Job Description

Salary : $51,907.68 - $63,099.36 Annually
Location : Sacramento, CA
Job Type: Permanent Full-Time
Job Number: 29144-F
Department: Animal Care & Services
Opening Date: 08/21/2026
Closing Date: 10/16/2026 5:00 PM Pacific


The Position
This is a continuous filing exam. Next filing cut-offs are at 5:00 pm on:

9/4/2026, 9/18/2026, 10/16/2026 (Final)
Under general supervision, the Animal Care Attendant feeds and cares for animals and maintains safe and sanitary kennel facilities and equipment at the Sacramento County Animal Shelter.

Examples of Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge of

• Practices, methods, and materials used in cleaning animal facilities
• Feeding and caring for animals
• Physical and behavioral characteristics of various animal species
• Basic symptoms of common animal diseases

Ability to

• Work with co-workers, staff, volunteers, and members of the general public from various socio-economic and cultural backgrounds in a courteous and effective manner
• Read, write, and speak English at a level necessary for satisfactory job performance
• Work safely with aggressive animals
• Learn to euthanize animals in a safe and humane manner
• Learn to operate the equipment used in handling various types of small and large animals, birds, reptiles, and livestock
• Safely operate a County vehicle in performance of duties

Employment Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Six months paid or unpaid full-time experience in the care and treatment of animals. Examples of qualifying experience are: veterinarian technician or helper, kennel attendant, S.P.C.A. attendant, zoo attendant, 4-H or farm experience, or animal training experience.


Note: If the word "experience" is referenced in the minimum qualifications, it means full-time paid experience unless the minimum qualification states that volunteer experience is acceptable. Part-time paid experience may be accumulated and pro-rated to meet the total experience requirements.


General Qualifications


Background/Criminal History Check: The County may access criminal history information on candidates who have accepted a conditional offer of appointment for this class consistent with the provisions of Board of Supervisors Resolution No. 82-602, Personnel Policies and applicable federal and state laws. The County shall not consider for employment any candidate who has been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor that relates to or impacts the candidate's ability to perform the job duties of this class unless it is determined that mitigating circumstances exist. For purposes of accessing criminal history information, the candidate will be fingerprinted. A subsequent arrest notification may be obtained.

The County may also conduct a background check on the candidate prior to appointment to a position within this class. The background check may include personal and professional reference checks, credit history checks where authorized by Labor Code section 1024.5, Social Security Number verification, professional license/registration verification, military service information and driving history. Information obtained in the course of this background check will be considered by the appointing authority in the selection process. In obtaining such information, the County will comply with applicable consent and disclosure practices in the Fair Credit Reporting Act and the California Investigative Consumer Reporting Agencies Act.

Driver's License: A valid California Driver License, Class C or higher, may be required at the time of appointment. Failure to obtain or maintain the appropriate California Driver License may constitute cause for personnel action in accordance with Civil Service Rules or applicable bargaining agreement. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Some positions in the Animal Care Attendant class series may require possession of a Registered Veterinary Technician license from the State of California. Failure to successfully obtain and maintain the required license may be cause for personnel action in accordance with Civil Service Rules or applicable bargaining agreement.


Permit Requirement: In accordance with the State Veterinary Medical Board (VMB), incumbents appointed to this class shall be required to obtain a Veterinary Assistant Controlled Substance Permit within three months of appointment. Failure to successfully obtain and maintain the required permit may be cause for personnel action in accordance with Civil Service Rules or applicable bargaining agreement.


Age Requirement: Minimum age - 18 years.

Physical Requirements: Positions in this class require incumbents to be able to:

• Stand and walk for extended periods of time.
• Bend, stoop, squat, and crawl in small, low, and/or confined areas.
• Climb ladders and work at aboveground levels.
• Lift up to 40 pounds and occasionally lift up to 80 pounds with assistance.

Individuals who do not meet these requirements due to disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.


Working Conditions: Positions in this class require the incumbents to:

• Be exposed to infectious, poisonous, and threatening animals.
• Be exposed to chemicals used to perform euthanasia.
• Work outdoor in all types of local weather conditions.
• Work around dust, dirt, and odors.
• Work in and around animal fur, dander and excrement.
• Work weekends, holidays, and non-routine hours, including fluctuating hours and after hours call outs.
• Work at various locations throughout the County.
• Wear a uniform that conforms to departmental standards.

