Animal Care Worker - Shift

Kern-County,-CA; Bakersfield (CA); On-site; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Kern County's Animal Services Department seeks an Animal Care Worker to support animal welfare. The position requires a High School Diploma or GED and a valid California driver's license, with availability to work any shift, including evenings and weekends.

Examinations include a written test on breeds and diseases; passing score is required. Eligible candidates may be appointed immediately as vacancies arise.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma, G.E.D. or equivalent OR a combination of education and experience sufficient to obtain the knowledge and skills to successfully perform the essential duties of the job.
• Possession of a valid California Motor Vehicle Driver's License.

Skills

Animal handling

Attention to detail

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Shift work: 5% additional pay for evening shift work; applicants must be willing to work any shift of a 24-hour period and any 5 to 7 days.

EXAMINATION SCHEDULE:

• Written exam: will be conducted on September 16, 2026.

Examinations:

Written Exam (Weight 100%): Will be conducted for the purpose of assessing the applicant's knowledge of animal breeds, characteristics and diseases.

Applicants must attain at least 70% score on each phase of the examination process.

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

Minimum Qualifications / Employment Standards:

High School Diploma, G.E.D. or equivalent ORa combination of education and experience sufficient to obtain the knowledge and skills to successfully perform the essential duties of the job.

Possession of a valid California Motor Vehicle Driver's License.

Full Job Description: Animal Care Worker

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

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.

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Growth Mindset

We always encourage our employees to grow and develop. Kern County has culture of innovation that allows employees to explore creative and more efficient ways to accomplish their work. We provide access to training and continued professional development in an effort to ensure that our employees have opportunities to grow may careers.

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.

This examination will establish an eligible list from which an immediate appointment will be made at the Animal Services Department. Other permanent and temporary appointments will be made as needed.

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.