Posting number: 26-73508-02DM

Department: Animal Services

Division: CVAC Field Services

Job classification: ANIMAL SERVICES COUNSELOR

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Clerical & Data Entry, Animal Services, Customer Service

Summary

Department of Animal Services Logo.png20260608080047_TAP Logo 3.png

The County of Riverside’s Human Resources Temporary Assignment Program (TAP) is currently recruiting for multiple full-time, temporary Animal Services Counselor positions located in Thousand Palms.

The Animal Services Counselor position assists the public with animal admissions, owner surrenders, adoptions, and return-to-owner services. Gathers information about animals through interviews, completes required paperwork, provides information on adoptable animals, and helps owners explore alternatives to surrendering their pets.

The ideal candidate also supports adoption, outreach, and education programs by participating in community and adoption events, coordinating spay/neuter services, maintaining records, and assisting with staff or volunteer training. Works collaboratively with Animal Care Technicians and adoption partners to improve outcomes for shelter animals and may work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

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.

About TAP!

The Temporary Assignment Program (TAP) recruits and hires temporary employees for all County departments. TAP assignments are a great way to learn about working for the County while working on a temporary, at-will basis.

Click here to learn more about TAP: https://rc-hr.com/temporary-medical-assignment-program-tapmap

TAP Benefits: https://rc-hr.com/files/users/user116/COR_2026_TAP_Guide_FINAL.pdf

Examples of duties

• Participate in Animal Services Community Outreach & Education Division activities; answer questions concerning age, breed, characteristics, and care and treatment of animals; responsible for knowing which animals are available for adoption, return-to-owner, etc., and knowing the temperaments and personalities of these animals.

• Assist and counsel owners and members of the public in the admittance and surrender of animals through proper interviewing techniques and completion of necessary paperwork; obtain accurate information regarding animal temperament, living habits and training, medical conditions, behavior, age, breed, and any relevant information from the relinquishing party; assist owners with alternative options to surrendering an animal.

• Prepare reports, maintain records, and fill out forms concerning activities; assist with the training of new staff and/or volunteers.

• May be assigned to any shift and required to be available as needed.

• May be specifically assigned as an Adoption Partner Coordinator and act as point of contact for rescue groups (adoption partners), coordinating the adoption of shelter animals to adoption partners and developing/maintaining relationships with adoption partners, and other related activities as assigned.

• Participate regularly in community events or animal adoption events that frequently occur on weekends; coordinate spay/neutering of animals in anticipation of outreach activities.

• Act as a fully participating member of the Community Outreach and Education Division and of the Adoption Team and work collaboratively and supportively with the Animal Care Technicians.

Qualifications

OPTION I
Experience: Six months performing animal care duties in a public or non-profit animal control program.

OPTION II
Experience: One year of paid or voluntary experience in a veterinary office, animal grooming, animal board and kennel facility, or similar setting which included the care of animals.

OPTION III
Experience: Two years of experience within a customer service environment.

ALL OPTIONS
Knowledge of: Techniques and procedures for the safe, humane, and efficient handling of animals; laws and ordinances governing the licensing and treatment of animals; the symptoms of common animal diseases; common breeds of domestic animals and appropriate practices for their care and feeding.

Ability to: Establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relations with the public, adoption partners and other employees; handle animals humanely and safely; manage difficult to place animals; read and comprehend laws and regulations pertaining to animal control; clearly explain animal services to the public; exercise tact and good judgment in dealings with the public; recognize symptoms of rabies and other animal diseases; keep statistical records; lift and handle cats, dogs (including large breeds) and other animals.

Supplemental information

Other Requirements

License: Possession of a valid California Driver's License may be required.

What's Next?Open to All Applicants
This recruitment is open to all applicants
The closing date and time for this position
Monday August 3, 2026, at 10:00 AM Pacific Time

* Based on the number of applications received this posting may close early with or without notice.

For questions regarding this requirement:
Please contact Dawn Martin at 951-955-0643 or at DawMartin@rivco.org. For general inquiries, please allow up to 2 business days to receive a response.

Temporary Animal Services Counselor

About this role

Summary

Examples of duties

Qualifications

Supplemental information