Animal Welfare Specialist

Animal Welfare Specialist

Salary

$50,802.59 - $60,355.34 Annually

Location

Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, CA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

26-0485-01 (O)

Department

County Health Department

Opening Date

07/30/2026

Closing Date

8/13/2026 4:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

SALARY

$24.95- $29.64 Hourly

$51,896.00- $61,653.28 Annually

Are you passionate about animal welfare, community engagement, and making meaningful differences for people and pets? We're excited to share an opportunity for someone who enjoys building connections, supporting the community, and improving the lives of animals.

We are currently accepting applications to fill two (2) full-time, Animal Welfare Specialist positions. One (1) at the Santa Maria Animal Shelter and one (1) at the Santa Barbara Animal Shelter for the County Health department. County Classification title is Animal Shelter Attendant.

NOTE: Animal Services has shelters in Santa Barbara, Lompoc, and Santa Maria, and this position can be assigned to work at any of these locations. Applicants must be willing to travel to and work at all three shelters with minimal notice. To be considered, applicants must check "All Locations" in the location section of the application and the Supplemental Questionnaire.

We are also accepting applications to establish one employment list that will be used to fill current and future Full-time, Part-time, Extra Help and 1414* vacancies Animal Welfare Specialists in Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, and Lompoc. Please select all locations you would like to be considered for current and future vacancies.

• CSR 1414 (Leave of Absence): This type of recruitment is to fill a position vacated as a result of a leave of absence (CSR 1414) and the duration of the appointment shall be subject to the return of the individual who is on leave. A person who is appointed to a position under CSR 1414 may be able to transition into a regular position in the classification without re-application or re-testing, depending on the performance of the appointee and the needs of the department.

All County employees must reside in the State of California throughout the duration of employment.

Visa Sponsorship: Please note this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship by the start date of employment.

BENEFITS: The County of Santa Barbara offers generous benefits. Click on the Benefits Tab above or CLICK HEREto view more information.

In addition, applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for:

• Retirement reciprocity
• Time and service credit towards for an advanced vacation accrual rate

ABOUT THE POSITION:

The Animal Welfare Specialist (AWS) supports both animals and community members through compassionate animal care, responsive customer service, and clear communication. This position engages with the public in person, by phone, and in writing, while working with animals in the shelter and during community-based activities.

Under general supervision, the AWS provides daily care for shelter animals including feeding, cleaning, monitoring health and behavior, administering medications as directed, and providing enrichment. The AWS also assists customers with lost-and-found reports, animal adoptions, pet reunification, general inquiries, data entry, and documentation of animal control activities. Depending on daily assignments and trainings, the position may also conduct or assist with behavioral assessments, support veterinary procedures, participate in euthanasia procedures, maintain shelter facilities and grounds, and perform other duties as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: This class is distinguished from that of Animal Control Officer in that the major function of the Officer class involves patrolling an assigned area and enforcing the rules and regulations governing animal control.

The IDEAL CANDIDATE will:

• Have experience caring for animals, preferably in an animal shelter, veterinary clinic, boarding facility or similar setting.
• Have a minimum of one year of experience in customer service.
• Approach animals and community members with empathy, patience, professionalism, and a problem-solving mindset.
• Communicate effectively with people from a wide range of backgrounds, including individuals experiencing stressful or emotional situations.
• Be comfortable learning and using Microsoft Office, Goole Workspace, databases and/or animal related software systems.
• Be able to safely handle animals with varying medical, behavioral, and emotional needs.
• Be available to work rotating shifts, including weekends and holidays.
• Be able to perform physically and emotionally demanding work in a busy shelter environment.
• Although not required for this position, bilingual skills are a plus.

THE DIVISION:

The Santa Barbara County Animal Services (SBCAS) Division operates three open admission animal shelters serving nearly 6,000 pets annually across all of Santa Barbara County with the exception of the City of Carpinteria. We provide field and shelter services, adoption and lost and found programs, and have a very robust volunteer program. We also lead Project Pet Safe in coordination with partners, which promotes responsible pet ownership through vaccination, licensing, spay and neuter, and microchipping of pets.