Probationary Period
The probationary period for this classification is six (6) months.

Application and Testing Information

APPLICATION Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. All applicants must complete and submit an online County of Sacramento employment application by 5:00 PM on the posted cut-off date. Click to apply.


County of Sacramento
Department of Personnel Services
Employment Services Division
700 H Street, Room 4667
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone (916) 874-5593; 7-1-1 California Relay Service
Email Inter-Office Mail Code: 09-4667

• Employment applications and all documentation requested in this announcement must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on the cut-off date.
• Employment Services is not responsible for any issues or delays caused by an applicant's computer or web browser. Applicants will be automatically logged out if they have not submitted their applications and all documentation prior to 5:00 p.m. on the cut-off date.
• Your application should highlight all relevant education, training, and experience, and clearly indicate how you meet the minimum qualifications for the position as of the cut-off date.
• Application information must be current, concise and related to the requirements in this job announcement. You may only apply for this recruitment once. Duplicate and incomplete applications will be disqualified.
• A resume may be included with your application, however it will not substitute for the information requested on the application.

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE Applicants are required to provide a full and complete response to each supplemental question. The Supplemental Questionnaire is located in the tab marked "Supplemental Questions". Please be descriptive in your response.


Note: Responses of "See Resume" or "See Application", or copy and paste of work experience are not qualifying responses and will not be considered.

• Supplemental Questionnaires must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on the cut-off date. Employment Services is not responsible for any issues or delays caused by an applicant's computer or web browser. Applicants will be automatically logged out if they have not submitted their applications and all documentation prior to 5:00 p.m. on the cut-off date.
• The supplemental questions are designed to elicit specific information regarding a candidate's experience, education, and training. Responses should be consistent with the information on your application and are subject to verification.
• Please provide place of employment, pertinent dates, and concise, descriptive and detailed information for each question.
• If a job included responsibilities applicable to several questions, separate the different functions of the job to answer all the questions completely.
• Resumes or referral to the application or other questionnaire responses will not be accepted in lieu of completing each question.
• If you have no experience, write "no experience" for the appropriate question.
• For many individuals, it is more efficient to develop responses to the supplemental questions in a word processing document and then paste them into the final document to be submitted. Changes or corrections to your Supplemental Questionnaire cannot be made once your application packet has been submitted.
• If the Supplemental Questionnaire is used in the Formula Rate exam, failure to complete all of the questions or incomplete responses will result in a lower score. While scoring the Supplemental Questionnaire, the candidate's application and/or attachments will not be reviewed, therefore, a candidate's responses to the questions should be accurate, thorough, detailed, and complete.

FORMULA RATE EXAMINATION (Weighted 100%) All candidates meeting the minimum qualifications by the cut-off date will have their Supplemental Questionnaire scored in the Formula Rate Examination.


This examination will evaluate the relevance, level, recency, progression and quality of candidate's education, training and experience. The candidate's application or other materials will not be included in this examination. Therefore, the candidate's responses to the supplemental questionnaire should be thorough, detailed and complete. The score from the Formula Rate Examination will determine the ranking on the eligible/employment list for this job.


All candidates competing in the testing process will receive written notice of their examination results by email. Notices can also be accessed in their governmentjobs.com inbox. Applicants achieving a passing score will be placed on the eligible list in rank order. The rank is determined by the test score attained from the examination.


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Click for Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)For information regarding County jobs:
Sacramento County is about enriching communities to thrive. We strive to create inclusive workplaces that reflect the communities we serve. We value and celebrate the unique perspectives, backgrounds, abilities, and diverse dimensions of our employees and residents. Through transparency, courage, innovation, and trust we are committed to advance equity and transformational change.

We are a proud equal opportunity employer. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability for any phase of the hiring process, please contact our Disability Compliance Office at dco@saccounty.gov or 916-874-7642, CA Relay 711 For more information, visit:
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS


At Sacramento County, we strive to provide benefit programs designed to meet our employees' current and future needs and help them as they balance their careers and personal life. County of Sacramento employees have a variety of benefits available. These benefits include:

• Dental Insurance
• Vision Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Health Insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Life Insurance
• Critical Illness
• Retiree Health Savings Plan (RHSP)
• Deferred Compensation

More information can be found on the


TEMPORARY POSITIONS:
Most benefits do not apply to temporary positions.


