JOB
Candidates are encouraged to apply immediately. The first 100 applications received will be given priority consideration during the initial review process. The recruitment will remain open until the position is filled; however, applications received after the first 100 may only be reviewed if additional candidates are needed.
The Riverside County Department of Animal Services invites applications for an inspiring leader to join its executive team as the Assistant Director of Animal Services (Administrative).
Under the general direction of the Director of Animal Services, the Assistant Director serves as a chief administrative executive, providing strategic leadership and executive oversight for one of California's largest municipal animal services organizations. This position is responsible for organizational leadership, fiscal stewardship, policy implementation, personnel management, operational oversight, and execution of the Department's long-term vision. The Assistant Director leads through experienced managers, supervisors, and technical professionals, partnering with the executive team and shelter leadership to strengthen organizational culture, ensure operational consistency, and advance department priorities. The position provides executive oversight of customer-facing intake operations and outcome programs, ensuring services are delivered with professionalism, compassion, efficiency, and consistency. The Assistant Director champions a customer-focused approach that enhances the experience of pet owners, adopters, rescue partners, and community members while supporting positive outcomes for animals in the Department's care.
The Assistant Director provides strategic and operational leadership for the Department's administrative functions, fostering exceptional customer service, operational excellence, and a collaborative workplace culture. This role builds strong partnerships across divisions, promotes open communication, and aligns administrative practices to ensure consistent, high-quality service for both internal and external customers.
Working closely with department leadership, the Assistant Director oversees key administrative operations, supports staff development, and ensures employees have the training, tools, and resources needed to succeed. The position drives continuous improvement by streamlining business processes, strengthening customer service delivery, improving organizational effectiveness, and identifying innovative solutions that support the Department's mission.
As a collaborative and service-oriented executive, the Assistant Director cultivates a positive, accountable, and high-performing work environment that values professionalism, innovation, and continuous improvement. The successful candidate will help ensure the Department delivers responsive, compassionate, and efficient services that meet the needs of the community while advancing excellence in animal care and organizational performance.
We invite you to take a moment to review our position brochure, which offers a helpful overview of the role and to learn more about Riverside County Department of Animal Services. To learn more, simply click here.
This class has been designated At-Will by the Board of Supervisors, in accordance with the provisions provided under Article 6, Section 601E (2) of the County Management Resolution and serves at the pleasure of their respective Department Head.
This class has been deemed eligible for the Performance Recognition Plan as set forth under Article 3, Section 311(B) of the County Management Resolution. Program eligibility requires employees to be in a leadership position, manage other employees or programs, and have significant influence on the achievement of organizational objectives.
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.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES •Provide administrative oversight for departmental operations, programs, and strategic initiatives.
- Inspire, mentor, and support staff while promoting a positive and cohesive organizational culture.
- Direct managerial staff to ensure productivity, culture alignment, and positive morale.
- Develop strategies that strengthen team performance and ensure clear understanding of expectations.
- Create and implement communication strategies that promote collaboration and alignment across all shelters and units.
- Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and exceptional public service.
- Oversee budget development, fiscal stewardship, and long-range resource planning.
- Support implementation of Board priorities and Department strategic initiatives.
- Serve as a trusted advisor to the Director and executive leadership team.
- Collaborate with the executive team to ensure fiscal responsibility, process improvements, and effective resource allocation.
- Represent the Department effectively with elected officials, partner agencies, and the public.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
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.”
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.
General Information
If you have any questions regarding this posting, please contact Vanessa Diaz Beaird at
[email protected] or (951) 955-9112. Please allow 1-2 business days for a response to general inquiries.
