Animal Care Attendant I/II (Part-Time) - Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services

Are you ready to join a team that is “Building Community Through Fun” Are you ready to make a difference?

The City of San José’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services (PRNS) is looking for people who want to make San José a better place to live and visit. Our mission is to connect people through parks, recreation and neighborhood services for an active San José. ActivateSJ, PRNS’ latest strategic work plan, is committed to establishing healthy communities that inspire belonging by following the guiding principles of stewardship, nature, equity & access, identity and public life.

The Department creates and activates thriving public places, including over 40 community centers, 10 regional parks, over 200 neighborhood parks, Happy Hollow Park & Zoo, and over 65 miles of trail. We also offer diverse programming for all ages and abilities. We take a fun approach to public service, and value the public’s trust. Our team is collaborative, supportive, and innovative. We are a fast-paced organization that takes decisive action after thoughtful planning.

For more information, please visit activatesj.org.

San Jose Animal Care Services, a division in the Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services Department is currently seeking to fill multiple Animal Care Attendant I/II (Part-Time, Unbenefited) vacancies for day and swing shifts. Animal Care Attendant I/II is the flexibly staffed entry/journey class in the Animal Care series, described as follows:  

Animal Care Attendant I

This is the entry level class in the Animal Care series, responsible for performing duties associated with feeding, cleaning, care, and housing impounded animals.  Positions at this level are not expected to function with the same amount of knowledge or skill level as positions allocated to the Animal Care Attendant II level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. This class differs from the next higher classification of Animal Care Attendant II in that the incumbents of the latter provide lead direction and staff training and perform at a higher level in animal care.  

Animal Care Attendant II

This is the journey level class in the Animal Care series, wherein incumbents have learned the established procedures, and are responsible for performing the full range of duties. Incumbents are expected to work independently and exercise judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. This class is distinguished from the Animal Health Technician in that the latter class performs  paraprofessional medical care and treatment duties under the direction of veterinarian staff. This class is distinguished from the lower class of Animal Care Attendant I in that they are responsible for a higher level of animal care and may exercise lead direction over Animal Care Attendant I’s. 

Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 100 pounds while handling animals and equipment. Employees may work outside and be exposed to inclement weather, may be exposed to blood borne pathogens while using hypodermic needles on animals, may be exposed to animal scratches and bites, and may be subjected to moving mechanical parts, fumes, odors, gases, chemicals, pollens, and other airborne irritants. 

Salary ranges for this classification are:  

• Animal Care Attendant I (part-time, unbenefited): This classification is subject to the City’s Pay Floor rate of $30.48 hourly. This includes an approximate five percent (5%) ongoing non-pensionable pay.  
• Animal Care Attendant II (part-time, unbenefited): $31.77 - $35.07 hourly. This includes an approximate five percent (5%) ongoing non-pensionable pay. 

The actual salary shall be determined by the final candidate's qualifications and experience. 

Animal Care Attendant I

Education: Completion of high school or equivalent (General Education Development [GED] Test or California Proficiency Certificate). 

Experience: None 

Required Licensing (such as driver’s license, certifications, etc.): Obtain euthanasia certification within one (1) year of date of hire. 

Animal Care Attendant II

Education: Completion of high school or equivalent (General Education Development [GED] Test or California Proficiency Certificate) 

Experience: One (1) year (2,080 hours) experience handling and caring for animals at a level comparable to Animal Care Attendant I with the City of San José. 

Acceptable Substitution: None 

Required Licensing (such as driver’s license, certifications, etc.)

• Valid euthanasia certification 
• Valid Veterinary Controlled Substance Permit 
• Successful completion of Kitten Care Training Program 

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS:

The ideal candidate will possess the following competencies, as demonstrated in past and current employment history. 

Job Expertise - Demonstrates knowledge of and experience with applicable professional/technical principles and practices, Citywide and departmental procedures/policies and federal and state rules and regulations. 

Communication Skills - Effectively conveys information and expresses thoughts and facts clearly, orally and in writing; demonstrates effective use of listening skills; displays openness to other people’s ideas and thoughts. 

Computer Skills - Experienced with common business computer applications including but not limited to: MS Outlook, MS Word, MS PowerPoint, MS Access, and MS Excel. 

Teamwork & Interpersonal Skills - Develops effective relationships with co-workers and supervisors by helping others accomplish tasks and using collaboration and conflict resolution skills.  

Customer Service - Demonstrates the ability to anticipate customers' needs and deliver services effectively and efficiently using professional demeanor. 

Flexibility - Makes effective decisions and achieves desired results in the midst of major changes in responsibilities, work processes, timeframes, performance expectations, organizational culture, or work environment. 

Multi-Tasking - Can handle multiple projects and responsibilities simultaneously; has handled a wide variety of assignments in past and/or current position(s). 

Reliability - Completes quality work assignments in a timely and efficient manner; fulfills responsibilities and maintains confidentiality as appropriate. 

SELECTION PROCESS:

The selection process will consist of an evaluation of the applicant's training and experience based on the application and responses to all the job specific questions. You must answer all questions to be considered or your application may be deemed incomplete and withheld from further consideration. Applicants are expected to write their own essays/responses. Please be advised that use of AI content in your responses may result in your removal from the hiring process. Only those candidates whose backgrounds best match the position will be invited to proceed in the selection process. 

If you have questions about the duties of these positions, the selection or hiring processes, please contact Josh Marquez at [email protected].