Animal Care Specialist

City-of-Laguna-Beach,-C; Laguna Beach (CA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Laguna Beach is seeking a compassionate Animal Care Specialist to support the daily operations of our Animal Shelter. This role ensures a clean, safe environment for shelter animals and provides friendly public service on-site in Laguna Beach, CA.

You’ll work year‑round with a flexible schedule including weekends and holidays and be on-call for emergencies and natural disasters affecting animal welfare. Applicants must be 18+ with a CA driver’s license.

Qualifications

• Education: High School diploma required; an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in animal care/welfare, veterinary science, or related subject preferred.
• Experience: One year of experience with domestic animals in a veterinary hospital or animal facility, including kennel cleaning, animal care, and handling.
• License/Certificate: California Driver’s license and acceptable driving record.
• Applicants must be at least 18 years of age.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a clean, safe environment for shelter animals.
• Provide calm, friendly customer service to the public.
• Assist with daily shelter operations and animal care tasks.

Skills

Decision making

Customer service

Organization

Animal behavior

Animal handling

Computer skills

Education

High School diploma

Associate or Bachelor in animal care/welfare

Job description

Join our team and make a difference in the lives of animals and the community! The City of Laguna Beach is seeking a compassionate, reliable, and hardworking Animal Care Specialist to support the daily operations of our Animal Shelter. This vital role is responsible for maintaining a clean and safe environment for shelter animals while providing exceptional care and customer service to the public. If you’re passionate about animal welfare, thrive in a hands‑on environment, and are ready to work a flexible schedule that includes weekends and holidays, we encourage you to apply!

The Schedule:

This position will work year-round and be required to work a flexible schedule including weekends and holidays. This position is also subject to being on-call for natural disasters and other emergency incidents that might require the evacuation and transportation of the animals.

What You’ll Be Great At:

• Making thoughtful, independent decisions
• Providing calm, friendly customer service
• Staying organized while multitasking
• Assessing animal behavior and health
• Handling animals with care and confidence
• Using basic computer programs

The normal duties for this position can be found in the job description for Animal Care Specialist. They are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Any combination of education and experience demonstrating the ability to effectively and successfully perform the duties of the position is considered qualifying. A typical combination is as follows:

Education:

• High School diploma required, an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in animal care/welfare, veterinary science, or a related subject is preferred.

Experience:

• One (1) year of experience working with domestic animals in a veterinary hospital or other animal facility, including kennel cleaning, animal care, and animal handling experience.

License/Certificate Requirements

• Due to the performance of some field duties, which may require the operation of a personal or City vehicle, a valid California Driver’s license and an acceptable driving record are required.

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age.

The position is also subject to being on-call for natural disasters and other emergency incidents that might require the evacuation of the animal shelter and the transportation of the animals to alternative locations.

HIRING PROCESSS

Applications will be screened carefully, and selected candidates will be invited to a department interview. The appointing hiring authority will further review the job-related qualifications of those deemed eligible for hire before making selection decisions. The selected candidate will go through a public safety extensive background check, which includes a live scan, pre-employment physical, meeting with a private investigator, a polygraph test and drug screening.

THE DEPARTMENT

The Laguna Beach Police Department is dedicated to safeguarding the community through a commitment to professionalism, public trust, and exceptional service. The department provides a full range of law enforcement and public safety functions, including patrol operations, investigations, emergency response, community engagement initiatives and the Laguna Beach Animal Shelter. With a strong emphasis on partnership, transparency, and proactive policing, the department works closely with residents, businesses, and local organizations to maintain a safe and welcoming environment. Through innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement, the Laguna Beach Police Department strives to enhance the quality of life for all who live, work, and visit the city.

THE ORGANIZATION

Laguna Beach is a vibrant coastal community known for its stunning beaches, thriving arts scene, and strong commitment to environmental stewardship. With its unique blend of natural beauty, small‑town charm, and world‑class cultural attractions, the City offers residents an exceptional quality of life. Laguna Beach values innovation, community engagement, and high‑quality public service, making it a rewarding place to build a meaningful career. City staff enjoy working in a dynamic, collaborative environment where creativity and public service go hand in hand. Joining the City of Laguna Beach means contributing to a community that is dedicated to preserving its character while embracing opportunities for growth and improvement.