Assistant Director of Animal Services

Assistant Director of Animal Services

The Riverside County Department of Animal Services invites applications for an experienced and inspiring leader to join its executive team as Assistant Director of Animal Services. Under the general direction of the Director of Animal Services, the Assistant Director provides both strategic and hands-on leadership for the department's Field and Shelter Operations. This role plays a key part in creating a unified approach to animal care, field services, and community engagement while promoting lifesaving initiatives and maintaining high standards for public safety and sheltering practices. The Assistant Director works closely with the executive team and shelter leaders to strengthen organizational culture, ensure consistency across operations, and develop programs and processes that advance departmental goals.

The Assistant Director will lead a culture transformation within the department by building cohesion, aligning practices, and fostering consistency in service delivery. The Assistant Director will help staff reconnect with their purpose by fostering a shared sense of mission, reminding teams of the meaningful impact their work has on the lives of animals and the community. Working collaboratively with shelter leadership, this position will ensure all staff are properly trained, certified, and united under shared goals and standards. Serving as a unifying voice across all shelters, the Assistant Director will promote best practices in animal welfare and lifesaving efforts.

With an equal focus on both field and shelter operations, the Assistant Director will oversee policy and procedure compliance, champion community engagement through education and outreach, and strengthen partnerships that emphasize prevention and compassion over enforcement. The Assistant Director may also be called upon to respond to emergency situations and assist with complex or sensitive legal cases requiring sound judgment and attention to detail.

The ideal candidate for Assistant Director of Animal Services will bring strong leadership and communication skills, a collaborative management style, and a passion for driving positive change.

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 pleasure of their respective Department Head. This class has been deemed eligible for the Performance Recognition Plan as set forth under Article 3, Section 311(B) of the County Management Resolution. Program eligibility requires employees to be in a leadership position, manage other employees or programs, and have significant influence on the achievement of organizational objectives.

Meet the Team! The Riverside County Department of Animal Services has a vision for promoting an environment of responsible pet ownership through progressive animal welfare initiatives, community outreach, and humane education in a culture of compassion, creativity, and integrity. The Department of Animal Services believes the character of their organization is best reflected in the strong dedication of each one of their employees who strive to meet the highest standards of performance and compassion on behalf of the animals and people that they serve. The Department of Animal Services operates four shelters located in Blythe, Jurupa Valley, San Jacinto, and Thousand Palms.