Animal Behaviorist

Future Salary Increase

Bi-annual step increases up to Step 14

3.00% across the board salary increase effective February 22, 2025 & 2026*

• Salary increases contingent upon Property Related Revenue and/or statewide Realignment Sales Tax Collections performance.

The Animal Care Divisionwithin the Department of Public Health (DPH) is seeking an Animal Behaviorist to assist in planning, developing, coordinating, and conducting one or more phases of an animal behavior management and/or assessment programs. Duties include evaluating the behaviors of animals admitted to County animal shelter facilities, developing plans and processes for behavior analysis, animal behavioral modification and animal training to assist in the placement of homeless pets. To learn more about the Animal Care Division, click here.

For more detailed information, refer to the Animal Behaviorist job description.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Pre-Employment Process: Prior to appointment, applicants must pass a background investigation which includes verification of employment history and education, fingerprinting, physical exam, and drug screening.

Visa Sponsorship:San Bernardino County is not able to consider candidates who will require Visa sponsorship at the time of application or in the future. Candidates must be able to present their legal right to work in the United States at the time of employment.

Physical:Must be able to lift and restrain small to very large animals, both domestic and wild, which may weigh up to 100 pounds.

Environmental:Will be exposed to cleaning and disinfectant chemicals at commercial facilities and animal control shelters.

Weather:Applicants must be able to perform duties in inclement weather.

Travel/License:Travel throughout the County is required. A valid California Class C driver license and proof of automobile liability insurance are required and must be maintained throughout employment.

Minimum Requirements

Applicants must meet all of the following requirements listed below:

ExperienceOne (1) year of experience training animals and providing behavioral assessments and humane behavioral modification protocols for dogs and/or cats.

EducationSixty (60) semester or Ninety (90) quarter units from an accredited college or university, preferably with major coursework in animal behavior, animal sciences, or animal education.

• Substitution: Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on the basis of Thirty (30) semester or Forty-five (45) quarter units equaling one year of full-time experience.

• Note: A list of completed college coursework must be submitted with the application if the candidate does not possess an Associatedegree or higher in one (1) of the fields of study listed above. Unofficial transcripts are accepted.

CertificationCertification in Animal Behavior or Professional Canine Training.

Note: Proof of certification mustbe submitted by the application filing deadline. You may attach an electronic copy to your online application -OR- email an electronic copy to employment@hr.sbcounty.gov

Desired Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor's Degree in animal behavior, animal sciences, or animal education and certifications in Animal Behavior or Professional Dog Training with over five (5) years of experience. Additionally, the ideal candidate will possess excellent communications skills, have experience working in a collaborative setting, experience in providing and developing animal behavioral assessments and humane behavioral modification protocols for dogs and/or cats and the ability to develop effective working relationships with rescue group partners and the public to provide information about an animal's behavior.