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Job Description
CAREER DESCRIPTION
ANIMAL CONTROL PUBLIC EDUCATION OFFICER
SALARY INFORMATION
Salary may be negotiable within the range listed above, based on position requirements and successful candidate's qualifications, subject to appropriate authorization.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
This recruitment is being held to establish an open eligible list to fill current and future Animal Control Public Education Officer vacancies within OC Community
Resources/OC Animal Care. The eligible list established may also be used to fill similar and lower-level classifications throughout the County of Orange.
DEADLINE TO APPLY
Friday, May 15, 2026 at 11:59PM (PT).
Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply immediately.
OC ANIMAL CARE
OC Animal Care's mission is to provide refuge and care for animals, foster the human-animal bond and promote safety in our community to ensure a safe compassionate community for all. OC Animal Care promotes responsible pet ownership; health and safety of people and animals and spay/neuter programs. OC Animal Care provides temporary shelter and medical care for lost, owned, or stray animals and opportunities for adoption for these animals.
OC Animal Care (OCAC) was founded in 1941 in the City of Orange in Orange County, California as a rabies control center with only 25 dog kennels. Since then, OCAC has expanded to play an important role in Orange County's animal care community. OCAC serves 14 cities and unincorporated areas of Orange County with its expanded programs and services, and in 2024, the agency accepted over 15,000 animals.
OCAC's goal is to deliver prompt, temporary care and refuge to homeless animals, reunite animals with their owners, facilitate adoption, ensure public safety, and enhance the human-animal bond in the community. The shelter is designed to provide a positive experience for animals and people alike and is the backdrop for the adaptive animal programming continually developed by OC Animal Care to provide enrichment, engagement and adoption services for the animals in its care.
For more information on OC Community Resources click on the link.
For more information on the County of Orange click on the link.
THE OPPORTUNITY
OC Animal Care is seeking skilled candidates to fill vacancies in the Animal Control Public Education Officer classification. Animal Control Public Education Officers can be given a variety of assignments and may be subject to assignment rotations. All assignments may involve some handling of animals. Potential assignments are listed below:
Foster Care Program
The Foster Program takes in hundreds of shelter pets who need additional support before being available for adoption. The Foster Coordinator oversees the day-to-day duties of the Foster Program under the guidance of supervisors and managers. This includes finding temporary placement for the animals that are not yet ready for adoption due to age, medical or behavioral issues. This position requires working with foster eligible animals, foster caretaker volunteers, clinic staff, and other agency departments to help these animals find foster placement. These employees may attend community events to educate the public about responsible pet ownership and recruit for foster caretakers.
Social Media/Events
The team member assigned to social media/events regularly posts updates to OC Animal Care’s social media accounts and website in order to promote services, programs, and/or adoption initiatives. This position may also use social media to encourage donations of needed items, as well as provide notice of operational changes, as appropriate. This team member will schedule and guide tours at the OC Animal Care facility for community groups, municipal stakeholders, or others. OC Animal Care conducts on-site and off-site events to engage the community and promote the services provided. This team member will attend events as well as, prepare messaging and work with supervisors, managers and agency stakeholders to ensure that events go smoothly and are successful. This work often involves coordination of events, the creation of graphics and promotional materials using programs such as InDesign, Photoshop, or Illustrator.
Volunteer Program
The Volunteer Program coordinates hundreds of volunteers in support of the overall mission of OC Animal Care. The Volunteer Coordinator is responsible for running the day to day duties of the Volunteer Program under the guidance of supervisors and managers. This includes working with various departments to identify their volunteer needs; creating and coordinating trainings and communications; updating records; and scheduling for over 500 volunteers.
Rescue Outreach Coordinator
The Rescue Outreach Coordinator works to promote animals at OC Animal Care in need of rescue placement due to medical, behavioral, or other concerns. This team member communicates with rescue partners in order to provide necessary information, videos, or medical records so that informed decisions can be made regarding the animal’s placement. This team member also coordinates large scale transports of animals to partner organizations within California as well as across state lines via air and ground transport. This position requires working with rescue partners, networkers, clinic staff, shelter staff, and customer service staff to help these animals find placement. The assignment, as do many at OC Animal Care, requires effective and tactful communication while navigating sensitive and emotional issues regarding animals served.