VACATION:
Generally, vacation with pay begins at 10 days annually. With increase over a period of years, the maximum annual vacation with pay is 25 days.


HOLIDAYS:
14.5 holidays per year as recognized by the Board of Supervisors.


SICK LEAVE:
Equivalent to 15 days annually, unlimited accumulation.
TUITION REIMBURSEMENT:
Regular County employees may be eligible to receive Tuition Reimbursement. The costs for course tuition/registration fees and required books/supplies may be eligible for reimbursement. Tuition reimbursement amounts may vary depending upon union agreement.


RETIREMENT:
The County's defined-benefit pension plan is provided by the County Employees' Retirement Law of 1937 and is managed by the Sacramento County Employees' Retirement System (SCERS) Board of Retirement. For more information, visit the SCERS website,


DENTAL INSURANCE:
For more information, visit the


LIFE INSURANCE:
The County of Sacramento provides a basic life insurance benefit to all eligible employees at no cost. Additional coverage may be purchased through payroll deduction.

For more information, visit the


DEFERRED COMPENSATION:
A deferred compensation program is available through the County 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan. For more information, visit the


EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM:
The County of Sacramento provides an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for employees and their eligible dependents. The EAP offers confidential, professional counseling services in areas such as:

• Legal Advice/Difficult Decisions
• Marriage or Family Relationships
• Financial or Credit Worries/Elder Care
• Alcohol and Drug Abuse

More information can be found on the
WELLNESS INCENTIVE PROGRAM:
The County will recognize and award time off to eligible employees who maintain an excellent attendance record.


FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT:
The County offers regular employees two separate Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA's). These accounts allow employees to set money aside, on a pre-tax basis via payroll deduction, to pay for medical, dental or dependent care expenses.

DEPENDENT CARE REIMBURSEMENT ACCOUNT:
Employees may set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for qualified childcare or dependent care expenses that are necessary for the employee and/or spouse to continue working.

MEDICAL REIMBURSEMENT ACCOUNT:
The Medical Reimbursement Account allows pre-tax dollars to be set aside to pay for out-of-pocket expenses that are not paid by insurance or reimbursed by any other benefit plan.


WORKERS' COMPENSATION:
In case of injury while on the job, each employee is protected under the Workers' Compensation laws of California.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT OUR FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

VETERAN'S PREFERENCE:
Military veterans who have served during wartime shall be given preference in initial appointment to County service. Such preference shall apply, provided the veteran has first achieved a minimum passing score in the examination. The passing score of a veteran shall be annotated to indicate the veteran's score shall be regarded as 5 points or higher, OR 10 points higher for disabled veterans, only for the purpose of determining the three ranks along with which the veteran's name shall be certified. No score shall actually be changed and no new rank shall be created as a result of application of veteran's preference for certification purposes.

"Disabled Veteran" means any veteran who has served during wartime and, who, as of the final filing date for an examination is declared by the United States Veterans Administration or military service department to be 10% or more disabled as a result of his/her military service. Persons claiming eligibility for disabled veteran's preference must submit to the employment office, on or before the application deadline date, a certification from the United States Veterans Administration or a military service department, dated within 1 year, which certifies the present existence of a service related disability of 10% or more, or other acceptable proof of such disability as a result of his/her military service.
Persons claiming eligibility for veterans preference must submit a copy of Form DD 214 or other acceptable proof of veteran's status on or before the final filing date for the examination. For purpose of this rule "reserve" status does not constitute active duty.


SPECIAL SKILL QUALIFICATIONS (WHEN SPECIFIED ON THE JOB ANNOUNCEMENT):
Persons who have special skills required by some (but not all) positions in a class may be certified ahead of others provided that:
Such special skills are based on the duties and requirements of the positions and are in conformance with merit system and equal opportunity principles, and
The certification of eligibles who possess special skills have been approved by the Civil Service Commission.
01


The following Supplemental Questionnaire is the Civil Service Exam for this position and will be used to determine your exam score. All experience, education, and/or training used to answer the supplemental questions must be included on your application.
In order to receive every consideration in the selection process, you must complete all questions with concise but detailed answers and provide all requested information. Each answer will be scored separately. References such as 'See Resume' as a response will not be scored.
By continuing in the exam process, you are certifying that all information provided in the Supplemental Questionnaire is true to the best of your knowledge.