Click Here to learn more about County of Santa Barbara Health Animal Services.

Animal Shelter Locations:

• Santa Maria Animal Shelter, 548 W Foster Rd, Santa Maria, CA 93455 (map)
• Santa Barbara Animal Shelter, 5473 Overpass Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93111 (map)
• Lompoc Animal Shelter, 1501 W Central Ave, Lompoc, CA 93436 (map)

CLICK HERE to learn more about the County of Santa Barbara Health

and follow us on Social Media to stay up-to-date.

Examples of Duties

• Provides daily care for shelter animals, including preparing and distributing food and water, cleaning and disinfecting kennels and animal housing areas, washing bowls and litter pans, laundering bedding, removing animal waste, and maintaining clean and sanitary animal care spaces.
• Observes animals for signs of illness, injury, stress, or changes in behavior and promptly documents and reports concerns. Separates or isolates animals when appropriate and safely intervenes when animals present a risk to themselves or others.
• Assists veterinary staff with examinations, vaccinations, diagnostic procedures, and treatments. Administers medications and routine treatments as directed and within the employee's training and authority.
• Maintains accurate animal records, including daily population counts, medical and behavioral observations, medications administered, animal locations, and outcomes. Reports discrepancies or concerns to a supervisor or veterinarian.
• Participates in humane euthanasia procedures, including animal handling, preparation, documentation, and other related responsibilities, as trained and authorized. Assists with the preparation and timely delivery of rabies specimens for laboratory testing in accordance with applicable procedures.
• Assists community members in person, by telephone, and through written communication with animal adoptions, pet reunification, lost-and-found reports, animal redemptions, owner surrenders, and general shelter inquiries.
• Provides information and guidance regarding animal care, licensing, vaccinations, rabies prevention, spaying and neutering, responsible pet ownership, available community resources, and shelter programs and services.
• Introduces animals to prospective adopters and assists customers with identifying pets that may be appropriate for their household, experience, and lifestyle.
• Collects and processes adoption, redemption, licensing, and other applicable fees; issues receipts; and completes related financial and administrative records.
• Performs data entry and completes written and electronic records, including animal records, kennel cards, medication and controlled-substance logs, daily activity reports, repair requests, and other required documentation.
• Maintains inventories of animal food, medications, cleaning products, and other shelter supplies and notifies appropriate staff when additional supplies are needed.
• Maintains shelter facilities, grounds, equipment, and vehicles. Duties may include cleaning public and staff areas, restrooms, windows, walls, and floors; removing weeds and debris; stocking and cleaning vehicles; making minor repairs; and checking gates, locks, and other areas for safety and security concerns.
• Prepares and issues citations for animal licensing violations when assigned, trained, and authorized.
• Handles animals of varying sizes, species, medical conditions, and behavioral needs using appropriate equipment and established safety and animal-handling practices.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Employment Standards

• A combination of training, education, and experience that would provide the required knowledge and abilities.

Ability to: handle sick, injured, dangerous, or dead animals and decomposing animal carcasses in a safe and humane manner; learn the physical and behavioral characteristics of animals; learn and recognize symptoms of rabies and other common animal diseases;;participate in humane euthanasia of animals as authorized and n accordance with applicable laws, departmental policies, and established procedures; learn basic first aid treatments; learn the methods and techniques used in the care and handling of animals; use appropriate chemicals and cleaning agents; pick up fecal material; analyze a situation and adopt a course of action; develop and maintain working relationships with co-workers, volunteers, agencies, and organizations; make simple arithmetical calculations involving addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division; learn applicable laws, regulations and ordinances; keep accurate records; understand and follow instructions; learn computer operations; use tools and equipment; work independently.

