Animal Control Officer - Shift

About the role

This position works within the Kern County Animal Services Department.

Responsibilities

• Assessing the applicant's knowledge of State laws and county ordinances relating to licensing, impounding, care, treatment and disposal of animals;
• Techniques and procedures for the safe, humane and efficient handling of animals;
• Varieties of animals and their care and feeding;
• Causes and symptoms of common animal diseases.

Requirements

• High School Diploma, G.E.D. or equivalent AND one (1) year of experience in a setting which included the care and handling of animals or work of a responsible nature working with people in situations requiring the exercise of tact and good judgment;
• Valid California Motor Vehicle Driver's license;
• Completion of a certified Penal Code 832 course in arrest and firearms within one year of appointment, and preferred before appointment.

Qualifications

• Minimum qualifications include a High School Diploma, G.E.D. or equivalent AND one (1) year of experience in a setting which included the care and handling of animals or work of a responsible nature working with people in situations requiring the exercise of tact and good judgment;
• Valid California Motor Vehicle Driver's license;
• Completion of a certified Penal Code 832 course in arrest and firearms is required within one year of appointment, and preferred before appointment.

Skills

N/A

Benefits

N/A

Pay

Shift work: 5% additional pay for evening shift work, 7 ½% additional pay for night shift work.

Schedule

Applicants must be willing to work any shift of a 24-hour period and any 5 of 7 days.

Human Resources Division

The Human Resources Division may solely conduct an appraisal of application materials should there be an insufficient number of candidates to warrant a written exam.

Examination Schedule

• Written Exam: will be conducted on Friday, August 7, 2026.

Full Job Description

This position works within the Kern County Animal Services Department. For more information about the department, please view their website here .

About Kern County

Kern County employees provide opportunities that are purposeful to our community. Every employee and every action contributes to the improvement and strengthening of our county. To learn more about Kern County, click here or follow us:

Additional Information

• Admittance to the examination will require a valid government issued photograph identification.
• Applicants who are unable to present proper identification must make arrangements with the Human Resources Division prior to the test date.
• A background check may be conducted for this classification.
• Following an offer of employment, you may be required to submit to post offer medical and drug screening tests at County expense.

Other permanent and temporary appointments

Will be made as needed.

Eligible List

Successful candidates will remain on the eligible list for a period of twelve-months, unless specified otherwise by the Civil Service Commission.

For more information regarding Kern County's recruitment process

Please see our FAQ page .

Kern County is an ADA compliant and an equal opportunity employer

and encourages all qualified individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply.