Temporary Animal Services Counselor- Coachella Valley

The County of Riverside's Human Resources Temporary Assignment Program (TAP) is seeking a TemporaryAnimal Services Counselor to support the Animal Services Department in the Coachella Valley.

Under general supervision, the Animal Services Counselor performs basic animal intake and assists with improving animal outcomes for the Department of Animal Services; coordinates for spay/neutering of animals for outreach adoptions and transporting animals to outreach events; performs other related duties as required.

The Animal Services Counselor is a first professional level classification and reports to a supervising or manager level position.

This class is characterized by the responsibility for coordinating the animal intake and improving animal outcomes of shelter animals and participating in the Animal Services Community Outreach & Education Division activities.

The five divisions for Animal Services Counselor are Adoption, Foster, Enrichment, Rescue, and Pet Support.

We encourage you to read more about these divisions below.

Adoption Counselor - This position is a customer-facing position that focuses on matching people and pets to each other.

This role involves face-to-face interactions with the public and direct animal handling to match adoptable animals with potential homes, providing guidance, education, and support throughout the adoption process.

You'll also play a key role in assessing adopters' needs, promoting responsible pet ownership, and ensuring animals are placed in safe, loving environments.

Ideal candidates are compassionate, patient, great communicators, and comfortable working in a fast-paced, emotionally rewarding environment.

Bilingual skills and previous customer service or animal care experience are a plus.

Foster Counselor - This position will support and grow our foster program by working directly with individuals and families who open their homes to animals in need.

This role includes matching animals with appropriate foster homes, providing training and resources to foster caregivers, and serving as a point of contact for ongoing support.

You'll help coordinate animal movement in and out of foster care, troubleshoot challenges, and ensure both animals and fosters have a positive experience.

The ideal candidate is organized, empathetic, and confident, communicating with a diverse public, especially in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.

Experience in animal care, veterinary care, customer service, or case management is helpful.

Enrichment Counselor - This position plays a vital role in supporting the behavioral and emotional health and well-being of dogs in our care.

This position focuses on providing daily enrichment in-kennel and through playgroups, socialization, and positive reinforcement-based handling to reduce stress and improve adoptability.

You'll work closely with adoption staff, volunteers, and care teams to develop and implement enrichment plans tailored to individual dogs' needs.

Ideal candidates are ...