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:

Incumbents must be able to:

• Lift, move, or carry animals or objects weighing up to 75 lbs.
• Use strong chemicals for disinfecting kennels.
• Uniform is required.
• The ability to work weekends and shifts is required. Regardless of the initial work schedule assigned, transfers to others may be required.
• Bilingual - Speaking Preferred: The ability to converse fluently in English and Spanish is preferred. Note: You must self-certify on your application that you are fluent in English and Spanish. Hiring departments may test you on your fluency. If you do not demonstrate sufficient fluency, your name may be withheld from future certifications that require bilingual skills, in accordance to Civil Service Rules.

Supplemental Information

APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS

• Review applications and supplemental questionnaires to determine those applicants who meet the employment standards.
• Supplemental Questionnaire Rating - Responses to the required examination supplemental questions will be evaluated and scored. Candidates' final score and rank on the eligibility list will be determined by the responses to these questions. This process may be eliminated if there are fewer than 11 qualified candidates.

Candidates must receive a percentage score of at least 70 on the supplemental questionnaire rating examination to be placed on an employment list. An adjustment may be made to raw scores based on factors listed in Civil Service Rule VI. Those

candidates who are successful in the selection process will have their names placed on the employment list for a minimum of three months. At the time the employment list is established, all candidates will receive an email notice of their score on the exam(s), rank on the employment list, and exact duration of the employment list.

VETERAN'S PREFERENCE POINTS: Veterans preference credit is applicable for this recruitment (5 points for veterans, 10 points for disabled veterans). To be eligible for this credit, you must be applying for this position within five years from your most recent date of: (1) honorable discharge from active military service; or, (2) discharge from a military or veterans hospital where treatment and confinement were for a disability incurred during active military service; or, (3) completion of education or training funded by a Federal Educational Assistance Act. No time limit exists for veterans with 30% or more disability.

To receive veterans preference points, you must: (1) check the Veterans Preference Points box on the employment application form, (2) submit a copy of your Form DD-214 and supporting materials to the Human Resources Department on or before the examination date, and (3) pass all phases of the examination process. The preference points will be added to your final test score.

REASONABLE ACCOMODATIONS: The County of Santa Barbara is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants. Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter listed on the job posting. We require verification of accommodation needed from a professional source, such as a Medical Provider or a learning institution.

Recruiters will communicate with applicants by e-mail during each step in the recruitment process. Applicants are reminded to check spam filters continuously during the Recruitment & Selection Process steps listed above to ensure they do not miss required deadlines.

County of Santa Barbara Health (County Health) requires all employees working in direct contact with patients or clients in a high-risk environment to comply with the PHD Employee Immunizations policy. This can be accomplished by providing documentation of immunizations, submitting laboratory immune titers demonstrating adequate immunity, or obtaining required vaccinations. A list of requirements, based on the specific program, will be sent at the time an offer letter is presented to the selected candidate(s) and initial documentation will be required at this time.

Conditional Job Offer: Once a conditional offer of employment has been made, the candidate will be required to successfully complete a background check, which includes a conviction history check, and satisfactory reference checks. Appointee may be subject to a post-offer medical evaluation or examination. The appointee must satisfactorily complete a one-year probationary period.

Disaster Service Workers: Pursuant to Governmental Code section 3100, all employees with the County of Santa Barbara are declared to be disaster service workers subject to such disaster service. Activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law.

EQUAL EMPLOYMEMT OPPORTUNITY (EEO) STATEMENT

The County of Santa Barbara provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any type with regard to any characteristic or status protected by any federal law, state law, or Santa Barbara County ordinance. The County continues to be committed to a merit-based selection process and to eliminating barriers to attracting and retaining top qualified candidates. The County has a long-standing practice of providing a work environment that respects the dignity of individual employees and values their contributions to our organization.

APPLICATION AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE DEADLINE: This recruitment will be posted until 08/13/26 at 4:59 PM. Applications and job bulletins can be obtained 24 hours a day at www.sbcountyjobs.com.

