Animal Behavior Manager: (Official Title: Animal Behaviorist)

Position Description

Do you enjoy working with animal behavior as much as working with people? The City of Fresno is looking for an Animal Behavior Manager (Official Title: Animal Behaviorist) to join the team at the Fresno Animal Center caring for the animal population and helping keep pets with their families.

Under direction, the Animal Behavior Manager is responsible for managing, developing and evaluating animal behavior policies, procedures and practices in the Animal Center. Responsibilities include developing, implementing and evaluating animal behavior policies and procedures consistent with best practices and guidelines including population management, investigations, and behavior medication treatment plans; supervising assigned staff and volunteers; developing animal behavior and temperament assessments for appropriate intake and kenneling; identifying behaviors and underlying causes and working with the animals to train and correct the behaviors; developing animal enrichment activities including socialization and mental stimulation exercises such as playgroups and exercise plans; collaborating with Veterinary and animal care staff on monitoring animal behavior and temperament progress; working with staff and the public to maximize successful placements and outcomes for animals to remain in their homes and providing education on animal behavior approaches; and performing related work as required.

Incumbents must demonstrate initiative, tact, and sensitivity in education and awareness of animal services resources and must be able to communicate effectively with diverse groups.

Incumbents will be required to work nights, evenings, weekends, and holidays and
respond to after-hours emergencies as needed; will be exposed to a working environment with animals (primarily dogs and cats) which may lead to possible exposure of unpleasant odors and noises, allergens, interactions with animals, and possible exposure to zoonotic diseases; and will be required to handle and restrain animals humanely and safely using approved protocols and practices.

This is an unclassified position in which incumbents serve at the will of the Department Director.

One vacancy currently exists in the Animal Center Department. Immediate and future vacancies will be filled from this eligible list for a period of three (3) months from the date the eligible list is created, with the option of extending that period at the City's discretion. If the examination process is suspended for this recruitment, the eligible list may be limited to three (3) months.

Pay,Benefits, & Work Schedule

BENEFITS: UNIT 14: City of Fresno Management Employees Association (CFMEA)
The City of Fresno offers an attractive and competitive salary and benefits package. The salary for Program Manager is up to $8,510/month dependent upon qualifications.
The employee benefits package, as noted below, is subject to change and includes:

HEALTH INSURANCE: The City contributes toward monthly premiums for PPO medical, dental and vision for employee and dependents.
FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT: IRS 125 Plan for health and dependent care expenses.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION: Voluntary 457 plan with Fidelity Investments to increase your retirement savings. City contributes $75 per month.
SUPPLEMENTAL SICK- 40 hours per fiscal year. 80 hours lifetime maximum
MANAGEMENT LEAVE: 60 hours per fiscal year.
BILINGUAL PREMIUM: PAY: $100 per month
ANNUAL LEAVE: Accrue 15.55 hours per month with cash out provisions.
HOLIDAYS: Ten (10) City-observed annual holidays plus birthday and two (2) personal days.
LIFE INSURANCE: Benefit equal to annual salary; premium paid by The City.
LONG-TERM DISABILITY: Benefit equal to 66.66% of monthly salary up to $7,500 per month after 30 days of disability; premium paid by The City.
HEALTH REIMBURSEMENT ARRANGEMENT: To reimburse retirement medical insurance and qualified medical expenses.
BILINGUAL PREMIUM: PAY: $100 per month
RETIREMENT: City of Fresno Retirement Systems, one of the best funded public systems in the state. Reciprocity with other CA public agencies. Vested in Retirement benefits after 5 years of service. City employees do not participate in Social Security.
DROP (Deferred Retirement Option Program): an optional, voluntary program that allows an employee to deposit retirement benefits in a special savings account within the Retirement System while continuing to work for the City of Fresno for up to 10 years. Participation minimum is age 50 and vested. Benefits includes ownership of accumulated funds, compound interest earnings, and alternative distribution options.

Additional information regarding the City of Fresno benefits is available at
https://www.fresno.gov/personnel/human-resources-support/#tab-1

The Requirements

Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications on or before the posted filing deadline in order to qualify for further consideration:

Education:
Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in animal behavior, animal science, animal education or a closely related field. Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.

-And-

Experience:
Three (3) years of professional experience in the care, handling and assessing the behavior of various animals in an animal centric setting.
OR
Two (2) years of professional experience in creating and implementing Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive (LIMA), fear-free, and evidence/science-based approaches to animal management, behavior modification, and training.

Private pet ownership is not qualifying experience. Additional qualifying experience may substitute for the required education on a year-for-year basis subject to approval by the Director of Personnel Services and the appointing authority.

If qualifying solely with experience, a High School diploma or GED equivalent is required at time of appointment.

A copy of degree or college transcripts must be uploaded and included in your on-line application for verification of requirement. Applicants lacking the documentation may be rejected if relying upon education to meet the Minimum Requirements.

Additional Requirements

Possession and continued maintenance of a valid California Driver's License may be required at time of appointment. Candidates considered for hire must provide proof of a valid driver's license and current copy of their driving record.

The selected candidates will be required to successfully pass a department interview, and Department of Justice fingerprint.

How To Apply

Interested and qualified applicants must submit an official City of Fresno application on-line at www.fresno.gov/jobs. Be sure to include references and attach verification of education in your online application.

For more information on how to complete an on-line application, please view "Instruction Guide" on the City's website, Personnel Services Career Opportunities page, or call (559) 621-6950 for assistance. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed employment application. Candidates who demonstrate the most relevant experience, skills, and qualifications for the position will be chosen to proceed in the recruitment process. Only a select group from the qualified pool may be chosen for interviews based on the department's specific needs and preferences.

Applications may be submitted to www.fresno.gov/jobs

Inquiries should be directed to:

LeShea Tarver, Senior Human Resources Analyst
(559) 621-6950
Leshea.Tarver@fresno.gov

Additional Information

HOW TO ATTACH DOCUMENTS TO OUR ONLINE APPLICATION:
1. Scan, save and upload your certificate to your personal drive.
2. Log back into your online profile on the City of Fresno Website @ www.fresno.gov/jobs 3. Under "Career Tools", click on Cover letters and Attachments.
4. Click on "Add attachments".
5. Choose "Attachment Type".
6. For "Attachment Purpose", enter the name of the document 7. Click on "Add attachment".
8. Click on '"Save" then "Return"

Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Fresno is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Should you need a special accommodation due to a qualifying disability, please contact the Personnel Service Department at (559) 621-6950.

Closing Date/Time: 01/06/2026

• 

• City of Fresno

Show more