What are the responsibilities and job description for the Animal Behavior/Rescue Specialist position at City of Ontario, CA?

Salary : $60,000.00 - $75,000.00 Annually

Location : Ontario, CA

Job Type : ARCIE Position

Job Number : 012925-ANIMAL BEHRES-ARCIE

Department : Animal Resource Center of the Inland Empire

Opening Date : 02 / 03 / 2025

Closing Date : 3 / 3 / 2025 5 : 00 PM Pacific

FLSA : Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit : ARCIE

The Position

Animal Behavior / Rescue Specialist

Annual Salary Range : $60,000-$75,000

Placement within this range is dependent on qualifications, experience, and ultimately established by the ARCIE Board of Directors.

The Animal Resource Center of the Inland Empire is looking for its first Animal Behavior / Rescue Specialist! Are you passionate about serving the community and supporting a team that is committed to making a positive impact? The Animal Resource Center of the Inland Empire is seeking a skilled, compassionate, and experienced individual to join the organization to be a part of a collaborative environment where your skills can make a difference. The Animal Resource Center of the Inland Empire will begin providing animal services July 1, 2025, which include animal control and sheltering services. The Animal Behavior / Rescue Specialist will evaluate the behaviors of animals admitted to the animal shelter facilities, develop plans and processes for behavior analysis, animal behavioral modification and animal training to assist in the placement of homeless pets. Incumbents should be well-experienced in animal behavior and capable of safely handling the most challenging animals housed in the shelter system.

Under the general supervision, the Animal Behavior / Rescue Specialist will perform a variety of duties necessary for the evaluation and marketing of animals for rescue placement, develop rescue group contacts and arrange for the transfer of animals to rescue groups and adoption partners. Assist in assessing & monitoring animal behavior; develop and implement enrichment & socialization programs; supervise, volunteers. Select and prepare animals for events and outreach functions; monitor animal disposition and well-being and assist with maintenance and medical care; and perform other duties as assigned.

The ARCIE Executive Director of Animal Services will serve as the ultimate hiring authority.

The ARCIE is not employed by the City of Ontario nor City of Chino. The successful candidate will be an at-will employee of the Animal Resource Center of the Inland Empire and ultimately they will be appointed by and serve under the ARCIE Executive Director of Animal Services .

Completed applications will be reviewed and only qualified applicants whose qualifications best meet or exceed the requirements of the position and needs of the Agency, will be invited to participate further in the selection process. All applicants must provide an attached Resume and Cover Letter. Those candidates whom fail to attach these items will not move forward in the selection process.

Learn more about this amazing opportunity by clicking on the link below to revie w the job brochure!

Examples of Essential Functions

Respond to public inquiries regarding the disposition of animals, animal shelter procedures, lost and found animals, and adoption procedures.
Observe and document animal behavior, disposition, sociability, and other indicators of animal health and psychological well-being in the center.
Develop and implement behavior enrichment plans for the general population, as well as animals impacted by kennel stress.
Engage animals in exercise and play, including large and small dog playgroups and pack walks, in a safe and structured manner.
Identify animals for rescue placement; contact rescue groups in a timely manner and coordinate pickup / transport of animals; prepare and complete documentation.
Develop animal marketing materials to increase interest in animals at the center, including videos, photographs, and other information that can be provided to rescue partners, general interest parties, and used on social media.
Assist in selecting and preparing animals for community education and outreach events based on behavior and adoptability.
Perform behavior evaluations to determine adoptability, identify behavior modification, enrichment programs or other resources needed for the animal; make behavioral euthanasia recommendations to management as necessary.
Aid members of the public with questions about animal adoption, basic animal care and housing, behavior counseling, and general department processes; provide cashiering assistance at the front desk as needed.
Provide public assistance with lost and found pets, adoptable animals, and adoption meet & greets; respond to general to public inquiries for assistance.
Transport or have animals transported to and from veterinary offices and other medical / shelter facilities.
Maintain relevant written records of rescued animals and communications made in attempt to get an animal placed; enter data in the database management system; answer phone and e-mailed communication in a timely manner.
Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge of :

State and local laws, ordinances, regulations associated with animal care and control.

Customer service objectives and strategies.

Principles of animal behavior assessment, treatment, and modification including the nature of the learning process.

Animal behavior assessment, treatment and modification resources, equipment, and current literature in the field.

Techniques and methods of animal behavior assessment, treatment and modification training, causes, symptoms and safe handling of aggressive animals.

Animal handling safety rules, procedures, and proper handling techniques; various breeds and their care and feeding.

Business letter writing and the standard format for typed materials.

Modern office practices and procedures including filing, recordkeeping, and operating standard office equipment.

Ability to :

Empathize with customers and volunteers

Organize, conduct, and evaluate animal behavior assessment, treatment, and modification programs.

