County of Sonoma, CA
Salary: $30.42 - $36.98 HourlyLocation : Santa Rosa, CAJob Type: Part-TimeJob Number: 25/08-4303-OPTCDepartment: Department of Health Services (DHS)Opening Date: 08/11/2025Closing Date: ContinuousBargaining Unit: 05 Position InformationIf you're looking to make a difference in the lives of animals and our community, we encourage you to apply!Starting salary up to $36.98/hour and a competitive total compensation package!*About the PositionThe Department of Health Services is seeking a compassionate, motivated, and collaborative Animal Health Technician (AHT) to join their shelter team. The AHT plays a key role in ensuring the health and well-being of animals in County care while supporting daily shelter operations, enrichment programs, and public interactions. This is a hands-on position for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and is passionate about animal welfare. Some of the additional responsibilities include:Providing daily animal care, including enrichment and behavior modificationConduct behavior evaluations and collaborate with the behavior program teamPerform intake exams, administer vaccinations, and work alongside the veterinary teamExecute humane euthanasia and prepare rabies specimens, as requiredSupport and collaborate with volunteers, providing direction as neededParticipate in adoption counseling and manage the owner surrender listFacilitate animal transfers, including preparing videos, records, and partner communicationsPerform accurate data entry into medical records and shelter management software (Chameleon)As the ideal candidate for this position, you will have knowledge of animal behavior, enrichment, and safe animal handling techniques. In addition, you will possess many of the following:Familiarity with animal diseases, symptoms, and shelter disease control best practicesA deep commitment to animal welfare, with a strong sense of empathy and resilienceThe ability to operate in both structured and flexible environments-comfortable working in "gray areas" when neededExcellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of engaging with individuals and communities of diverse backgroundsThe ability to maintain professionalism and positivity in difficult situationsA commitment to personal and professional growth with a drive to elevate the standards of animal careData entry experience (Microsoft Office and/or Chameleon systems preferred)Must have or be willing to obtain:California Veterinary Assistant Controlled Substances PermitCalifornia Humane Euthanasia CertificateA Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) License is desired, but not requiredWhat We OfferWorking at the County of Sonoma offers expansive opportunities for growth and development, the ability to be a part of a challenging and rewarding work environment, and the satisfaction of knowing you're working to better our communities. You can also look forward to flexible work arrangements and excellent benefits* including:Salary Advancement - A salary increase after 1,040 hours (6 months when working full-time) for good work performance; eligibility for a salary increase for good performance every year thereafter, until reaching the top of the salary rangePaid Time Off - Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per yearCounty Paid Health Premium Contributions - 100% premium contribution for the majority of employee-only and employee + family health plan optionsPost-Retirement Health Reimbursement Arrangement - County contributions to help fund post-retirement health insurance/benefitsRetirement - A pension fully integrated with Social SecurityPaid Parental Leave - May be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) after 12 months of County employmentStudent Loan Debt Relief - County employees may be eligible for through the U.S. Department of Education*Salary is negotiable within the established range. Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice. Additional information can be found in the and our This recruitment is being conducted to fill a 0.5 FTE Part-Time Animal Health Technician position in the Department of Health Services. This employment list may also be used to fill future part-time or extra-help (temporary) positions as they occur during the active status of the list. Qualified County employees who wish to be considered for future positions should consider applying to this recruitment.Application submissions require the Supplemental Questionnaire to be completed. Minimum Qualifications Education and Experience: Any combination of education and experience which would provide for the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and abilities listed. Normally, two years of experience performing paramedical tasks in a veterinary office or animal shelter or possession of a valid Animal Health Technician Certificate issued by the California State Board of Examiners would provide the knowledge and abilities.License: Possession of an Animal Health Technician Certificate is highly desirable. Possession of a valid driver's license.Special Requirements: Completion of P.O.S.T. course work and certification in the use of firearms and exercising powers of arrest as specified in Penal Code 830.9 may be required. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Working knowledge of: methods, techniques, and medication and pharmaceuticals used in the care and treatment of animals; physical and behavioral characteristics of common domestic animals and livestock and characteristics of common diseases.Ability to: learn State laws and County ordinances relating to the care, treatment, and impounding of animals; handle animals properly and perform the work in a humane manner; willingness to conduct euthanasia of animals by direct injection; recognize symptoms of rabies and other common diseases of animals; properly and legibly complete necessary forms; work tactfully and effectively with co-workers, staff of other agencies working with animals, and the general public. Selection Procedure & Some Helpful Tips When Applying Your application information and your responses to the supplemental questions are evaluated and taken into consideration throughout the entire selection process.You should list all employers and positions held within the last ten years in the work history section of your application. Be as thorough as possible when responding to the supplemental questions.You may include history beyond ten years if related to the position for which you are applying. If you held multiple positions with one employer, list out each position separately.Failure to follow these instructions may impact your