Intake Services
Staff assigned to work at OC Animal Care’s Intake and Diversion Counter assist the public seeking to drop off sick, injured, underaged or found animals, or those looking to surrender their own animals to the shelter. Intake staff provide education on managed intake procedures, refer owners to organizations that may be able to assist them with keeping their pet, and/or accept animals as appropriate. These employees will also be contacting owners of impounded animals to notify them of ways to reclaim their pet and speak with the public over the phone who are experiencing trouble keeping their pet. These employees may attend community events to educate the public about responsible pet ownership and the various programs available at OC Animal Care.
Field Services
Staff assigned to work in Field Services will assist in public education to the community about responsible pet ownership, services provided, and about local ordinances and state laws. Under the guidance of supervisors and managers, this team member may be assigned to the call center, radio dispatch, transporting sick/injured animals, picking up deceased animals, ensuring license compliance, or assisting with reunification of lost pets. The assignment, as do many at OC Animal Care, requires effective and tactful communication while navigating sensitive and emotional issues regarding animals served.
OC Animal Care provides service 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. Incumbents should be prepared to work rotating shifts, including days, nights, weekends and holidays on a four-day per week, 10 hour per day schedule; a five-day per week, eight hour per day schedule; or other schedule as assigned. Incumbents may be drafted for mandatory overtime in the event of an emergency, disaster, or during periods of unexpected staffing shortages.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS AND CORE COMPETENCIES
The ideal candidate will demonstrate extensive knowledge and/or related experience in the following core competencies:
Technical Experience- Working with computer programs related to animal care such as Chameleon, or with a volunteer tracking software product similar to Volgistics
- Principles and techniques of public/community relations including use of media resources
- Working in an environment involving the care and treatment of animals
- Ability to safely handle animals who may be underaged, sick, injured, or aggressive
- Federal, State and County ordinances and laws relating to animals
- Working with social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, etc.) or with other methods of communicating information to the public
Critical Thinking- Utilizing creative solutions to solve unusual problems
- Thinking logically and organizing thoughts and work priorities to accomplish work efficiently
- Gathering, analyzing and applying information skillfully
- Conducting research, critically analyzing data, and presenting complex data or ideas to a variety of audiences
Interpersonal Communication | Relationship Building- Demonstrating skill and ability to work cooperatively with internal and external stakeholders
- Coordinating with others in response to multiple, competing demands to ensure work is completed in a timely manner
- Working as a liaison with organizations and individuals to achieve common goals
Oral & Written Communication- Preparing and conducting public presentations clearly and effectively
- Demonstrating effective verbal and written communication
- Following written and oral instruction effectively
- Interpreting and applying oral and written instructions
- Listening actively to others for full understanding of what is being communicated
- Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships
- Providing customer service to the public regarding animal care
- Ability to effectively de-escalate situations where a customer may be upset
Organization & Planning- Coordinating with others in response to multiple, competing demands to ensure work is completed in a timely manner
- Maintaining a high level of energy and commitment to juggle multiple tasks and priorities, and using available resources to get more done with less; all without losing focus
- Setting high standards for quality work and responsiveness in providing administrative services
- Adjusting priorities to respond to pressing and changing demands
LICENSE REQUIRED
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Driver License, Class C or higher, is required by the date of appointment.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Please click here to view the minimum qualifications for Animal Control Public Education Officer.
RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Human Resource Services (HRS) screens all application materials for minimum and/or desirable qualifications. After screening, applicants who meet the minimum and/or desirable qualifications will be referred to the next step in the recruitment process. All applicants will be notified via email of their status in the process.
Online Assessment | Multiple Choice (Weighted 100%)
An online assessment consisting of job-related questions will be administered. Candidates who pass this test will be referred to the next step.
Based on the Department's needs, the selection procedures above may be modified. Candidates will be notified of any changes in the selection procedures.
Eligible List
Once the assessment has been completed, HRS will establish an eligible list of candidates. Candidates placed on the eligible list may be referred to a selection interview to be considered for present and future vacancies.
