Placer Employment Opportunities

Animal Services Program Coordinator

Recruitment #2022-11823-01

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Introduction

Placer County is comprised of over 1,400 square miles of beautiful and diverse geography, ranging from the residential and commercial areas of South Placer, through the historic foothill areas of Auburn, Foresthill, and Colfax, and to the County's jewel of the North Lake Tahoe basin. Placer is a great place to live, work, play, and learn! 
For more information about Placer County, please visit www.placer.ca.gov.

POSITION INFORMATION

This recruitment is open until filled. Applications will be screened on a bi-weekly basis.

The Department of Health and Human Services - Animal Care Services is currently hiring for an Animal Services Program Coordinator. This is an outstanding opportunity to join Placer County Animal Services and contribute to the continued success of this progressive and innovative organization, while working at the new state-of-the-art animal care facility located in Auburn.

The Animal Service Program Coordinator serves as a lead for volunteers working varied schedules; provides information to the public regarding volunteer, retention counseling, and foster care programs; recruits, trains, assigns, and directs the work of volunteer staff; supervises clerical staff; assists with community education outreach programs; helps with social media outreach methods of marketing adoptable animals; assists with rescue outreach and coordination for agreed upon animals in need of rescue placement; and works with the Animal Care Supervisor to carry out animal behavior modification plans for animals needing specialized training and support to improve their adoptability.

BENEFITS

Placer County offers a comprehensive benefits package to employees. The following information represents benefits currently available to permanent Placer County employees and may be subject to change. Applicants should inquire as to the most current benefit package during hiring interviews or by contacting the Human Resources Department.

Click here to view General benefits

For more information regarding the benefits Placer County has to offer, please visit Placer County's Human Resources website.

DEFINITION

To plan, develop, direct, and coordinate the animal services volunteer program and community outreach efforts; recruit, train, assign, and supervise the work of volunteers and clerical staff; assist the Animal Care Supervisor with kennel operations; and perform related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This single position classification is primarily responsible for providing direction, supervision, and coordination of all volunteer services for Animal Services. This class differs from the Animal Care Supervisor class in that the latter is a full-time supervisor for both technical and clerical staff and has the full range of supervisory responsibilities, while this classification oversees volunteers and special programs and may supervise clerical staff. This class also differs from the Animal Care Attendant class by providing direction and training to volunteers and administration/coordination of special programs, whereas the Animal Care Attendant is focused on the direct care and feeding of animals.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from the Animal Care Supervisor.

May exercise technical and functional supervision over technical staff and direct supervision over clerical staff and volunteers.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Participate in the selection of clerical staff; provide or coordinate clerical staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline procedures.
  • Plan, prioritize, assign, supervise and review the work of staff involved in providing administrative support.
  • Evaluate operations and activities of assigned responsibilities; recommend improvements and modifications; prepare various reports on operations and activities.
  • Recruit, screen, select, and oversee the training and retention of volunteers.
  • Develop and maintain volunteer position descriptions, training materials, procedural guidelines, and the volunteer handbook; train volunteers in program procedures, proper animal handling techniques, shelter and building safety, shelter policies, applicable laws, and customer service techniques for dealing effectively with the public.
  • Direct, supervise, and evaluate the performance of volunteers; monitor, evaluate, and provide feedback to volunteers to assure maximum program coverage and effectiveness; ensure volunteers comply with county and shelter policies and procedures; notify volunteers who are not appropriate for initial or continued service in an assignment.
  • Provide assistance to the Animal Care Supervisor in coordinating a volunteer workforce in the event of an emergency response requiring animal evacuations.
  • Respond to public inquiries and resolve situations that may arise involving programs or volunteers.
  • Establish and maintain effective relationships with community members, non-profit animal rescue groups, local animal control agencies, youth and adult programs, special interest groups, and other organizations to facilitate cooperation and develop programs to benefit the shelter and the community.
  • In conjunction with the Animal Care Supervisor and Animal Care Program Manager, schedule and provide volunteer classes in animal behavior, enrichment, and socialization, including the proper and humane handling and treatment of animals; lead monthly volunteer orientations and quarterly volunteer meetings. 
  • Assist with developing and implementing community education outreach programs, including animal behavioral training, animal care, shelter tours, and after adoption support; assist the Animal Care Supervisor with outreach to non-profit animal rescue groups for the placement of special needs animals.
  • Manage and maintain organization of foster program by placing orphaned, pregnant, newborn, injured, sick, and under-socialized animals into private homes for temporary housing; recruit, train, and mentor foster volunteers; oversee organization of all foster programs and materials.
  • May participate in the maintenance of the animal shelter facilities and grounds to ensure a clean, sanitary, and safe condition; cleaning and disinfecting of kennels and cages; feeding, watering, and grooming of animals; and provide first aid to wounded animals as needed. 
  • Working with the Animal Care Supervisor, carry out animal behavior modification plans for animals needing specialized training and support to improve their adoptability. 
  • Utilize the shelter’s volunteer management software, maintain volunteer records, assignments, training history, attendance records, current schedules, upcoming event recruitments, ongoing volunteer communication, and other pertinent files regarding volunteers.
  • Ensure donated supplies and equipment are distributed based on program/organization priorities.
  • Maintain, update, and develop content for social media platforms.
  • Answer questions and provide accurate information to the public. 
  • Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other County employees, volunteers, veterinarians, other animal groups, and the public using principles of good customer service.
  • Perform related duties as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed in an animal care facility with indoor and outdoor operations and animal noises and odors.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Experience and Training:
It is the responsibility of applicants to identify in their application materials how they meet the minimum qualifications listed below.  A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:  

Experience: 
Two (2) years of experience supervising, coordinating, or directing programs in a public animal control and services setting or animal welfare organization. Volunteer program experience highly desirable. 

