Lieutenant of Field Services - Complex Investigations and Training

Lieutenant of Field Services - Complex Investigations and Training

Salary

$65,457.19 - $92,921.34 Annually

Location

Jurupa

Job Type

Regular

Job Number

26-73517-02

Department

Animal Services

Division

CVAC Ops - Field Services

Opening Date

10/07/2026

Closing Date

10/16/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

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

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Riverside County Department of Animal Services has an opportunity for a Lieutenant of Field Services located in Thousand Palms, CA.

Additionally, the incumbent will be responsible for providing supervisory coverage for Blythe field operations.

The Lieutenant of Field Services will be responsible for and oversee staff engaged in complex and high-profile animal cruelty investigations across field offices. They will provide directions on investigations regarding animal cruelty cases; develop and conduct department-wide training programs with the Commander of Field Services for new and existing staff; conduct department compliance audits regarding Animal Services standard operating procedures; coordinate and plan with other law enforcement agencies for search warrant and animal seizure operations. Additionally, the incumbent will guide officers through Penal Code section 597.1 pre- and post-seizure procedures, required notices and court documents, and preparation for testimony and criminal proceedings.

Competitive experience includes two or more years of senior or technically advanced work in a public or non-profit animal control program, supervision of staff within a related field (law enforcement, animal control, public safety), and experience coordinating with different units like adoptions, animal control, rescue, public safety, and veterinary care for the welfare of animals. Applicants with experience in animal cruelty investigations for a public agency are highly desired and strongly encouraged to apply.

Please see other job duties and requirements below.

The Lieutenant of Field Services is the full supervisory classification in the Animal Control and License Officer series performing the full range of supervisory duties and typically report to Commander of Field Services. This class is characterized by the responsibility for oversight of the day-to-day activities and training of Animal Control staff in a particular area of the County. The Lieutenant of Field Services is distinguished from the Sergeant of Field Services by the formers performance of the full range of supervisory duties. The Lieutenant of Field Services is further distinguished from the Commander of Field Services by the latters responsibility for County-wide administration and supervision of animal control activities.

Meet the Team!

The Riverside County Department of Animal Services 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.

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EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Within a particular geographical area or program function, plan, schedule, assign, train and supervise the activities of the Animal Control staff including the sale of licenses, collection of fees, prosecution of violations of animal control ordinances and laws and the impounding, releasing, sale and/or destruction of stray or dangerous animals.
• Review evidence and criminal case reports; assist with suspect and witness interviews, search warrant affidavits, warrant applications, and the planning and coordination of search warrant and animal seizure operations.
• May direct the operations of an animal shelter including feeding, kenneling, the general handling of animals, marketing efforts to encourage redemption and adoption of animals, and the accounting activities for monies received; set-up, schedule and operate low cost rabies clinics.
• Interview and select new employees; prepare and review performance evaluation with supervised employee; counsel employees, attempting to resolve grievances, and when necessary, recommend disciplinary action; develop and conduct department-wide training with the Commander of Field Services to improve investigative practices, supervisory consistency, and officer performance.
• Assist the Animal Services Management with the planning and development of the Animal Control program, identifying objectives of animal regulations, preparing policies and standard procedures and developing overall goals; suggest changes and improvements in existing programs and procedures; assist with the preparation of the annual budget, recommending and justifying additional personnel and equipment.
• May act as Commander of Field Services in their absence; set up maintenance schedules for tranquilizer guns and any other devices required in the performance of animal control duties to ensure they are kept in safe operating condition.
• Oversee significant dangerous and vicious dog investigations, especially cases involving serious injury or death; review evidence, witness statements, supplemental reports, and materials prepared for administrative hearings and Superior Court proceedings.
• Interpret ordinances, statutes, regulations and policies to the staff, and the general public providing technical assistance in the resolution of difficult field investigations.
• Assign emergency cases for investigation; work cooperatively with other law enforcement groups when joint action is required; assist staff in the investigation and preparation of formal complaints for court action against violators of ordinances and laws.
• Review departmental policies and standard operating procedures; conduct compliance audits and verify required employee review and acknowledgement forms.
• Supervise and review the recording of all citations issued; promote animal control services by community relations with civic, governmental, and private groups.
• Coordinate with field supervisors and other involved agencies on complex cases and operations; communicate findings, needed corrections, and training needs to Field Services leadership.
• Maintain workload statistics; prepare reports and correspondence concerning the Unit; review completion and timeliness of daily logs, citations, restraint orders, supplemental reports, and shelter-related responsibilities; conduct and attend various supervisory meetings and conferences with management; inspect and supervise maintenance of equipment and vehicles of personnel.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: Two years equivalent to a Riverside County Sergeant of Field Services (senior or technically advanced level) in a public or non-profit animal control program which included responsibility for the caring for, licensing, impounding and disposing of animals in a public animal control program.

