City and County of San Francisco
Animal Care Attendant - Behavior Specialist (3370) - Office of City Administrato
City and County of San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States, 94199
Animal Care Attendant - Behavior Specialist (3370) - Office of City Administrator - ACC
City and County of San Francisco
Company Description San Francisco Department of Animal Care & Control (SFACC) is a taxpayer‑funded, open‑admission animal shelter. Since 1989, SFACC has provided housing, care, and medical treatment to wild, exotic, and domestic stray, lost, abandoned, sick, injured, and surrendered animals. SFACC’s doors are open to all animals in need regardless of species, medical, or behavioral condition. The shelter also enforces all state and local animal‑control and welfare laws and is the first responder for animals in natural disasters and citizen emergencies.
Job Announcement Opening Date:
November 26, 2025 Closing Date:
December 12, 2025, 11:59 pm
Appointment Type Temporary Exempt – Full‑Time position is excluded by the Charter from the competitive civil service examination process and shall serve at the discretion of the appointment officer.
Compensation $32.3875 – $41.3125 hourly
Responsibilities
Assists the B&T Assistant Supervisor to ensure the shelter provides the highest quality care for dogs.
Co‑ordinates internal pathway planning of dogs approved for transfer to adoption partner organizations.
Performs behavior evaluations on shelter dogs to determine suitability for adoption.
Provides enrichment to reduce stress and implements behavior modification plans.
Conducts play groups with other B&T staff weekly.
Teaches volunteer training classes.
Provides counseling for adopters before or after adoption, as needed.
Performs general housekeeping duties such as laundry, dishwashing, and other B&T supply needs.
Assists B&T staff and Volunteer Coordinator in promoting active and broad participation by dog volunteers.
Communicates effectively and professionally with co‑workers, management, and the public at all times, promoting exemplary customer service.
Assists staff, volunteers, and the public in obtaining information about dog behavior and training.
Participates in special shelter projects and events including bi‑annual town hall meetings, the annual Pet Pride Day, and quarterly staff meetings.
Performs related duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Six (6) months verifiable hands‑on professional or volunteer experience in animal care, feeding, or handling in a facility that houses animals, working principally with dogs and cats; OR
Thirty semester or 45 quarter units of coursework in animal husbandry, veterinary science, or a related program at an accredited college or university.
One (1) year verifiable experience caring for animals in a park, zoo, museum, or university setting.
License and Certification
Some positions may require possession and maintenance of, or the ability to obtain and maintain, a valid California Class C Driver's License.
Supplemental Information Special requirement: Must complete euthanasia training within six (6) months of appointment.
Verification Applicants may be required to submit verification of qualifying education and experience at any point in the application and/or departmental selection process. Written verification (proof) must be on the employer’s official letterhead, specifying name of employee, dates of employment, types of employment (part‑time/full‑time), job title(s), description of duties performed, and the verification must be signed by the employer. City employees receive credit for the duties of the class to which they are appointed. Credit for experience obtained outside the employee’s class is allowed only if recorded in accordance with the Civil Service Commission Rules. Experience claimed in self‑employment must be supported by documents verifying income, earnings, business license, and experience comparable to the minimum qualifications of the position. Copies of income tax papers or other documents listing occupations and total earnings must be submitted. If education verification is required, information on how to verify education requirements, including verifying foreign education credits or degree equivalency, can be found at http://sfdhr.org/index.aspx?page=456.
“Part‑time and volunteer experience may also be used to meet experience requirements. One year of full‑time employment is equivalent to 2,000 hours. Any overtime hours worked above forty (40) hours per week are not included in the calculation to determine full‑time employment.”
Note: Falsifying one’s education, training, or work experience or attempted deception on the application may result in disqualification for this and future job opportunities with the City and County of San Francisco.
Desired Qualifications
CPDT‑KA, CTC, or equivalent certification, or comparable experience working with and training dogs in a professional capacity and teaching public or volunteer dog training classes.
Knowledge of dog health and behavior issues, particularly those common in a shelter environment.
Must be articulate, organized, and able to manage multiple priorities.
Must have the ability to be patient and tactful when interacting with challenging, sensitive or emotional people and issues.
Must have strong active listening and communication skills.
Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Chameleon is a plus.
Working Conditions
Prolonged exposure to high noise levels and unpleasant odors in the kennels.
Work with people from diverse backgrounds, including individuals who may be angry or hostile.
Clean up animal excrement and sanitize kennels and/or cages.
A very busy office and working environment.
Frequently handling and being exposed to dogs with unknown temperament and behavior.
Limited exposure to fumes or airborne particles and toxic chemicals.
Having to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
Being prepared to work a flexible schedule, which includes weekends and evenings.
Application Information Applications will be screened for relevant qualifying experience. Additional screening mechanisms may be implemented to determine candidates’ qualifications. Only those applicants who most closely meet the needs of the Agency will be invited to participate in the selection process. Applicants meeting the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement to the interview. Qualified applicants with disabilities requiring reasonable accommodation in the selection process must contact the Agency by phone at (415) 554‑6000 or, if hearing impaired at (415) 554‑6015 (TTY).
For any questions regarding this posting, please contact the analyst, Jason Wong, at jason.wong3@sfgov.org.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement The City and County of San Francisco encourages women, minorities and persons with disabilities to apply. Applicants will be considered regardless of their sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition (associated with cancer, a history of cancer, or genetic characteristics), HIV/AIDS status, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, military and veteran status, or other protected category under the law.
The City and County of San Francisco shares a commitment to a diverse, inclusive and equitable community. Each member of our organization is responsible and accountable for what they say and do to make San Francisco an inclusive and equitable place to live and work by employing fair and just practices to and for all.