Speak effectively and lead conferences and discussion groups.

Follow oral and written directions quickly and accurately.

Communicate effectively with individuals representing diverse cultures and backgrounds, and function calmly in situations that require a high degree of sensitivity, tact and diplomacy.

Assess the customer's immediate needs and ensure customer's receipt of prompt, efficient and responsive services through personal service or making appropriate referral.

Read, understand, and interpret ordinances, rules, regulations, and procedures.

Exercise tact and good judgment.

Develop and maintain working relationships with the public and other governmental agencies

Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and software programs.

Collecting, compiling, and analyzing information and data.

Compose correspondence and reports independently or from brief instructions : maintaining records and databases.

Deal with frequent interruptions and perform multiple tasks.

Reconcile and balance cash, check, and credit card transactions and deposits.

Learn and understand the organization and operation of the agency and of outside agencies as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities.

Qualification Guidelines

Any combination of education and / or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position. A typical combination includes :

Education

Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade.

Experience

One (1) year of work experience training animals, providing adoptability, behavioral assessments, or a related field.

Licenses

Individuals must be physically capable of operating a motor vehicle safely and possess a valid Class C California Driver's License OR be able to demonstrate the ability to travel on scheduled or unscheduled visits to various locations which may or may not be reachable by public transportation. This requirement applies at time of appointment and throughout employment in this classification.

Desirable

Previous experience in an animal shelter or similar.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

This position requires the ability to work in an environment with moderate to loud noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, as well as outside variable weather conditions and exposure to potentially infectious diseases, blood / bodily fluids, offensive odors and hazardous physical substances with continuous upward and downward flexion of the neck.

Frequently sitting, repetitive use of hands to manipulate, handle, feel, or operate objects, tools, or controls.

Occasional walking, standing, bending and twisting of neck, bending and twisting of waist, squatting, simple grasping, reaching above and below shoulder level, and lifting and carrying of files weighing up to 50 pounds.

Some exposure to cold, heat, noise, outdoors, confining workspace, and chemicals.

Ability to travel to different sites and locations; ability to attend evening and weekend meetings.

BENEFITS SNAPSHOT

Here at the Animal Resource Center of the Inland Empire, you and your family are important to us. Our benefits programs are designed to support you and your loved ones through life's transitions and stages. We offer medical, dental, vision, flexible spending, life insurance, retirement plan savings and so much more

MEDICAL, DENTAL, & VISION

Animal Resource Center of the Inland Empire provides medical, dental, & vision insurance that fits you and your family's needs. Below is a snapshot of the programs available to you and your family!

Medical - California Choice - Up to $2,250 per month city contribution

Dental - Up to $117.12 per month employer contribution

Vision - Up to $17.24 per month employer contribution

RETIREMENT

The Agency has Deferred Compensation Plans available through Voya Financial. Employer paid contributions of 10% of base salary to a 401(a) retirement plan will be made on your behalf.

The 457(b) is a governmental plan for retirement savings that allows you to supplement any existing retirement and pension benefits by saving pre-tax dollars through a voluntary salary contribution. Contributions and any earnings on contributions are tax deferred until money is withdrawn. Distributions are subject to ordinary income tax. Employees are eligible to make voluntary deductions to the 457(b) deferred compensation plan.

VACATION

3 Weeks of Annual Leave

10 Paid Holidays per year

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

Life Insurance $50,000 in coverage

AD&D $50,000 in coverage

Flexible Spending Accounts

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Mental health awareness, legal assistance, financial coaching, child & eldercare assistance, pet insurance, counseling sessions, gym membership discounts, rideshare program, and much more!

INSTRUCTIONS : The information on your application and the following supplemental questionnaire responses will be used in the evaluation of your qualifications. Detailed responses should be provided to ensure your qualifications are properly considered. If the item does not apply, please enter N / A. By continuing, you are certifying that all information provided in the supplemental questionnaire is true to the best of your knowledge.

I understand the above statement

All applicants must provide an attached Resume and Cover Letter. Those candidates whom fail to attach these items will not move forward in the selection process.

I understand the above statement.

This opportunity is a position with the Animal Resource Center of the Inland Empire and not an employee with the City of Ontario nor City of Chino.

I understand with the above statement.

Do you possess a high school diploma or equivalent?

Do you possess one (1) year of work experience training animals, providing adoptability, behavioral assessments, or a related field?

If you answered "Yes" to the previous questions, please briefly list related work experience by including the following : 1. Employer Name 2. Position Title 3. Employment Dates 5. Job Functions / Areas of Responsibility. If you answered "No", please type N / A

Do you possess any experience in an animal shelter or similar?

In 500 words or less, please describe on what customer service means to you.

Required Question

Salary : $60,000 - $75,000

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