Animal Control Officer - Shift

Position Information

Shift work: 5% additional pay for evening shift work, 7 ½% additional pay for night shift work; applicants must be willing to work any shift of a 24-hour period and any 5 of 7 days.

Examination Schedule

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

Examinations

Written Exam (Weight 100%): Will be conducted for the purpose of 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; various breeds of animals and their care and feeding; causes and symptoms of common animal diseases.

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.

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

Minimum Qualifications / Employment Standards

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; OR any equivalent combination of training and experience.

Possession of a 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.

Please ensure applicable materials are attached to your application. If you are unable to attach application materials to your application, you may deliver a copy to the Human Resources Division at 1115 Truxtun Ave. First Floor, Bakersfield, CA 93301 or email Sign in to view email.

Full Job Description: Animal Control Officer

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.

Growth Mindset

We always encourage our employees to grow and develop. Kern County has a 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 for career growth.

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.

This examination will establish an eligible list from which an immediate appointment will be made at the Kern Conty 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.

Kern County Employee Benefits

• As a regular or provisional employee of Kern County, working twenty (20) hours or more per week, you are presently eligible for the following benefits as described below:

Health Insurance: (Medical/Dental/Vision): Kern County offers five affordable medical options. Kern Legacy Health Plans are medical and prescription health plan options administered directly by the County of Kern. Kaiser Permanente is also an option. Employees may also choose from two dental plans; Liberty Dental PPO or HMO. The vision coverage is provided through Vision Service Plan (VSP).

Retirement Program: Kern County Employees' Retirement Association (KCERA). This Section 401 (a) defined benefit retirement plan requires employer and employee contribution and pays retired employees a pension based on salary, years of service, and age upon retirement.

Deferred Compensation: This section 457 plan allows employees to contribute on a pre-tax basis to a supplemental retirement account which is then paid out to them when they retire.

Social Security Administration

Note: Both Kern County and the employee contribute to Social Security and Medicare as follows:

• The County of Kern withholds 6.2% for Social Security (FICA1) and 1.45% for Medicare (FICA2) from employee's payroll warrants
• The County matches the employee's 6.2% for Social Security and 1.45% for Medicare

Employee Assistance Program: EAP is available to help you take control of your life!

Voluntary Benefits: Chimienti & Associates (Administrator) offers the following voluntary benefits and can be deducted on a pre-tax bases: Short Term Disability Coverage, Accident Plan, Cancer Plan and a Flexible Spending Account.

Paid Holiday Leave: 12 set days (per calendar year)

Do you understand that, if selected for appointment, you will be required to obtain a Penal Code 832 certification in arrest and firearms within one year of appointment?

• Yes
• No

Are you willing and able to work any shift within a 24-hour period and any five (5) days within a seven (7)-day period?

• Yes
• No
• Required Question