PTS Animal Keeper
Salary $19.02 Hourly
Location Santa Clarita, CA
Job Type Part-time/Temporary/Seasonal
Job Number 2026-2
Department Neighborhood Services
Division Parks
The City of Santa Clarita is currently recruiting for a part-time, temporary, seasonal (PTS) Animal Keeper in the Parks division of the Neighborhood Services department. This position will assist in the care of the animals of the historic William S. Hart Park, including assisting in the daily feeding and maintenance of enclosures and surrounding areas.
This position is expected to work 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Work schedule may vary based on operational needs.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Assists with the daily operations of the Hart Park Barnyard, including feeding and enclosure maintenance
Performs daily feeding of animals and refills water containers based on the established schedules
Assists in the daily cleaning of enclosures and the disposal of animal waste
Assists in the maintenance of animal enclosures and surrounding areas to maintain a clean, safe, and aesthetically pleasing environment
Informs the Animal Care Specialist of any observed health or behavior changes or concerns of animals
Assists in the routine preparation of food and supplements for animals as instructed
Operates equipment, utility vehicles, and various power tools
May assist in routine park maintenance tasks, including restocking supplies and conducting trash inspections
May lead the work of volunteers
Performs other duties as assigned
Education and Experience
High School diploma or GED equivalent
Possession of a valid Class C California driver's license and safe driving record
Six months of experience in animal care in a ranch, zoo, sanctuary, farm, or other related field
Any combination of education and experience that has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary will be considered
Knowledge and Abilities
Knowledge of basic animal care practices, including feeding, cleaning, and handling techniques
Awareness of safety, hygiene, and sanitation protocols and standards for working with animals and maintaining enclosures
Strong communication skills and the ability to verbally communicate professionally and tactfully with the members of the public, volunteers, and City employees
Ability to follow detailed instructions and established procedures for animal care and barnyard operations
Ability to recognize signs of illness or distress in animals and report concerns
Strong work ethic and the ability to work independently and as part of a team
Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to analyze problems, identify solutions, and make sound decisions
Ability to lead the work of volunteers
Knowledge of practices and principles of general maintenance and use of equipment
Ability to perform physical labor, including the ability to lift, carry, and push tools, equipment, animals, and supplies weighing 50 pounds or more
Ability to work in indoor and outdoor settings and work in all weather conditions, including wet, hot, and cold
This position may require working weekends, special events, and holidays
Additional Information
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Thursday, March 5, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. (noon)
An online completed City application form is required to apply for this position. All employment information must be provided on the application. Providing a resume is not a substitute for completing this section of the application. Applications left incomplete, or with a reference to attachments may be rejected. The selection process will include one or more of the following: written exam, technical knowledge assessment, writing skill assessment, and/or oral interviews that may be conducted in person and/or via video conferencing. If you require special accommodations to participate in the application/selection process, please notify Human Resources for assistance.
All offers of employment with the City of Santa Clarita are made contingent upon receipt of proof of legal right to work in the United States and successful completion of a post-offer pre-employment physical which may include a drug screen and Physical Abilities Test, negative TB test on file, and Department of Justice fingerprinting. Criminal offender information will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. The City uses the E-Verify program to electronically confirm work authorization of newly hired employees.
As a City of Santa Clarita public employee, you may be called upon to work as a Disaster Service Worker (DSW) in the event of an emergency (in accordance with Government Code §§ 3100-3109). Before entering upon the duties of employment, all public employees, except those excluded by law, take and subscribe to an oath or affirmation set forth in the California Constitution, declaring them to be Disaster Service Workers in time of need.
In addition, part-time, temporary, and seasonal (PTS) employees may be required to participate in the DMV Employer Pull-Notice Program. This program authorizes the City to receive a driver record report upon enrollment and during employment.
This is not a designated Retired Annuitant position. If you are a California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) retiree, you may be required to reinstate into CalPERS.
PTS workers are at-will. Generally, PTS employees are limited to no more than 999 hours.
The City of Santa Clarita is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Part-time, temporary, seasonal employees are not eligible for benefits and must participate in ICMA-RC (deferred compensation as a replacement for Social Security).
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Do you have a high school diploma or GED equivalent? (Proof will be required at the time of hire.)
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Do you have at least six months of experience in animal care or related experience? If so, please describe your experience.
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Do you have experience maintaining animal enclosures and feeding animals? If so, please describe your experience.
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This position requires the ability to work Monday-Friday, between the hours of 6:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Please list any specific hours or days you cannot work.
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