) 621-6950