Farrah Medrano, County Health Talent Acquisition Lead - PHDRecruiter@sbcphd.org

Retirement Plans

• Generous County Defined Benefit Plan
• Eligible to participate in 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan
• Retirement Reciprocity with CalPERS, CalSTRS, and 1937 Act plans
• For more information on our retirement plans, please visit: https://www.sbcers.org/ and http://www.santabarbara457.com

Health Benefits

• Choice of dental, vision and medical plans. In addition to the Benefit Allowance noted above, the County contributes toward medical premiums and dental premiums
• On-Site Employee Health Clinics in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria which provide ongoing and episodic services to eligible employees and their eligible dependents
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers free, confidential assistance with personal and workplace problems to employees and their immediate family members
• Healthcare Advocacy Program to help employees navigate the complexities of health plan benefits
• Available Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Account (HSA), Supplemental Term or Whole Life Insurance, Personal Accident Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance and more!
• For more information on our health benefits, please visit: https://www.countyofsb.org/4012/Health-Benefits

Paid Time Off

• Vacation Leave 12 to 25 days per year depending on length of public employment
• Sick Leave 12 days annually with unlimited accumulation, one year of which can be converted to service credit upon retirement
• Paid Holidays based on bargaining unit (view the compensation summary for this bargaining unit, link below)
• Alternative Transportation Benefit (TDM) up to 2 days of additional vacation for using alternative methods of commuting
• For more information on Paid Time Off please view the Compensation Summary for this bargaining unit (available below)

Miscellaneous Benefits

• County Paid Term Life Insurance
• County Paid Long Term Disability Insurance
• Childcare and Employee Discounts
• Relocation Assistance may apply
• Flexible work schedule may apply
• For more information on all of these benefits, please visit: https://www.countyofsb.org/4013/24636/WorkLife-Benefits

Compensation Summary

• To view the Compensation Summary specific to the bargaining unit for this position (link to full Memorandum of Understanding also available at bottom of the summary), please visit: https://www.countyofsb.org/3085/SEIU-Local-620
• This benefits list is for convenience only; please refer to the Memorandum of Understanding for complete details of terms and conditions. Amounts are generally prorated for part-time employment.

01

Your application must CLEARLY state how you meet the EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS for this position or you will not be considered. If you are unsure, go back and review your application before continuing. Which Employment Standard did you clearly state on your application?

• A combination of training, education, and experience that would provide the required knowledge and abilities.
• I DO NOT meet the employment standards for this position and will not be considered for this position.

02

If you selected "A combination of training, education, and experience..." for the previous question, please describe in detail your combined training, education, and experience that qualifies you for this position. If this question does not apply to you, please enter "N/A" in the box below.

03

IMPORTANT INFORMATION - PLEASE READ CAREFULLY When completing your application and supplemental questionnaire, please pay close attention to the selections you make in the following areas: • Types of positions youre willing to accept (e.g. regular, temporary, seasonal) • Types of work (e.g., part-time, full-time) • Locations where youre willing to work (e.g. Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, Lompoc) • Bilingual skills (e.g. Spanish speak) • Departments youre interested in working Why does this matter? If you successfully pass the Supplemental Questionnaire Rating, you are placed on the large employment list. Your rank is based on your exam score, preference points (if applicable), and the number of candidates on the list. When a department has a vacancy, we will filter the employment list based on the specific needs of the hiring department, and the work preferences selected on your application. For example, if County Health has a part-time opening in Santa Barbara, only the top 10 ranked candidates who selected County Health, Santa Barbara, and part-time work will be sent to the department for further consideration. This is your only opportunity to make these work type selections-double-check your preferences before submitting your application.

• I have read the following statement and accept the conditions.

04

Veterans Preference Points: Is your DD214 attached? (Eligibility is five years from the most recent qualifying veterans experience. There is no time limit for veterans with 30% or more disability.)