competitiveness in this process or may result in disqualification.Please visit to review more detailed information about the hiring process, including the application process, examination steps, and department selection process.Application submissions require the Supplemental Questionnaire be completed.Responses to supplemental questions will be used in assessing minimum qualifications. Please provide specific and detailed responses of a reasonable length to allow for a thorough assessment of your qualifications. Responses that state, "See Resume" or "See Application" may be considered insufficient.The selection procedure will consist of the following examination:An Application and Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination (weight 100%).Each application and supplemental questionnaire will be thoroughly evaluated for satisfaction of minimum qualifications and relevance of educational coursework, training, experience, knowledge, and abilities that relate to this position. Candidates possessing the most appropriate job-related qualifications will be placed on an employment list and referred to the department for selection interviews.Additional InformationA background investigation is required prior to employment. Candidates referred to departments for a selection interview are typically required to sign authorization and release forms enabling such an investigation. Failure to sign prescribed forms will result in the candidate not being considered further for that vacancy. Reference information will not be made available to applicants.Additional requirements, such as successful completion of a physical exam, drug screen, etc., may apply, depending on the duties and responsibilities of the position. If you receive a conditional job offer for the position, the requirements upon which the offer is contingent will be outlined in the conditional job letter. You may also review the to determine the requirements for this position.How to ApplyApplications are accepted online at Paper applications may be submitted by person, fax (707-565-3770), email, or through the mail. All applications and appropriate supplemental information as outlined in the job bulletin must be received by the time and date specified on the first page of this job announcement. Continuous recruitments may close without notice at any time that a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received. Applications received after the recruitment closes will not be accepted.The County of Sonoma values diversity and is dedicated to creating a workplace environment that provides individuals with a sense of belonging. We are committed to having a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. The County is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer where all aspects of employment are based on merit, competence, performance, and business need.HR Analyst: SZHR Technician: KKImportant Note: Benefits described herein do not apply to Extra Help positions.County of Sonoma Benefits: General*These are some of the excellent benefits the County offers:Paid Time Off: Competitive vacation accrual and sick leave accruals; additional management leave annually; 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year; and may be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) of Paid Parental Leave after 12 months of County employment.Health Plan: Choose from nine health plans (three HMOs, three deductible HMOs, and three HSA-qualifying plans) with a generous County contribution to the premium (the contribution amount varies by bargaining unit). For more information, please see the appropriate MOU.Retirement: Fully integrated with Social Security. For more information regarding eligibility, retirement contributions, and reciprocity with prior public service, please visit IRS 457 Plan: Pre-tax employee contribution up to the IRS annual maximum.Retiree Medical: County contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits.Student Loan Debt Relief: County employees may be eligible for through the U.S. Department of Education.Plus, excellent dental, vision, disability, life insurance, professional development, and more.For answers to specific questions regarding the employment process and more details about benefits or retirement, please contact Human Resources at (707) 565-2331. Additional details about benefit and compensation packages can be found in the MOUs located at For specific information about health and welfare benefits, including plan options, coverage, and premium amounts, go to or contact the Human Resources' Risk Management-Benefits Office at or (707) 565-2900.*Important Notes: Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice.01 How did you first learn about this opportunity? Careers in Government College or University County of Sonoma Human Resources Office DiversityJobs Employee of Sonoma County Facebook Glassdoor GovernmentJobs.com Handshake Indeed Instagram Job Fair La Voz Latino Service Providers LinkedIn Los Cien Press Democrat sonoma-county.org/www.yourpath2sonomacounty.org Start Here! X (Twitter) Veterans Services Office Women's Organization or Group Other Internet Site Other Publication www.calanimals.org The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement 02 Please indicate if you would also be interested in future extra-help (temporary, intermittent, or seasonal employment) positions should they become available. Check all that apply. I would also like to be considered for future extra-help positions I am only interested in part-time positions 03 This eligible list may be used for future bilingual (English/Spanish) positions. Please indicate if you are interested in bilingual positions, and your level of proficiency. Yes, I have basic (conversational) English/Spanish bilingual skills Yes, I have fluent (reading, writing, and conversational) English/Spanish bilingual skills No, I do not have English/Spanish bilingual skills, and/or I do not wish to be considered for a bilingual position 04 Do you possess a current, valid, Registered Veterinary Technician license issued by the Veterinary Medical Board (formerly known as an Animal Health Technician Certificate)? Yes No 05 Do you possess or are willing to obtain a California Veterinary Assistant Controlled Substance Permit (VACSP)? Yes No 06 Do you possess or are you willing to obtain a California Humane Euthanasia Certificate? Yes No 07 For this question, provide sufficient information to allow for a thorough evaluation of your qualifications.Please describe your two years or more of experience performing paramedical tasks in a veterinary office or animal shelter. Required Question