Assistant Director of Animal Services

Candidates are encouraged to apply immediately to receive priority consideration.
Recruitment will remain open until position is filled.

The Riverside County Department of Animal Services invites applications for an inspiring leader to join its executive team as the Assistant Director of Animal Services (Administrative).

Under the general direction of the Director of Animal Services, the Assistant Director serves as a chief administrative executive, providing strategic leadership and executive oversight for one of California's largest municipal animal services organizations.

This position is responsible for organizational leadership, fiscal stewardship, policy implementation, personnel management, operational oversight, and execution of the Department's long-term vision.

The Assistant Director leads through experienced managers, supervisors, and technical professionals, partnering with the executive team and shelter leadership to strengthen organizational culture, ensure operational consistency, and advance department priorities.

The position provides executive oversight of customer-facing intake operations and outcome programs, ensuring services are delivered with professionalism, compassion, efficiency, and consistency.

The Assistant Director champions a customer-focused approach that enhances the experience of pet owners, adopters, rescue partners, and community members while supporting positive outcomes for animals in the Department's care.

The Assistant Director provides strategic and operational leadership for the Department's administrative functions, fostering exceptional customer service, operational excellence, and a collaborative workplace culture.

This role builds strong partnerships across divisions, promotes open communication, and aligns administrative practices to ensure consistent, high-quality service for both internal and external customers.

Working closely with department leadership, the Assistant Director oversees key administrative operations, supports staff development, and ensures employees have the training, tools, and resources needed to succeed.

The position drives continuous improvement by streamlining business processes, strengthening customer service delivery, improving organizational effectiveness, and identifying innovative solutions that support the Department's mission.

As a collaborative and service-oriented executive, the Assistant Director cultivates a positive, accountable, and high-performing work environment that values professionalism, innovation, and continuous improvement.

The successful candidate will help ensure the Department delivers responsive, compassionate, and efficient services that meet the needs of the community while advancing excellence in animal care and organizational performance.

This class has been designated At-Will by the Board of Supervisors, in accordance with the provisions provided under Article 6, Section 601E (2) of the County Management Resolution and serves at the plea...