Animal Care Specialist I

This recruitment will establish an employment list to fill current and any future vacancies within the Health & Human Services Agency. The anticipated life of the employment list is six months. If interested in employment for this position for current or future vacancies, please submit an online application for consideration.

Current vacancy is with the Health & Human Services Agency located in Visalia. The anticipated life of the list is six months.

Typical Duties

• Perform animal care duties such as preparing food , feeding, and providing water.
• Perform intake evaluations of animals and provide initial vaccinations, parasite control and other basic medical care as directed by the Veterinarian.
• Clean and disinfect kennels, cat cages, litter, and food pans.
• Provide appropriate enrichment and mental stimulation for sheltered animals.
• Participate in and moderate dog play groups to improve the physical and mental welfare of sheltered animals.

For a full list of duties for this position, please click here .

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum qualifications are used as a guide for establishing the education, training, experience, special skills and/or license which are required and equivalent to the following.

Education:

• Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade or enrollment in a C-SET or other qualifying employment program.

Experience:

• One (1) year of paid or volunteer experience working with animals such as at a pet store or animal shelter.

Note: Having and/or caring for personal or family pets will not substitute for the required experience.

Knowledge of:

• General office equipment and procedures, including computer and applications .
• Basic principles and methods of recordkeeping.
• Basic mathematics.
• English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Basic, safe, humane, and efficient techniques and procedures for handling animals.
• Various animal breeds and their behavioral characteristics.
• Symptoms of common animal diseases including rabies.

• Safe work practices related to the handling and care of animals and facilities maintenance.

Skill/Ability to:

• Work and communicate effectively with people of various educational and socioeconomic backgrounds by respecting beliefs, interpersonal styles, attitudes and behaviors of both clients and co-workers.

• Operate contemporary office equipment inclusive of computer, keyboard, and all applicable electronic equipment.

• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and cohesive working relationships with the public and all County employees.
• Learn, apply, and follow appropriate rules, policies, procedures, and ordinances.
• Follow safe work practices and use protective equipment as directed and trained .
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Provide prompt, courteous, and responsive customer service to the public.

See the full list in link.

License or Certificate:

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid California driver's license .
• Complete and pass the department’s Humane Euthanasia training course pursuant to Section 2039, Title 16, California Code of Regulations, within six (6) months.

SPECIALREQUIREMENT : Must be immunized against rabies within three (3) months of start date and maintain immunity for the duration of employment.

Additional Information

Conditions of Employment

Candidates selected will be required to pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol screening. Additionally, a background investigation may also be conducted, which may include a re-investigation every 10 years for some positions. An Employment Eligibility Verification using E-Verify may be required on the first day of employment for some positions. Some job classes may also require a physical exam.

College Cost Reduction Access Act

This may be a qualifying position for student loan forgiveness through the College Cost Reduction and Access Act (CCRAA). Only student loan payments made after October 1, 2007 and in a qualified repayment plan are eligible. For more information you are encouraged to speak with your student loan servicer or visit: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Bargaining Unit 3

The information listed is a general summary of benefits. These provisions do not constitute an expressed or implied contract and are subject to change.

Benefit Amount: An annual benefit amount is provided and may be applied towards health insurance premiums (medical, dental, vision and life). This benefit is pro-rated and paid on a pay period basis (24 pay periods).

Health Insurance: A choice of PPO and HMO medical plans which include PPO and HMO dental plans and include dental and vision coverage. Dependent coverage is available. Providers include Anthem Blue Cross, Kaiser Permanente, Delta Dental, and Vision Services Plan (VSP).

Retirement: The retirement plan is a defined benefit plan administered pursuant to the 1937 Act County Employees Retirement Act and integrated with Social Security. In addition to ordinary retirement benefits, the plan provides disability and death benefits. Retirement contributions are made by both the County and the employee. The County has reciprocity with the State of California, contracting PERS agencies, and all County 1937 Act Retirement Systems.

Paid Holiday Leave: 12 set days and 1 personal holiday.

Vacation Accrual:
2 weeks per year (0-3 years of service)
3 weeks per year (3-7 years of service)
4 weeks per year (7-11 years of service)
5 weeks per year (11+ years of service)
Limit of 300 hours.

Sick Leave Accrual: 12 days per year with unlimited accumulation, 60 hours of which may be used toward family sick leave.

Group Term Life Insurance and AD&D: $10,000; Provided by Standard Insurance Company.

Disability Insurance: Employees are covered by State Disability Insurance. The premium is paid by the employee.

Deferred Compensation: A voluntary deferred compensation plan is available.

To view more detailed descriptions of Tulare County's benefits, please view the Benefits section of our Web site at https://tularecounty.ca.gov/hrd/benefits-wellness/health-plans-active-employees/

The Provisions Of This Bulletin Do Not Constitute An Expressed Or Implied Contract And Are Subject To Change.

Closing Date/Time: 7/14/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

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• Tulare County Health and Human Services

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