Animal Services Technician

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

• Greet the general public at the counter and help by answering questions following program policies.
• Provide information to and assist the public and employees by telephone, computer, radio, and in person.
• Receive telephone calls from the general public and other agencies and route requests and complaints to appropriate personnel or office.
• Dispatch calls to Animal Control Officers or other agencies.
• Prioritize and assign calls for service and maintain the status of each.

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(12 th ) grade.

Experience:

• Two (2) years of general clerical experience; preferably with high volume service call dispatcher experience OR experience or volunteering at an animal shelter with significant public contact experience.

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

Knowledge of:

• General clerical procedures including filing, typing, and proper telephone technique and etiquette.
• General principles and techniques of communication equipment and operations.
• Principles and processes for providing customer service.
• Modern office procedures and practices.
• Record keeping methods.
• Basic mathematics.
• Correct use of the English language including spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Alphabetical and numerical filing system and procedures.

Skill/Ability to:

• Work and communicate effectively with people of various education and socioeconomic backgrounds by respecting beliefs, interpersonal styles and behaviors of both clients and co-workers.
• Operate contemporary office equipment inclusive of computer, keyboard, and all applicable electronic equipment.
• Learn, apply and follow appropriate rules, policies, procedures, and ordinances including those related to the licensing, adoption, quarantine, impounding, care and treatment of animals.
• Input data and utilize a computer-aided dispatch system.
• Organize work, determine priorities, exercise good judgment, and complete multiple tasks with deadlines under stressful conditions.
• Follow safe work practices.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Provide prompt, courteous, and responsive customer service to the public.
• Communicate clearly and concisely in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
• Write clearly to convey ideas in memos and correspondence using correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Effectively utilize office equipment including computer systems and applications.
• Count and balance money and deposits.
• File and maintain accurate records.
• Receive, interpret, and prioritize calls from the public and law enforcement officials.
• Plan and complete assignments independently.
• Dispatch Animal Services Officers to handle field-related issues by communicating by phone and computer.
• Maintain effective relationships with the public and co-workers.
• Exhibit humane and sympathetic treatment of animals.
• Respond to requests and inquiries from the general public.
• Safely operate a motor vehicle.
• Work in a loud environment while exposed to animals, animal fluids, waste and smells, and pharmaceuticals.
• Remain seated for periods of time.
• Retain and recall information.
• Work a flexible schedule including evening and weekend hours.

License or Certificate:

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid California driver's license.
• Must be immunized against rabies within three (3) months of start date and maintain immunity for the duration of employment.

DESIRABLE EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

• General geography of the unincorporated areas of Tulare County.

• Experience working in a high-stress customer service environment.
• Animal handling or shelter employment experience (not required).
• Knowledge of Animal Welfare laws and regulations.

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 1

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: 8/11/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

• 

• County of Tulare - HR&D

• 559-636-4900

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