The Department of Animal Services is now accepting applications for the position of
Supervising Animal Care Attendant.
To be a part of this superior team, apply now
Interviews will be held the week of July 27, 2026. Job offers will be made the following week
This position is eligible for appointment at step 1, $62,836.80 annually.
County employees are subject to the County Promotion Rule for Step Placement in Accordance with Compensation Ordinance 1.3.5.
Future Salary Increases:
** June 2027 – 4.8% increase to base pay (3% Across-the-Board + 1.8% Market Adjustment)
In addition to the base salary, employees receive:
-
$850 annual uniform allowance
-
$300 boot reimbursement
-
Overtime pay for working County-observed holidays
-
37 paid days off annually
-
Enjoy full medical, dental, and vision, with other benefit options with generous cost offset; for more information please visit: Benefits
The Supervising Animal Care Attendant is a first-line supervisor responsible for dealing with complex/sensitive technical and personnel issues and is the highest class in the Animal Care Attendant series. They provide supervision and training to Animal Care Attendants; manage the day-to-day operations of kennels, catteries, and other animal holding facilities, and network with multiple rescue groups to transfer animals into their respective adoption programs. They inform the public of the laws, rules and regulations regarding animals, information regarding best practices for general animal care, and the various services provided by the department. They resolve the more complex animal sheltering issues that may arise.
The candidate in this position would provide supervision and training to Animal Care Attendants in performing animal shelter cleaning and sanitizing protocols, recognizing common animal diseases and injuries, the Department's database management system, animal receipt, custody, care, inventory and euthanasia.
Animal Services has two shelters located in Bonita and Carlsbad and provides animal sheltering and adoption services for the unincorporated areas of San Diego County.
UPCOMING for Fall 2026: A new state-of-the-art animal shelter in Santee serving the East and South Counties. It will provide a safe environment for animals and the public. Landscape enhancements will be made along the Riverview Parkway front, including a secured and open courtyard, an outdoor livestock area, activity yards, a secured staff parking lot, and a public parking lot.
The County of San Diego desires a candidate that communicates effectively, leverages resources, has a sincere affinity to animals and is supportive of change. Our environment is built on team building and effectiveness, leadership, and demonstration of ethical behavior. The ideal candidate is someone that considers animal welfare a top priority and treats all animals with compassion and respect at all times. They must be courteous, work well with coworkers, volunteers, the public, and rescue groups towards the goal of placing homeless animals into new, permanent homes.
For more information on the County of San Diego Department of Animal Services, please visit County of San Diego Department of Animal Services.
Education and Experience
-
One (1) year of experience as an Animal Care Attendant with the County of San Diego's Department of Animal Services; OR,
-
Eighteen (18) months of experience in animal care working for an animal control agency, Humane Society agency; OR,
-
Possession of a valid license as a Registered Veterinary Technician in California, AND, six (6) months of experience in animal care working for an animal sheltering or animal control agency, OR,
-
Possession of a valid license as a Registered Veterinary Technician in California, AND, twelve (12) months of experience in animal care working for a veterinary hospital.
Note: The following are not qualifying: Volunteer experience, experience on a ranch, a farm, a veterinary hospital, service/companion pets or lab animals or experience performing animal care and maintenance work outside of the option #2 stated above.
Additional information, please visit Supervising Animal Care Attendant job classification.
The Department of Human Resources will remove personally identifiable information from all new recruitments. This practice, called Blind Applicant Screening, will hide a candidate’s personal information that could influence or bias a hiring decision. Personal information includes name, phone number, address, gender, age, and race. This process will help contribute to a fair and equitable selection process leading to a more diverse and inclusive workforce.
The most highly qualified candidates, based on the evaluation results, will be referred for an interview. Be sure to include your experience in meeting the minimum requirements in both the Work Experience section and the Supplemental Questionnaire section of the Application. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the application Work History and/or supplemental questionnaire.
Hiring Process and Timeline
Job offers for selected candidates will be made shortly after the interviews. Candidates should be prepared to immediately complete background paperwork, upon receipt of a job offer.
The timeline for this recruitment is outlined below. Please note that dates are approximate and are dependent upon the successful completion of each step of the process.
-
Job Offer and Background Process begins: Shortly after the interviews.
-
Pre-employment Medical Screening: Approximately 3 days following successful background investigation results.
-
Anticipated Start Date: Start date will be based upon successful completion of background or other mutually agreed upon date.
Condition of Employment
As part of the County of San Diego’s pre-employment process, prospective candidates will undergo a background check (including fingerprinting) and a pre-employment medical screening prior to beginning County employment. Additional types of background investigations may be conducted based on the job-related activities of the position.
Evaluation
Qualified candidates will be placed on a six (6) month employment list based on scores received during the evaluation contained on their employment and supplemental applications. Please ensure all information is complete and accurate as the responses you provide on the supplemental application questionnaire will be reviewed using an automated evaluation system. If you are successful in the initial screening process your application will be reviewed individually to confirm that the information you provided is accurate and qualifying.
Note: Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of a job, on a case-by-case basis.
As an employer of over 19,000 employees, the County of San Diego is an organization committed to veteran hiring, retention, and professional development. We recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by our veterans and value the unique expertise and leadership qualities they bring to our workforce. We strive to provide veterans with the resources and tools necessary to maximize their employment opportunities and to assist veterans with their transition into civilian life by applying the valuable skills, knowledge and training acquired in service to positions and career paths at all levels within our large organization. Click on the resource links below to learn more about how the County of San Diego supports its veterans.
Veteran’s Preference Policy
The County of San Diego offers preferential credits for military service to assist qualified applicants in transitioning from military to civilian careers with the County of San Diego. Please read the Veteran’s Preference Policy for additional information.
Military Skills Translator
Do you need assistance translating your military experience into civilian experience? This tool can help! Please read the Military Skills Translator to access the tool.
The County of San Diego and its employees embrace the vision of: a just, sustainable, and resilient future for all. Our values include: integrity, equity, access, belonging, excellence, and sustainability. Each of which are infused throughout our operations. While also embracing a mission of strengthening our communities with innovative, inclusive, and data driven services through a skilled and supported workforce. Click here for more information on our Strategic Plan (sandiegocounty.gov) (Download PDF reader).
Disaster Service Worker
Under California Government Code Sections 3100 - 3109, public employees are designated as disaster service workers. The term "public employees" includes all persons employed by the state or any county, city, state agency, or public district. Disaster service workers are required to participate in such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their employer or by law.
The County of San Diego is committed to valuing diversity and practicing inclusion because our diverse workforce is our greatest asset and our customers are our number one priority.