• Yes, I have attached my DD214 to be considered for Veterans Points
• No, I do not qualify for Veterans Points

05

The location of the current vacancies is in Santa Maria and Santa Barbara, but travel throughout the County is required. Please select "All Locations" to be considered for the current role. Please make sure you check the locations and work schedules on your application that you want to be considered for current and future vacancies.

• I understand.

06

I understand that after my initial assignment, the County of Santa Barbara has the right to assign me to work in Lompoc, Santa Maria, or Santa Barbara and I may be sent to work at any of the shelter locations with little to no notice.

• I understand.

07

The following are provided as an example of some of the duties you will be expected to perform in the Animal Welfare Specialist role. If you are not willing to do all these duties, please DO NOT apply for this position. If you are willing to perform the duties listed below, then continue to complete the application.

Are you willing and able to perform ALL duties listed below:

• Lift, carry, and move animals or objects weighing up to 75 pounds without assistance and over 75 pounds with assistance.
• Work various rotating shifts including weekends, holidays, and overtime.
• Wear a uniform and maintain a professional demeanor.
• Handle sick, injured, dangerous, or dead animals.
• Obtain a certification to perform euthanasia, and perform euthanasia by lethal injection of dangerous, sick or unwanted animals.
• Work in a place that has constant animal noises and unpleasant smells.
• Pick up animal waste, disinfect and scrub all areas animals are housed, and maintain the sheltering facility each day.
• Treat all animals and people in a humane and kind way at all times.
• Respond politely and calmly to people who may be upset or angry.
• Keep daily activity sheets, records, and reports using a computer or other electronic device
• Work in a busy, fast-paced environment
• I am willing and able to perform ALL duties mentioned above.
• I am NOT willing to perform ALL of the above duties.

08

The following questions are a Civil Service Examination. The Civil Service Examination for this recruitment is a Supplemental Questionnaire Rating. Please read each question carefully as this examination will determine your placement on the employment list. Responses to these questions will be used as a weighted, scored selection device. Evaluators will not have access to your application (including work history and education), application supporting materials (e.g. resumes, cover letters, transcripts), or any previous responses in your supplemental questionnaire. They will only have the information provided in each of your responses below. For information on protest procedures, refer to Civil Service Rules 612 and 613: https://www.countyofsb.org/1444/Civil-Service-Rules

• I understand the only information I provide in the response boxes below will be evaluated and used to determine my score and rank on the employment list.

09

Examination Question: How many years of experience do you have in customer service?

• More than 5 years of experience
• 3 years up to 5 years of experience
• 1 year up to 3 years of experience
• Less than 1 year of experience
• I DO NOT have this experience

10

Examination Question: Do you have experience handling animals, including sick, injured, or aggressive ones in an animal shelter, boarding kennel, or veterinary hospital environment? If so, how many years:

• More than 5 years of experience
• 3 years up to 5 years of experience
• 1 year up to 3 years of experience
• Less than 1 year of experience
• I DO NOT have this experience

11

Examination Question: How many years of experience do you have interacting with the public to provide information about animal care, licensing, vaccinations, and adoption procedures?

• More than 5 years of experience
• 3 years up to 5 years of experience
• 1 year up to 3 years of experience
• Less than 1 year of experience
• I DO NOT have this experience

12

Examination Question: Have you assisted in euthanasia procedures for animals?

• Yes, I have assisted with euthanasia procedures using lethal injection.
• No, I have not assisted with euthanasia procedures.

13

Examination Question: How many years of experience do you have maintaining accurate records and completing forms related to animal care activities (e.g., kennel cards, activity logs, fee receipts)

• More than 5 years of experience
• 3 years up to 5 years of experience
• 1 year up to 3 years of experience
• Less than 1 year of experience
• I DO NOT have this experience

Required Question

Employer County of Santa Barbara

Address 1226 Anacapa Street

Santa Barbara, California, 93101

Website https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/sbcounty