Animal Services Manager

Do you have a passion for helping animals and want to make a positive impact in the community?
Consider joining the City of San Bernardino's Animal Services Department as an*
Animal Services Manager
*About The City
As a future member of our team, you'll be joining a city with deep roots, cultural diversity, and exciting momentum. Located in the heart of Southern California's Inland Empire, San Bernardino is the county seat and largest city in San Bernardino County, home to more than 222,000 residents. Its rich history — shaped by Native American, Mexican, and Spanish influences — continues to inspire the city's evolving identity.

San Bernardino offers access to major transit corridors, natural beauty, and a wide range of housing and lifestyle options. It's a place where public service careers are supported by a strong sense of community and purpose — and where motivated professionals can grow, contribute, and be part of something meaningful.

About The Position
The City of San Bernardino is seeking an experienced and dedicated professional to join our team as the
Animal Services Manager
. This key leadership role offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the well-being of animals and the community we serve. As the Animal Services Manager, you will oversee the City's animal control programs, ensuring the proper care, treatment, and licensing of animals, as well as the enforcement of related ordinances. You'll lead shelter operations, manage staff, and work closely with community members, pet owners, and animal welfare organizations to promote responsible pet ownership and humane treatment. If you're a compassionate leader with a passion for animal welfare and public service, we encourage you to apply and help shape the future of our Animal Services Division.

The Ideal Candidate

• Leadership & Management Expertise: Demonstrates strong leadership and supervisory abilities, effectively planning, directing, and motivating staff to achieve departmental goals while maintaining compliance with City policies and labor agreements.
• Animal Care & Regulatory Knowledge: Possesses in-depth understanding of federal, state, and local laws related to animal control, licensing, quarantine, and humane euthanasia, along with expertise in animal care, disease prevention, and safe handling practices.
• Analytical & Decision-Making Skills: Excels at assessing complex situations, analyzing data, and developing sound, evidence-based recommendations and operational improvements that align with City regulations and community needs.
• Communication & Community Relations: Communicates with clarity, professionalism, and empathy when working with staff, city officials, and the public; skilled in public outreach, conflict resolution, and representing the City in hearings and community forums.

Day In The Life Consists Of
As the Animal Services Manager with the City of San Bernardino, your day centers around leadership, collaboration, and compassion — ensuring that our animal care and control programs run smoothly while upholding the highest standards of service to our community. You play a vital role in shaping operations, supporting your team, and fostering a safe and humane environment for both animals and residents. A typical day may include:

• Overseeing the daily operations of animal shelter and field services, ensuring efficiency, safety, and exceptional care for animals in need.
• Leading and mentoring staff by setting performance goals, providing coaching, and recognizing outstanding work while addressing challenges with fairness and professionalism.
• Managing departmental projects and resources, monitoring budgets, and aligning operations with City policies and long-term goals.
• Reviewing procedures, identifying opportunities for improvement, and implementing innovative solutions to enhance animal care and community engagement.
• Directing enforcement of ordinances related to animal licensing, quarantine, vaccination, and humane treatment — ensuring all actions comply with state and local regulations.
• Maintaining accurate and transparent records of shelter operations, financial activities, and personnel matters.
• Representing Animal Services in meetings with city officials, partner agencies, and community organizations, and participating in administrative hearings when needed.
• Responding to complex and sensitive public inquiries, resolving issues with empathy, integrity, and a focus on positive outcomes.
• Staying current on best practices and emerging trends in animal welfare, and championing community outreach and education programs that promote responsible pet ownership.

For more information on this position please
*Click here
to view the job description.
*Education And Experience
High School diploma or G.E.D.

AND
At least two (2) years of college-level coursework in management, business law, zoology, or a related field,
AND
a minimum of four (4) years of progressively responsible supervisory or managerial experience in animal welfare, animal control operations, or law enforcement; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Previous experience in an animal shelter, animal control, or other animal welfare program is preferred.
Licenses, Certifications, And Equipment
A valid California driver's license is required.

Knowledge Of And Skills In

• Understanding and applying animal control laws, licensing rules, and humane care standards at the local, state, and federal levels.
• Leading shelter and field operations with a focus on animal welfare, safety, and compliance.
• Building and guiding a dedicated team through clear communication, mentorship, and collaboration.
• Managing budgets, records, and contracts to keep daily operations running smoothly and efficiently.
• Engaging with staff, city partners, and community members through open, professional, and compassionate communication.
• Using sound judgment and creative problem-solving to handle challenges and make well-informed decisions.
• Staying current on best practices in animal welfare, shelter management, and community outreach to continuously improve programs and services.
• Representing the City's Animal Services Division with professionalism and empathy when addressing sensitive issues or engaging with the public.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment:
The employee works under typical office conditions, and the noise level is usually quiet. The employee may periodically be required to work in outside conditions; exposed to wet or humid conditions; work in conditions where the noise level may be loud; and may be exposed to sick, injured, and vicious animals. The employee occasionally works in an animal kennel where the noise level can be loud. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; talk or hear, both in person and by telephone; use hands to manipulate, handle, and feel computers and standard business equipment; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to stand and walk. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Recruitment Timeline
This recruitment will close on Sunday, November 23, 2025, or until a sufficient number of applications have been received.

Applications review:
Week of Monday, November 24, 2025
1st Interview:
Week of December 01, 2025, or agreed upon date by both HR recruiter & Dept
(TENTATIVE)**

• All dates are subject to change at the discretion of the personnel officer**

All applicants are required to submit an online application through the City's official website at
This recruitment will remain open until Sunday, November 23, 2025, at 11:59 PM or until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received.
Applications must be fully completed and clearly demonstrate that the minimum qualifications for the position are met. All information provided is subject to review, investigation, and verification. While resumes may be uploaded as supplemental documentation, they will not be accepted in place of a fully completed City application.

Following the initial screening, the most qualified candidates whose backgrounds best match the needs of the City will be invited to continue in the selection process. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee advancement. Candidates will remain under consideration until a final selection is made and an offer is accepted. The City of San Bernardino reserves the right to close the recruitment at any time and may determine that none of the applicants, including those who meet the minimum qualifications, are suitable for the position.

Successful Candidates Shall Be Required To

• Application Review
• Oral Examination
• Background Investigation (California Department of Justice and FBI)
• Pre-employment Medical Examination, including drug screening
• Employment and Professional Reference Checks

The City of San Bernardino reserves the right to adjust the selection process as needed to meet administrative or operational requirements.

E-Verify Participation
The City of San Bernardino participates in the E-Verify program. In compliance with federal law, all employers are required to verify the identity and employment eligibility of individuals hired to work in the United States.

Accordingly, the City will provide information from each new employee's Form I-9 to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration to confirm authorization to work in the United States.

For more information about E-Verify, please visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website at

Disclaimers
The City of San Bernardino is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The City follows a nepotism policy, which may impact hiring decisions if an applicant has relatives currently employed by the City.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the City provides reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. Each request is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. To request an accommodation, please contact the Human Resources Department directly at

This bulletin is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract, expressed or implied. Its contents may be modified or withdrawn without prior notice.

For questions regarding this recruitment, contact Human Resources at

. Additional information is available at

For questions regarding this recruitment, contact Human Resources at
or email Janet Sirob at
.