Knowledge of: Principles and techniques of supervision related to the selection, training, direction, motivation and evaluation of subordinates; State and County laws, codes and regulations governing animal control; legal liabilities and responsibilities of those concerned with the enforcement of animal control regulations and laws; causes, symptoms and safe handling of rabid animals; legal regulations, reports and procedures for handling of rabies; tranquilizer equipment safety rules, procedures and proper handling techniques; various breeds of animals and their care and feeding.

Ability to: Plan, schedule and direct the work of others engaged in animal control activities; supervise field investigations; write comprehensive and detailed reports, draft affidavits and warrants; exercise tact and good judgment; develop and maintain working relationships with the public and other governmental agencies; gather and present evidence and testify in court; work effectively under stressful situations; organize and meet deadlines; read, comprehend, and interpret laws and regulations pertaining to animal control; discharge tranquilizer guns safely and accurately; care for and safely handle animals so as to avoid injury to persons and animals.

Other Requirements

License/Certificate: Possession of a valid California Driver License is required to travel to different locations; training, animal control purposes.

Physical abilities: Handling of animals weighing up to 50-70 pounds, exposure to animal smells, excrement, dander; animals who may be rabid or upset, injured or elderly; carries out humane euthanasia procedures as appropriate and authorized. The incumbent may be exposed to inclement weather, including extreme heat, cold, and wet conditions.

Travel: This position may require frequent travel throughout the County of Riverside to assist at other shelters as needed. A county vehicle may be provided during working hours.

Schedule: May be required to work weekends, overtime, and be on stand-by availability due to shelter hours and emergency situations, such as rescues. Typical schedule is Monday through Friday but varies.

CA Basic Humane Academy or equivalent is required at time of hire.

CA Advanced Academy must be completed within one year of hire date.

Required Certifications

• Penal Code 832 (P.O.S.T.) certification
• First aid/CPR
• Euthanasia certification
• Pet first aid

Safety, Emergency, and Disaster Preparedness

• ICS/SEMS/NIMS
• Workplace violence training
• Emergency disaster training
• Emergency standby duties

Animal Handling & Field Operations

• Small and large animal handling training
• Exotic and wild animal training
• Handling vicious animals
• Breed recognition training
• Animal lifting procedures
• Capture equipment training (catch pole, snappy snare, snake tongs, skunk pole, leash muzzle, nets, transfer cages, traps)

Disease & Health Recognition

• Zoonotic disease recognition
• Avian disease recognition

Equipment & Tools Training

• ASP tactical baton training
• Stun baton training
• Trailer training
• Driver's training
• Basic radio and Nextel procedures
• Map book reading
• Chameleon and computer training

Policies, Regulations & Administrative Skills

• CHA policies
• All DAS policies and procedures
• Kennel and cattery regulations
• Administrative hearings
• Media relations
• Diversity training
• RCI
• FRA

Customer & Public Interaction

• Customer service training

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Who May Apply:

This recruitment is open to all applicants.

Application Status

How to confirm your application was received or check on the status of your application, log-in to www.GovernmentJobs.com, click on your name in the upper right corner, and click on "Applications & Status."

Due to the nature and volume of this recruitment you may only receive correspondence if you are referred for an interview or when the event is complete.

