The City of Elk Grove is now accepting applications for the position of
ANIMAL CARE ASSISTANT
The City of Elk Grove has an immediate opening for a full-time Animal Care Assistant and multiple openings for temporary-part time Animal Care Assistants, to join the City’s animal shelter team.
We are seeking compassionate, reliable, and hardworking individuals to join our team. This vital role supports the health and well-being of animals in our care and plays a key role in maintaining a safe, clean, and positive shelter environment.
The ideal candidates will have experience working in animal shelters or similar environments, with a solid understanding of animal behavior and demonstrated skills in safe, humane animal handling. A calm and observant demeanor is essential, as well as the ability to respond appropriately to the physical and emotional needs of animals under stress. Strong teamwork and communication skills are important, as this position will work closely with fellow staff, volunteers, and the public. At the same time, they must be self-motivated and able to complete tasks independently with attention to detail and a commitment to high standards of care. If you are passionate about animal welfare and want to make a difference in the lives of animals every day, we encourage you to apply and become part of our mission-driven team.
Tentative Recruitment Timeline (subject to change)
Filing Deadline: July 1, 2026, by 11:59 PM
Oral Board Interviews: July 23, 2026 (virtual)
Selection Interviews: July 30, 2026 (in person)
The City offers a competitive salary and generous benefit package including CalPERS retirement benefits, a deferred compensation match and more.
Why work for the City of Elk Grove? Learn more here: Elk Grove Jobs
Community Profile
Elk Grove is a vibrant, family-friendly community of approximately 178,124 people in the Sacramento, California region, located 14 miles south of the State Capital and 60 miles east of the Bay Area. Elk Grove is a young, ethnically diverse, modern city that was incorporated in 2000. Elk Grove has low crime, excellent schools, over 100 community parks and 28 miles of trails, plentiful dining and shopping options, numerous annual events and festivals, and over 270 sunny days per year.
When assigned to an office environment:
Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer, and to operate a motor vehicle to visit various City and meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. Standing in and walking between work areas is frequently required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification frequently bend, stoop, kneel, and reach to perform assigned duties, as well as push and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 50 pounds. Reasonable accommodations will be made for individuals with disabilities qualified to perform essential functions of a position or positions within this classification.
When assigned to a field environment:
Must possess mobility to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; to reach, twist, turn, kneel, bend, stoop, squat, crouch, and grasp; strength, stamina, and mobility to perform light to medium physical work, to work in confining spaces and around machines; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone or radio. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate above-mentioned tools and equipment. Employees must be able to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 50 pounds, or heavier weights with proper equipment and assistance from other staff. The work requires wear and use of proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Accommodations will be made for individuals with disabilities who are qualified to perform essential functions of a position or positions within this classification.
Employees predominately work in an office environment with moderate to loud noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may work in the field and occasionally be exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous chemical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with members of the public or with staff under emotionally stressful conditions while interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
Employees may be required to work extended hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
The information listed above is subject to change and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract. The City of Elk Grove is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and professionalism. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, should special accommodations be necessary at any stage of the selection process, please contact the Human Resources Department at (916) 478-2230. City of Elk Grove participates in E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all new hires. 