• I have read and understood the above instructions.

02


Select all the boxes that best identify your experience in the care and treatment of animals.

• 4-H or farm experience.
• Animal training experience.
• Kennel attendant.
• S.P.C.A. attendant.
• Veterinary helper.
• Veterinary technician.
• Zoo attendant.
• None of the above.

03



Domestic pets : Select the one box that best describes your full-time paid or volunteer experience providing care and monitoring the behavior of domestic pets (e.g. dogs, cats, rabbits, reptiles) as a Veterinarian technician or helper, kennel attendant, S.P.C.A. attendant, zoo attendant, for 4-H or on a farm, or in an animal training facility.

• None or less than three (3) months.
• Three (3) months but less than six (6) months.
• Six (6) months but less than twelve (12) months.
• Twelve (12) months but less than eighteen (18) months.
• Eighteen (18) months or more.

04



Livestock or wild animals: Select the one box that best describes your full-time paid or volunteer experience providing care and monitoring the behavior of livestock or wild animals (e.g. wildlife, goats, sheep, horses, cows) as a Veterinarian technician or helper, kennel attendant, S.P.C.A. attendant, zoo attendant, for 4-H or on a farm, or in an animal training facility.

• None or less than three (3) months.
• Three (3) months but less than six (6) months.
• Six (6) months but less than twelve (12) months.
• Twelve (12) months but less than eighteen (18) months.
• Eighteen (18) months or more.

05


Select all the boxes that best describe areas in which you have paid or volunteer experience performing duties similar to those assigned to an Animal Care Attendant.

• Assisting in basic animal husbandry tasks under the direction of management or supervisory staff.
• Assisting veterinary staff with medical procedures.
• Assisting with euthanasia-related procedures in accordance with laws, policies, and humane practices, including performing or assisting with the procedure, or preparing animals or areas for the procedure.
• Cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing kennels, cages, runs, or other animal-housing areas using established cleaning methods.
• Entering or updating animal information in shelter software, such as Chameleon or other similar systems.
• Monitoring animals for signs of illness, injury, unusual behavior, or distress and reporting concerns to supervisory or veterinary staff.
• Operating a vehicle to obtain supplies, transport animals, or perform related duties.
• Operating animal handling equipment for diverse species (such as small and large animals, birds, reptiles, and livestock).
• Providing food, water, and basic daily care for animals in a shelter, kennel, or veterinary environment.
• Recording animal identification information (tags, bands, IDs) and documenting animal condition or location in shelter systems.
• None of the above.

06


Select the one box that best describes your paid or volunteer experience identifying animals using tags, bands, or other shelter identification methods, safely handling them, and kenneling them according to established procedures, including various animal conditions (e.g., healthy, ill/injured, quarantined, or aggressive).

• None.
• Have occasionally tagged, handled, or kenneled animals, limited to healthy domestic animals.
• Regularly tagged, handled, and kenneled animals following established procedures, including healthy and ill or injured domestic animals.
• Regularly tagged, handled, and kenneled animals, including healthy, ill or injured, quarantined, and aggressive or difficult-to-control animals, in an animal care facility or similar environment.

07


Select all of the boxes for which you have paid or volunteer experience working directly with customers or members of the public.

• Working directly with customers or members of the public in a face-to-face setting.
• Working directly with customers or members of the public via phone.
• Communicating policies, procedures, laws, and/or regulations to customers or members of the public.
• De-escalating interactions with customers or members of the public who may be upset, angry or hostile, confused, emotional, or under stress.
• Networking with the public, animal owners, potential animal adopters, and Rescue / Foster groups.
• None of the above.

08


Select the one box that best describes your paid or volunteer experience with a substantial amount of public contact that includes responsibilities for clarifying laws, policies, rules, and/or procedures.

• None or less than three (3) months.
• Three (3) months but less than six (6) months.
• Six (6) months but less than twelve (12) months.
• Twelve (12) months but less than eighteen (18) months.
• Eighteen (18) months or more.

09


Select all the boxes that best describe the types of customers you have paid or volunteer experience providing comprehensive information to and working with, in a collaborative manner, in an animal care environment.

