THE JOB: Under the direction of the Supervising Animal Services Field Manager, the position is responsible for the apprehending and caring of animals, determining the disposition of animals, enforcing various related State and local laws and ordinances, responding to complaints concerning unwanted, escaped or other nuisance animals, and other tasks as assigned.

THE REQUIREMENTS: Any combination of education and work experience which would provide an opportunity to acquire the knowledge and abilities listed is qualifying, unless otherwise specified. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

One year of experience providing information, such as explaining rules and regulations to the public preferably in the handling and care and control of animals or an equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that would provide the required knowledge and abilities. To receive credit for course work, applicants must provide the following information: name of school, dates attended, course title, number of units and whether semester or quarter.

Training: Incumbent must attend and pass the euthanasia certification course as provided for by State law prior to the completion of the probationary period for this class; completion of POST course work and certification in the use of firearms and exercising the power of arrest required by Penal Code 830.9 is required prior to the completion of a probationary period for this class. Incumbent must attend and pass the Public Officer training course. License: Incumbent must possess or have the ability to obtain a California Class C driver's license. Possession of an Animal Health Technician Certificate is highly desirable. Background Investigation: Departmental background investigation and fingerprints are required. Employment in these classes requires successful completion of a criminal background investigation. Hours: Availability to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends and/or holidays, and rotational stand-by duty as required. Lifting: Incumbent must be able to lift, push/pull or carry up to 50 lbs unassisted. Special Working Conditions: Exposure to animals who may be hostile or dangerous. Incumbents are expected to work in the field a majority of the time, and will spend an equal amount of time, standing, walking and sitting. Incumbents will wear a uniform.

Knowledge of: Techniques for communicating effectively orally, and through written expression, experience providing information, such as explaining rules and regulations to the public, preferably in the handling, care and control of animals.

Ability to: Read, understand, and explain applicable State and local laws, regulations, and ordinances; obtain cooperation and compliance from members of the public by working tactfully and effectively; analyze a situation and adopt a course of action; exercise tact and independent judgement in dealing with the public; speak to a wide range of people; prepare clear and concise reports; present a positive public image; develop and maintain working relationships with co-workers, agencies and organizations; handle sick, injured, dangerous, or dead animals and decomposing animal carcasses in a safe and humane manner; learn the physical and behavior characteristics of animals; learn breed identification; learn and recognize symptoms of rabies and other common animals diseases; learn the safe and accurate handling of animal control equipment; euthanize dangerous, sick, or unwanted animals; make simple arithmetic calculations; understand and follow oral and written instructions; safely drive a vehicle; perform other tasks as assigned; and work independently.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS:
ANNUAL LEAVE – 22 days first year, increasing to 37 days after 15 years.  Available after six months for vacation and/or sick leave.
HOLIDAYS – 12.5 paid holidays per year.
BEREAVEMENT LEAVE – 3 days paid in California, 5 days paid out-of-state.
MEDICAL PLAN – The County contracts with CalPERS for a variety of medical plans.  For most plans, County contributions pay a majority of the premiums for employees and dependents.
DENTAL PLAN – County pays for employee and dependent coverage.
VISION PLAN – County pays for employee coverage. Employee may purchase dependent coverage.
RETIREMENT & SOCIAL SECURITY - PERS 2% @ 55 retirement plan. County pays a portion of retirement contribution and participates in Social Security.
LIFE INSURANCE – County paid $20,000 term policy.  Employee may purchase additional life insurance.
LONG TERM DISABILITY PLAN – County paid plan. Plan will pay 60% of the first $692 or $415 max per week.
DEPENDENT-CARE PLAN – Employees who make contributions for child or dependent care may elect to have their contributions made utilizing “pre-tax dollars.”
H-CARE PLAN – Employees who pay a County medical premium share of cost may elect this pre-tax program.
HEALTH CARE FLEXIBLE SPENDING ALLOWANCE (HCFSA) – Employees may elect this pre-tax program to cover qualifying health care expenses.
EMPLOYEE CREDIT UNION – Offers systematic savings and low interest loans.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION – A deferred compensation plan is available to employees.
OTHER – Other pay and benefit items apply to certain positions or assignments, such as Bilingual Pay and Night Shift Differential.

THE EXAMINATION: Your application and supplemental application will be reviewed to determine if you have met the education, experience, training and/or licensing requirements as stated on the job announcement.  If you meet these criteria and are one of the best qualified, you may be required to compete in any combination of written, oral and/or performance examinations or a competitive evaluation of training and experience as described on your application and supplemental application. You must pass all components of the examination to be placed on the eligible list.  The examination may be eliminated if there are ten or fewer qualified applicants.  If the eligible list is established without the administration of the announced examination, the life of the eligible list will be six months and your overall score will be based upon an evaluation of your application and supplemental application. If during those six months it is necessary to administer another examination for this job class, you will be invited to take the examination to remain on the eligible list.

HOW TO APPLY: Apply Online Now!  Click on the link below; or print out an application and supplemental questionnaire and mail/bring them to: Santa Cruz County Personnel Department, 701 Ocean Street, Room 310, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060 or Personnel Department, 1430 Freedom Blvd, Suite 101, Watsonville, CA, 95076.  For information, call (831) 454-2600.  Hearing Impaired TDD# (831) 454-2123.  Applications will meet the final filing date if received in one of the following ways:  1) In the Personnel Department by 5:00 p.m. on the final filing date, 2) submitted online before midnight of the final filing date.

IF YOU HAVE A DISABILITY THAT WOULD REQUIRE TEST ACCOMMODATION, CALL (831) 454-2600. WOMEN, MINORITIES AND PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.

To comply with the 1986 Immigration Reform and Control Act, Santa Cruz County verifies that all new employees are either U.S. citizens or persons authorized to work in the U.S.