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Company Description San Francisco Department of Animal Care & Control (SFACC) is a taxpayer‑funded, open‑admission animal shelter. Since 1989, SFACC has provided housing, care, and medical treatment to wild, exotic, and domestic stray, lost, abandoned, sick, injured, and surrendered animals. SFACC’s doors are open to all animals in need regardless of species, medical, or behavioral condition. The shelter also enforces all state and local animal‑control and welfare laws and is the first responder for animals in natural disasters and citizen emergencies.
Job Announcement Opening Date:
November 26, 2025 Closing Date:
December 12, 2025, 11:59 pm
Appointment Type Temporary Exempt – Full‑Time position is excluded by the Charter from the competitive civil service examination process and shall serve at the discretion of the appointment officer.
Compensation $32.3875 – $41.3125 hourly
Responsibilities
Assists the B&T Assistant Supervisor to ensure the shelter provides the highest quality care for dogs.
Co‑ordinates internal pathway planning of dogs approved for transfer to adoption partner organizations.
Performs behavior evaluations on shelter dogs to determine suitability for adoption.
Provides enrichment to reduce stress and implements behavior modification plans.
Conducts play groups with other B&T staff weekly.
Teaches volunteer training classes.
Provides counseling for adopters before or after adoption, as needed.
Performs general housekeeping duties such as laundry, dishwashing, and other B&T supply needs.
Assists B&T staff and Volunteer Coordinator in promoting active and broad participation by dog volunteers.
Communicates effectively and professionally with co‑workers, management, and the public at all times, promoting exemplary customer service.
Assists staff, volunteers, and the public in obtaining information about dog behavior and training.
Participates in special shelter projects and events including bi‑annual town hall meetings, the annual Pet Pride Day, and quarterly staff meetings.
Performs related duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Six (6) months verifiable hands‑on professional or volunteer experience in animal care, feeding, or handling in a facility that houses animals, working principally with dogs and cats; OR
Thirty semester or 45 quarter units of coursework in animal husbandry, veterinary science, or a related program at an accredited college or university.
One (1) year verifiable experience caring for animals in a park, zoo, museum, or university setting.
License and Certification
Some positions may require possession and maintenance of, or the ability to obtain and maintain, a valid California Class C Driver's License.
Supplemental Information Special requirement: Must complete euthanasia training within six (6) months of appointment.
Verification Applicants may be required to submit verification of qualifying education and experience at any point in the application and/or departmental selection process. Written verification (proof) must be on the employer’s official letterhead, specifying name of employee, dates of employment, types of employment (part‑time/full‑time), job title(s), description of duties performed, and the verification must be signed by the employer. City employees receive credit for the duties of the class to which they are appointed. Credit for experience obtained outside the employee’s class is allowed only if recorded in accordance with the Civil Service Commission Rules. Experience claimed in self‑employment must be supported by documents verifying income, earnings, business license, and experience comparable to the minimum qualifications of the position. Copies of income tax papers or other documents listing occupations and total earnings must be submitted. If education verification is required, information on how to verify education requirements, including verifying foreign education credits or degree equivalency, can be found at http://sfdhr.org/index.aspx?page=456.
“Part‑time and volunteer experience may also be used to meet experience requirements. One year of full‑time employment is equivalent to 2,000 hours. Any overtime hours worked above forty (40) hours per week are not included in the calculation to determine full‑time employment.”
Note: Falsifying one’s education, training, or work experience or attempted deception on the application may result in disqualification for this and future job opportunities with the City and County of San Francisco.
Desired Qualifications
CPDT‑KA, CTC, or equivalent certification, or comparable experience working with and training dogs in a professional capacity and teaching public or volunteer dog training classes.
Knowledge of dog health and behavior issues, particularly those common in a shelter environment.
Must be articulate, organized, and able to manage multiple priorities.
Must have the ability to be patient and tactful when interacting with challenging, sensitive or emotional people and issues.
Must have strong active listening and communication skills.
Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Chameleon is a plus.
Working Conditions
Prolonged exposure to high noise levels and unpleasant odors in the kennels.
Work with people from diverse backgrounds, including individuals who may be angry or hostile.
Clean up animal excrement and sanitize kennels and/or cages.
A very busy office and working environment.
Frequently handling and being exposed to dogs with unknown temperament and behavior.
Limited exposure to fumes or airborne particles and toxic chemicals.
Having to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
Being prepared to work a flexible schedule, which includes weekends and evenings.
Application Information Applications will be screened for relevant qualifying experience. Additional screening mechanisms may be implemented to determine candidates’ qualifications. Only those applicants who most closely meet the needs of the Agency will be invited to participate in the selection process. Applicants meeting the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement to the interview. Qualified applicants with disabilities requiring reasonable accommodation in the selection process must contact the Agency by phone at (415) 554‑6000 or, if hearing impaired at (415) 554‑6015 (TTY).
For any questions regarding this posting, please contact the analyst, Jason Wong, at jason.wong3@sfgov.org.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement The City and County of San Francisco encourages women, minorities and persons with disabilities to apply. Applicants will be considered regardless of their sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition (associated with cancer, a history of cancer, or genetic characteristics), HIV/AIDS status, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, military and veteran status, or other protected category under the law.
The City and County of San Francisco shares a commitment to a diverse, inclusive and equitable community. Each member of our organization is responsible and accountable for what they say and do to make San Francisco an inclusive and equitable place to live and work by employing fair and just practices to and for all.
#J-18808-Ljbffr