Training: 
Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.

Required License or Certificate: 
May need to possess a valid driver’s license as required by the position.  Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:
  • Principles and practices of leadership, motivation, team building, organization, and conflict resolution.
  • Training concepts including techniques used in developing and conducting training programs and methods of learning.
  • Principles and practices of animal sheltering, evaluation, and placement.
  • Proper animal handling techniques.
  • Methods and tools used in animal care and socializing/training shelter animals.
  • Animal species, types, and breeds.
  • Volunteer programs and services to include volunteer recruitment techniques.
  • Federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, and codes related to the care, keeping, treatment, and impounding of animals.
  • Customer service techniques for dealing with customers, often in a difficult or confrontational situation.
  • English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation for both written and oral communications, including report writing and preparing correspondence, policies, and procedures. 
  • Standard office procedures, practices, equipment, computers, and software.
  • The proper use of tools and equipment to protect oneself and others from animals.
Ability to: 
  • On a continuous basis, know and understand all aspects of the job; intermittently analyze work papers, reports, and special projects; identify and interpret technical and numerical information; observe and problem solve operational and technical policies and procedures; understand, recall, and explain related programs and standard procedures to others. 
  • On a continuous basis, sit at desk for long periods of time while preparing reports and other forms of documentation; intermittently walk, stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel, and reach while working in an animal shelter, making field visits, conducting clinics, or making educational presentations or demonstrations; twist to reach equipment surrounding desk or work areas; perform simple grasping and fine manipulation; use telephone and write or use a keyboard to communicate through written means; see and hear with sufficient acuity to examine and assess conditions and animal behavior; and occasionally lift very heavy weight.
  • Work with the public during tense and emotional situations; calm hostile and emotionally distraught individuals; demonstrate tact, courtesy, patience, and sound judgement. 
  • Recruit, select, train, and evaluate staff and volunteers.
  • Develop, implement, evaluate, and recommend improvements to volunteer programs.
  • Develop, conduct and/or coordinate adoption, education, public relations, and outreach efforts and organize community events.
  • Interpret and explain pertinent County and department policies and procedures.
  • Manage a variety of simultaneous work projects and carry them through to successful completion.
  • Determine the appropriate course of action in stressful and/or emergency situations.
  • Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
  • Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
  • Prepare a variety of written communications to include reports, policies, and procedures.
  • Maintain accurate records and logs common to animal shelter operation.
  • Work shifts, standby, weekends, and holidays when necessary or as assigned.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

Training & Experience Rating (100%)

Based upon responses to the supplemental questionnaire, the applicant’s education, training, and experience will be evaluated using a pre-determined formula. Scores from this evaluation will determine applicant ranking and placement on the eligible list.

MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION

Length of Probation: 
All permanent appointments to this classification shall serve a probationary period of twelve (12) calendar months or two thousand eighty (2,080) hours, whichever is more. 

Bargaining Unit: 
General

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT

Prior to the date of hire, applicants must undergo a fingerprint test by the Department of Justice, pass a medical examination (which may include a drug screening and possibly a psychological evaluation), sign a constitutional oath, and submit proof of U.S. citizenship or legal right to remain and work in the U.S.  For some positions, applicants may also be required to submit proof of age, undergo a background investigation (which may include a voice stress analysis and/or a polygraph), and/or be bonded. Additionally, positions in law enforcement classifications and those supporting law enforcement functions will be required to complete a conviction history questionnaire prior to or during the interview process. Applicants for positions with access to Medi-Cal billing software or who are licensed providers must clear the Federal Exclusion List, credentialing, and social security verification. Failure to clear these requirements may result in an employment offer being withdrawn.

SUBSTITUTE LISTS

The eligible list resulting from this recruitment may be certified as a substitute list for a substantially similar classification. For this purpose, a substantially similar classification is one at a lower level in the same classification (example: entry level vs. journey level) and/or a similar classification (similar work performed, similar training and experience qualifications required). If you are contacted for an interview by a County department, you will be informed of the classification and other relevant information. If you choose not to interview for a substantially similar classification, you will remain on the eligible list for which you originally applied.

EMPLOYEES OF OTHER PUBLIC AGENCIES

Placer County offers an expedited process for qualifying certain applicants for interviews. Candidates currently employed, or employed within the last year, by a public agency operating under a personnel civil service or merit system may be eligible to be placed on a Public Agency Eligible List and certified as eligible for appointment to a similar job assignment without going through the examination process. For more information on the Public Agency Eligible List, to download forms, or to apply, please click here.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Thank you for your interest in employment with Placer County. Placer County is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an active nondiscrimination program. It is the stated policy of Placer County that harassment, discrimination, and retaliation are prohibited and that all employees, applicants, agents, contractors, and interns/volunteers shall receive equal consideration and treatment. All terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, transfer, and promotion will be based on the qualifications of the individual for the positions being filled regardless of gender (including gender identity and expression), sexual orientation, race (including traits historically associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists), color, ancestry, religion (including creed and belief), national origin, citizenship, physical disability (including HIV and AIDS), mental disability, medical condition (including cancer or genetic characteristics/information), age (40 or over),  marital status, military and/or veteran status, sex (including parental status, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), political orientation, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law. Please contact the Human Resources Department at least 5 working days before a scheduled examination if you require accommodation in the examination process. Medical disability verification may be required prior to accommodation.



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