Animal Shelter Coordinator

Position Duties

San Jose Animal Care Services, a division in the Public Works Department is currently seeking to fill one (1) full-time overstrength Animal Shelter Coordinator vacancy.

Salary range for this classification is $68,293.68 - $83,101.20 annually. This salary range includes an approximate five percent (5%) ongoing non-pensionable compensation. Actual salary shall be determined by the final candidates’ qualifications and experience.

This is a temporary (Overstrength) position that is anticipated to be funded through June 30, 2025, subject to further extension as appropriate. If this position is not extended through the budget process, the City may seek to place you in other internal job opportunities based on your previous work experience. 

The Animal Shelter Coordinator has the responsibility to provide humane handling and care for animals sheltered at San Jose’s Animal Care Center with a focus on building and maintaining relationships with rescue organizations, coordinating foster placements, tracking and following-up on animals in foster care, and managing the logistics associated with these functions. This position reports to the Animal Shelter Operations Supervisors and has lead responsibilities for Animal Care Attendants.

This position will undergo 4 – 6 weeks of training during normal business hours. This position will be required to work weekends, holidays, rotating shifts, and respond to emergency animal services assignments.

Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Establish and maintain connections with rescue organizations and foster networks to enhance collaboration and support, align efforts, and achieve shared goals.  
• Maintain an organized, accessible list of transfer partners, their preferred placements, and contact information for all partners.  
• Assist in identifying animals from the shelter that are suitable for transport to rescue groups; coordinate and arrange transport of animals from ACS to rescue partners. 
• Communicate regularly with representatives from rescue partners and ACS staff regarding the status of animals, including any medical requirements, health certificates, and identification paperwork required upon transfer.  
• Oversee foster program to ensure resources and guidance are provided to foster volunteers so they may care for animals effectively.  
• Assist public in claiming or adopting animals.  
• Work closely with the DPW Public Information Manager to promote ACS rescue and foster programs to the public.  
• Monitor and observe animals for signs of illness or injury and seek medical care as necessary or separate sick and injured animals for observation; administer first aid or minor treatments to animals; assist the Shelter Veterinarian and/or Animal Health Technician in minor medical procedures such as vaccinations; quarantine potentially infectious animals, including those which may be rabid.
• Conduct behavior evaluations for cats, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs, mice, and rats, and make recommendations to Shelter Operations Supervisor regarding placement. Humanely euthanize and disposes of animals as necessary. 
• Act as a lead in the animal shelter over entry level animal care personnel, such as Animal Care Attendants; assign, schedule, inspect work, provide technical direction, determine priorities, and train staff and volunteers. May approve timecards and give input to the supervisor regarding performance evaluations, hiring, promotion, termination, and discipline of employees.
• Perform administrative duties such as completing and maintaining records (i.e., feeding, care needs, and holding periods for impounded animals, etc.), generating operational reports, maintaining inventories of food, equipment, supplies, animals, etc.
• Ability to handle animals humanely and safely using approved protocols and practices.
• Skilled in using the proper control techniques on animals entering the shelter.

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.

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions in this, or other divisions or departments. If you are interested in employment in this classification, you should apply to ensure you are considered for additional opportunities that may utilize the applicants from this recruitment.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: High school diploma

Experience: One year of experience similar in nature to an Animal Services Officer or Animal Care Attendant with the City of San José or two (2) years of experience in the care and handling of animals in a public or private facility that cares for and houses animals.  

If you have questions about the duties of this position, the selection, or hiring process, contact April.Hanson@sanjoseca.gov.