Sign Up for Job Alerts

Go to www.RC-HR.com, click on "Careers," click on "County Job Openings," and click on "Subscribe to Job Alerts" icon.

For Questions Regarding This Recruitment:

Contact Christopher Recinos Crecinos@rivco.org or at 951 - 955 - 9883. Please allow 1 - 3 business days for a response for your inquiry.

____

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: https://rivcocob.org/board-policies

Reasonable 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: https://rc-hr.com/disability

Work Location and Telework

In-person attendance is the standard work expectation for County of Riverside assignments. Certain assignments may be eligible for a hybrid telework schedule; however, telework arrangements are subject to management approval, operational needs, and/or may be modified or discontinued at any time. Employees who telework are expected to be able to report to their assigned worksite on short notice or as operational needs require. Unless otherwise specified for a particular position, employees are expected to reside in California following appointment. Limited exceptions may apply. Applicants should contact the assigned recruiter for additional information regarding work location expectations, telework eligibility, and residency requirements.

Proof 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, www.rc-hr.com.

If you are experiencing technical problems, you may contact the governmentjobs.com applicant support desk Monday through Friday, 6 am to 5 pm Pacific Time at support@governmentjobs.com or toll-free 1-855-524-5627.

BENEFIT PROGRAM: SEI

MEDICAL/DENTAL/VISION INSURANCE: A choice of different medical, dental and visions plan are available to elect. The County provides a Flexible Benefit Credit contribution as governed by the applicable SEIU Memorandum of Understanding to contribute towards the cost of these plans.

Note: Employees on assignment through the Temporary Assignment Program (TAP) receive different benefits. See the list here.

MISCELLANEOUS RETIREMENT: County of Riverside has three retirement Tiers through the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS).

• Tier I (Classic Member - Formula 3% @ 60): Applicable to current and former County of Riverside local miscellaneous employees hired prior to 08/24/2012 and did not withdraw CalPERS contributions. The employee contribution is eight (8%) percent.
• Tier II (Classic Member - Formula 2% @ 60): Applicable to local miscellaneous employees 1) hired after 08/23/2012 through 12/31/2012; 2) Previously employed with another CalPERS contracting public agency or a reciprocal retirement system, with a break in service of less than six months between the separation date with the previous employer and the appointment date with the County of Riverside. The employee contribution is seven (7%) percent.
• Tier III (PEPRA New Member - Formula 2% @ 62): Applicable to CalPERS local miscellaneous new members hired on or after the implementation of the Public Employees Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA) which took effect January 1, 2013. Effective July 1, 2023 employee contributions are 7.25% and will increase to 7.75% effective July 1, 2024.

A new member is defined as any of the following:

• A new hire who enters CalPERS membership for the first time on or after January 1, 2013, and who has no prior membership in any California Public Retirement System.
• A new hire who enters CalPERS membership for the first time on or after January 1, 2013, and who was a member with another California Public Retirement System prior to that date, but who is not subject to reciprocity upon joining CalPERS.
• A member who first established CalPERS membership prior to January 1, 2013, and who is rehired by a different CalPERS agency after a break in service of greater than six (6) months.

CalPERS refers to all members that do not fit within the definition of a new member as "classic members".

Contribution rates are subject to change based on the County of Riverside annual actuarial valuation.

Note:

This summary is for general information purposes only. Additional questions regarding retirement formulas can be sent to retirement@rivco.org or by calling the Benefits Information Line at (951) 955-4981,

Option 2.

If you have prior service credit with another CalPERS agency or within agencies, please contact CalPERS at (888) 225-7377 to determine which retirement tier would be applicable to you. CalPERS is governed by the Public Employees Retirement Law. The Retirement Law is complex and subject to change. If theres any conflict between this summary and the law, the law will prevail over this summary.

DEFERRED COMPENSATION: Voluntary employee contribution with a choice between two 457 deferred compensation plan options.

VACATION ACCRUAL (Bi-Weekly Accrual):

0 < 3 year = 80 Hours (10 Days)

4 < 9 years = 120 Hours (15 Days)

10 or more years = 160 Hours (20 Days)

Maximum Vacation leave accumulation is 480 hours.

