Animal Services Operations Manager (At Will)

Job Description

The Tulare County Health & Human Services Agency (HHSA) is currently recruiting for an Animal Services Operations Manager. This is an at-will position, reporting to the Division Manager of Fiscal Operations. The incumbent will be responsible for establishing, implementing, and monitoring measurable goals and outcomes for the Animal Services Division. In addition, he or she will implement and provide a comprehensive strategic plan aligned with the Agency’s plan.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the planning, organizing, and administering of the County’s Animal Services program; applying and enforcing county, state, and local laws and regulations; supervising and overseeing the operation of the animal shelter; administering licensing and regulation programs; and the oversight of the public education and outreach programs.

Typical Duties

Key Responsibilities

• Assign, supervise, and coordinate the activities of the Animal Services Division.
• Assist with oversight of Veterinary Clinic Operations, including supervision of clinic staff, strategic planning, and oversight of clinic services and programs. Identify and develop long-term strategies to fund programs and capital improvements.
• Assist in the development of long-term financial strategies to meet program and capital improvement needs. Oversee the County’s animal euthanasia and enforcement program.
• Maintain effective policies and procedures for the management of the Animal Services Division.
• Assist in preparing and monitoring the program’s budget, purchasing, and maintaining supplies and equipment.
• Serve as media contact for program activities; effectively use the media to enhance programs and create good public relations.
• Make presentations before various groups.

Minimum Qualifications

Required Qualifications

Candidates must meet the qualifications listed below by the application deadline.

Education:

• Bachelor‘s degree in business administration, public administration, animal science or related field.

Equivalencies for Education:

• Direct program experience working with public health programs, oversight of an animal care services program, or behavioral health program may be substituted for the educational requirement on a ratio of one (1) year of direct experience for one (1) year of college education for up to two (2) years of the required education.

Experience:

• Four (4) years of experience in the development and administration of public service relations or managing an animal shelter.

Equivalency for Experience:

• Direct program experience working with animal services and control services may be substituted for the administrative experience on a ratio of a year-to-year basis for up to two (2) years

Special Note: Having and/or caring for personal or family pets will not substitute for the required experience.

LICENSE OR CERTIFICATE

• Complete all requirements needed to obtain a Veterinary Assistant Controlled Substances Permit per the California Veterinary Medical Board within 90 days of the date of hire and maintain VACSP certification.
• Complete and pass the department’s Humane Euthanasia training course pursuant to Section 2039, Title 16, California code of Regulations, within six months of the date of hire.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be immunized against rabies within three (3) months of start date and maintain immunity for duration of employment.

Additional Information

Desirable Qualifications

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from a school of veterinary medicine recognized by the Board of Examiners in Veterinary Medicine of the State of California.
• Possession of a license to practice Veterinary medicine issued by the California Veterinary Medical Board, and two years of veterinary medical experience.

Conditions of Employment

• Candidates selected will be required to pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol screening. Additionally, a background investigation may also be conducted, which may include a re-investigation every 10 years for some positions. An Employment Eligibility Verification using E-Verify may be required on the first day of employment for some positions. Some job classes may also require a physical exam.
• If in a driving position candidates must be able to obtain and retain a valid California driver's license.

Student Loan Forgiveness

• This may be a qualifying position for student loan forgiveness through the College Cost Reduction and Access Act (CCRAA). Only student loan payments made after October 1, 2007 and in a qualified repayment plan are eligible. For more information you are encouraged to speak with your student loan servicer or visit: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service .

**PLEASE NOTE: ONLY COMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL BE CONSIDERED**

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Bargaining Unit 19

The information listed is a general summary of benefits. These provisions do not constitute an expressed or implied contract and are subject to change.

Benefit Amount: An annual benefit amount is provided and may be applied towards health insurance premiums (medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability). This benefit is pro-rated and paid on a pay period basis (24 pay periods).

Health Insurance: A choice of PPO and HMO medical plans which include PPO and HMO dental plans and include dental and vision coverage. Dependent coverage is available. Providers include Anthem Blue Cross, Kaiser Permanente, Delta Dental, and Vision Services Plan (VSP).

Retirement : The retirement plan is a defined benefit plan administered pursuant to the 1937 Act County Employees Retirement Act and integrated with Social Security. In addition to ordinary retirement benefits, the plan provides disability and death benefits. Retirement contributions are made by both the County and the employee. The County has reciprocity with the State of California, contracting PERS agencies, and all County 1937 Act Retirement Systems.

Paid Holiday Leave : 12 set days and 1 personal holiday.

Vacation Accrual :
2 weeks per year (0-3 years of service)
3 weeks per year (3-7 years of service)
4 weeks per year (7-11 years of service)
5 weeks per year (11+ years of service)
Limit of 300 hours.

FLSA exempt employees accrue an additional 5 days of vacation per year.

Sick Leave Accrual : 12 days per year with unlimited accumulation, 60 hours of which may be used toward family sick leave.

Career Incentive Pay

Employees who have completed five (5) or more Years of Service with Tulare County and meet the eligibility criteria described in Administrative Regulation – 52, earn additional pay according to the schedule below. Excludes Fire Battalion Chiefs.

Years of Service

% Increase

Total

5

3%

3%

10

2%

5%

15

3%

8%

20

2%

10%

Group Term Life Insurance and AD&D: $30,000; Provided by Standard Insurance Company.

Long Term Disability Insurance: A Long Term Disability plan is provided. This provides financial protection for you by paying a portion of your income while you are disabled.

Employees are covered by State Disability Insurance. The premium is paid by the employee.

Deferred Compensation : A voluntary deferred compensation plan is available.

To view more detailed descriptions of Tulare County's benefits, please view the Benefits section of our Web site at https://tularecounty.ca.gov/hrd/benefits-wellness/health-plans-active-employees/

The Provisions Of This Bulletin Do Not Constitute An Expressed Or Implied Contract And Are Subject To Change.

Closing Date/Time: 9/24/2026 11:59 PM Pacific