Veterans Employment Preference
The County is committed to providing a mechanism to give preferential consideration in the employment process to veterans and their eligible spouses and will provide eligible participants the opportunity to receive interviews in the selection process for employment and paid internship openings. Please click here to review the policy.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
EMAIL NOTIFICATION
Email is the primary form of notification during the recruitment process. Please ensure your correct email address is included in our application and use only one email account.
NOTE: User accounts are established for one person only and should not be shared with another person. Multiple applications with multiple users may jeopardize your status in the recruitment process for any positions for which you apply.
Candidates will be notified regarding their status as the recruitment proceeds via email through the GovernmentJobs.com site. Please check your email folders, including spam/junk folders, and/or accept emails ending with "governmentjobs.com" and "ocgov.com." If your email address should change, please update your profile at www.governmentjobs.com.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Click here for additional Frequently Asked Questions.
For specific information pertaining to this recruitment, contact Jenny Kim at 714-480-2861 or by email atJenny.Kim@occr.ocgov.com
EEO INFORMATION
Orange County, as an equal employment opportunity employer, encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.
Non-Management Benefits
In addition to the County's standard suite of benefits, such as a variety of health plan options, annual leave and paid holidays--we also offer an excellent array of benefits such as a Health Care Reimbursement Account, 457 Defined Contribution Plan and Annual Education and Professional Reimbursement. Employees are provided a Retirement Plan through the Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS).
Please go to the following link to find out more about Defined Benefit Pensions and OCERS Plan Types/Benefits.
http://www.ocers.org/active-member-information
Click here for information about benefits offered to County of Orange employees.
Closing Date/Time: 5/15/2026 11:59 PM Pacific -
ABOUT THE COMPANY
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County of Orange
Show moreDiscover a Fulfilling Career at the County of Orange
With a population of over 3 million residents and 34 cities, Orange County is a thriving community known for its beautiful beaches, diverse culture, and strong economy. As the third-largest employer in the county, the County of Orange offers over 18,000 employees the opportunity to make a difference in their community and build a fulfilling career in public service.
As a County of Orange employee, you will have the chance to work in a variety of departments, each providing vital services to our community. From law enforcement and healthcare to public works and environmental protection, there is a wide range of career paths to explore. And with opportunities for advancement and professional growth, you can build a long and rewarding career with us.
As a top employer in the region, the County of Orange is committed to providing our employees with excellent benefits, including a competitive salary, flexible work schedules, and outstanding healthcare coverage. We also offer opportunities for career development and training, ensuring that our employees have the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.
Whether you're just starting your career or looking for a new challenge, the County of Orange is a great place to work. With a supportive and collaborative work environment, a commitment to excellence, and opportunities for growth and advancement, we invite you to join our team and make a difference in your community.
Community Impact:
Working for the County of Orange means you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in your community. Whether you're providing critical services to residents, protecting the environment, or maintaining public safety, your work will make a difference in the lives of those around you.
Employee Wellness:
At the County of Orange, we prioritize our employees' well-being. We offer telecommuting options, generous health benefits, and wellness programs to promote work-life balance. We believe that by taking care of our employee’s health and well-being, we can help them excel in their careers while still enjoying their personal lives and taking care of their families.
Innovation:
The County of Orange is committed to embracing new technologies and innovative approaches to service delivery. We encourage our employees to think creatively and find ways to improve our processes and systems. If you're someone who loves to problem-solve and think outside the box, you'll find a supportive and dynamic environment here.
Collaboration:
Collaboration is key to our success at the County of Orange. We value teamwork, communication, and mutual support, and we work together across departments and functions to achieve our goals. If you're someone who enjoys collaborating with others and building strong relationships, you'll find a welcoming and inclusive community here.
Equality:
At the County of Orange, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and respected. Our Equity Policy reflects this commitment and guides our efforts to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion in everything we do.
Career Advancement:
The County of Orange is dedicated to helping our employees grow and advance in their careers. We offer a variety of training and development opportunities to help our employees reach their full potential. If you're looking for a place to build a long and fulfilling career, the County of Orange is an excellent choice.
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