SICK LEAVE: Four (4) hours Sick Leave accrual per pay period with unlimited accrual.

HOLIDAYS: Normally 12 paid holidays per year.

BEREAVEMENT LEAVE: Allowed 5 days (3 days are County paid; 2 additional days can be taken from accrued Sick Leave balance).

BASIC LIFE INSURANCE: Equal to one times annual base salary not to exceed $50,000 of term life coverage. Premiums are paid by the County. Additional Supplemental Life plan is available for employee purchase.

DISABILITY:

Employees contribute to State Disability Insurance (SDI), which provides wage replacement benefits for individuals who are unable to work due to non-work-related illness, injury, or pregnancy. SDI also includes Paid Family Leave Benefits. The wage replacement rate is determined by current law, offering 60-70% of the wages earned during the SDI eligibility period.

Additionally, employees receive employer-paid Long-Term Disability Benefits, which cover 66.67% of pre-disability earnings, up to a maximum of $10,000 per month. There is a 365-day waiting period before these benefits become active. Employees may coordinate these benefits with other available leave balances to receive up to 100% of their regular pay.

POST RETIREMENT MEDICAL CONTRIBUTION: A monthly contribution is made by the County towards retiree health insurance offered through the County as governed by the applicable SEIU Memorandum of Understanding.

OTHER: There may be other benefit provisions as specified in the applicable Memorandum of Understanding. Please contact the recruiter listed on the job posting directly for more information.

01

Select the answer that best describes your current drivers license status:

• I have a valid California drivers license.
• I am able to obtain a valid California drivers license.
• I currently have a valid out-of-state drivers license, and I am able to obtain a valid California drivers license.
• I do not have and/or I am not able to obtain a California drivers license.

02

Are you a current regular, part time, temporary, per diem, or seasonal employee with the County of Riverside?

• Yes.
• No.

03

I understand that this position may require frequent travel throughout the County of Riverside to assist at other shelters as needed and that a county vehicle may be provided during working hours.

• Yes.
• No.

04

I understand that this position may require me to work weekends, overtime, and have stand-by availability due to shelter hours and emergency situations, such as rescues.

• Yes.
• No.

05

I understand the physical exposure and animal handling requirements of this position as stated in the job posting, and I am willing and able to perform these duties with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Yes.
• No.

06

Have you completed the CA Basic Humane Academy or the equivalent?

• Yes.
• No.

07

How many years of senior or technically advanced level experience do you have in a public or non-profit animal control program which included responsibility for the caring for, licensing, impounding and disposing of animals in a public animal control program?

• No experience.
• Less than one year.
• One year or more, but less than two years.
• Two years or more, but less than three years.
• Three years or more, but less than four years.
• Four years or more, but less than five years.
• Five years or more, but less than six years.
• Six years or more.

08

How many years of experience do you have within a non-profit or public agency in performing complex field work animal cruelty investigations?

• No experience.
• Less than one year.
• One year or more, but less than two years.
• Two years or more, but less than three years.
• Three years or more, but less than four years.
• Four years or more, but less than five years.
• Five years or more, but less than six years.
• Six years or more.

09

Please select the certifications that you possess (they must be valid):

• No completed certifications.
• Other POST Specialized Investigative Certification not listed.
• Penal Code 832 (P.O.S.T.) Certification
• First aid/CPR
• Euthanasia certification
• Pet first aid

10

What is your level of knowledge involving California policy and guidelines for animal cruelty and dangerous animal investigations?

• I have not had experience, education, or training in this area.
• Basic, I have a basic understanding.
• Intermediate, I have sufficient understanding and have applied this knowledge on the job.
• Advanced, I have a full understanding and a great deal of applied working experience.

Required Question

Employer County of Riverside

Address County Admin. Center P.O. Box 1569

4080 Lemon St., 7th floor

Riverside, California, 92502-1569

Phone Contact Recruiter for Job Information

Website http://www.rc-hr.com