• Animal owners.
• Foster care providers.
• Law Enforcement or Code Enforcement staff during critical situations.
• Personnel from neighboring jurisdictions regarding animal care.
• Potential animal adopters.
• Rescue Organizations / Adoption Partners.
• None of the above.

10


Select the one box that best describes your paid or volunteer experience entering notes in records or files and/or maintaining files or records.

• None.
• Responsible for making accurate notes for records and files.
• Responsible for maintaining files and records.
• Responsible for maintaining files and records in an animal care facility.

11


Select all the boxes that best describe your experience with Animal Shelter Software.

• Chameleon.
• PetPoint.
• Shelter Buddy.
• Other.
• None of the above.

12


Have you passed a Sodium Pentobarbital/ Euthanasia Training that meets the requirements of California Code of Regulations, Title 16, Section 2039?

• Yes.
• No.

13


If you have passed a Sodium Pentobarbital/ Euthanasia Training that meets the requirements of California Code of Regulations, Title 16, section 2039, please enter the date you completed training and the training agency. If you have not taken this training, please write "None".
14


Select the one box that describes your current valid California Driver License.

• I have the ability to immediately obtain a California Class C Driver License.
• I possess a California Class C Driver License or higher.
• I do not possess nor have the ability to obtain a California Class C Driver License.

15


In Accordance with the State Veterinary Medical Board (VMB), incumbents appointed to this class shall be required to obtain a Veterinary Assistant Controlled Substance Permit within three months of appointment (paid for by the County of Sacramento).

• I have read the above requirement and am willing and able to obtain a Veterinary Assistant Controlled Substance Permit if appointed to this class.

16


Describe in detail your education, training, certifications and paid or unpaid experience as it pertains to the position of Animal Care Attendant with the County of Sacramento. For all experience listed, provide the following information if applicable:

• Employer(s) and/or Organization(s)
• Employer and/or Organization type (e.g., animal shelter, veterinary hospital, zoo, etc.)
• Position title(s)
• Dates of employment/volunteerism
• Hours worked or volunteered per week
• Your experience in the care and treatment of animals (specify tasks and responsibilities)
• Primary duties and responsibilities to support and further clarify the experience selected in response to all prior supplemental questions, as well as, other applicable duties performed

If you have no relevant education, training, certifications or experience, please write "None".
17



Physical Requirements :
Positions in this class require incumbents to be able to:

• Stand and walk for extended periods of time.
• Bend, stoop, squat, and crawl in small, low, and or/confined areas.
• Climb ladders and work above ground levels.
• Lift up to 40 pounds and occasionally lift up to 80 pounds with assistance.

• I have read and understood the physical requirements listed above.

18



Working Conditions:
Positions in this class require the incumbents to:

• Be exposed to infectious, poisonous, and threatening animals.
• Be exposed to chemicals used to perform euthanasia.
• Work outdoor in all types of local weather conditions.
• Work around dust, dirt, and odors.
• Work in and around animal fur, dander and excrement.
• Work weekends, holidays, and non-routine hours, including fluctuating hours and after hours call outs.
• Work at various locations throughout the County.
• Wear a uniform that conforms to departmental standards.

• I have read and understood the working conditions listed above.

19


The County of Sacramento is committed to maintaining a drug and alcohol free workplace. All persons selected for appointment must pass a drug test administered by the County and at no cost to the applicant.

I understand, if offered conditional employment, I will be subject to a drug test administered by the County as described in Sacramento County Personnel Ordinance Section 2.78.030.

• Yes.
• No.

20


I have read the General Requirements as stated on the job announcement.

• Yes.

21


Select the one box that best describes whether you have attended a career fair and/or job event where you have interacted with representatives from Sacramento County.

• Attended in the last one (1) - three (3) months.
• Attended in the last four (4) - six (6) months.
• Attended in the last seven (7) months - one (1) year.
• Attended an event more than one (1) year ago.
• Have attended a career fair and/or job event but did not interact with Sacramento County representatives.
• Have not attended a career fair and/or job event.

22


List the following for the career fair and/or job event you attended:

• Name of event
• Location of event
• Month and year of event

If you have not attended an event where you interacted with representatives from Sacramento County, please write "None"
Required Question

Job Tags

Permanent employment, Full time, Part time, Work experience placement, Work at office, Local area, Immediate start, Flexible hours, Weekend work

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