Description
SALARY: $7,561 – $9,211/mo.
FILING DEADLINE: March 12, 2026
THE POSITION
Do you enjoy working with animal behavior as much as working with people? The City of Fresno is looking for an Animal Behavior Manager (Official Title: Animal Behaviorist) to join the team at the Fresno Animal Center caring for the animal population and helping keep pets with their families.
Under direction, the Animal Behavior Manager is responsible for managing, developing and evaluating animal behavior policies, procedures and practices in the Animal Center. Responsibilities include developing, implementing and evaluating animal behavior policies and procedures consistent with best practices and guidelines including population management, investigations, and behavior medication treatment plans; supervising assigned staff and volunteers; developing animal behavior and temperament assessments for appropriate intake and kenneling; identifying behaviors and underlying causes and working with the animals to train and correct the behaviors; developing animal enrichment activities including socialization and mental stimulation exercises such as playgroups and exercise plans; collaborating with Veterinary and animal care staff on monitoring animal behavior and temperament progress; working with staff and the public to maximize successful placements and outcomes for animals to remain in their homes and providing education on animal behavior approaches; and performing related work as required.
Incumbents must demonstrate initiative, tact, and sensitivity in education and awareness of animal services resources and must be able to communicate effectively with diverse groups.
Incumbents will be required to work nights, evenings, weekends, and holidays and
respond to after-hours emergencies as needed; will be exposed to a working environment with animals (primarily dogs and cats) which may lead to possible exposure of unpleasant odors and noises, allergens, interactions with animals, and possible exposure to zoonotic diseases; and will be required to handle and restrain animals humanely and safely using approved protocols and practices.
This is an unclassified position in which incumbents serve at the will of the Department Director.
One vacancy currently exists in the Animal Center Department. Immediate and future vacancies will be filled from this eligible list for a period of three (3) months from the date the eligible list is created, with the option of extending that period at the City's discretion. If the examination process is suspended for this recruitment, the eligible list may be limited to three (3) months.
BENEFITS: UNIT 14 – City of Fresno Management Employees Association (CFMEA)
The City of Fresno offers an attractive and competitive salary and benefits package. The salary for Program Manager is up to $8,510/month dependent upon qualifications.
The employee benefits package, as noted below, is subject to change and includes:
HEALTH INSURANCE: The City contributes toward monthly premiums for PPO medical, dental and vision for employee and dependents.
FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT: IRS 125 Plan for health and dependent care expenses.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION: Voluntary 457 plan with Fidelity Investments to increase your retirement savings. City contributes $75 per month.
SUPPLEMENTAL SICK- 40 hours per fiscal year. 80 hours lifetime maximum
MANAGEMENT LEAVE: 60 hours per fiscal year.
BILINGUAL PREMIUM: PAY: $100 per month
ANNUAL LEAVE: Accrue 15.55 hours per month with cash out provisions.
HOLIDAYS: Ten (10) City-observed annual holidays plus birthday and two (2) personal days.
LIFE INSURANCE: Benefit equal to annual salary; premium paid by The City.
LONG-TERM DISABILITY: Benefit equal to 66.66% of monthly salary up to $7,500 per month after 30 days of disability; premium paid by The City.
HEALTH REIMBURSEMENT ARRANGEMENT: To reimburse retirement medical insurance and qualified medical expenses.
BILINGUAL PREMIUM: PAY: $100 per month
RETIREMENT: City of Fresno Retirement Systems, one of the best funded public systems in the state. Reciprocity with other CA public agencies. Vested in Retirement benefits after 5 years of service. City employees do not participate in Social Security.
DROP (Deferred Retirement Option Program): an optional, voluntary program that allows an employee to deposit retirement benefits in a special savings account within the Retirement System while continuing to work for the City of Fresno for up to 10 years. Participation minimum is age 50 and vested. Benefits includes ownership of accumulated funds, compound interest earnings, and alternative distribution options.
Additional information regarding the City of Fresno benefits is available at
https://www.fresno.gov/personnel/human-resources-support/#tab-1
Requirements
THE REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications on or before the posted filing deadline in order to qualify for further consideration:
Education:
Possession of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in animal behavior, animal science, animal education or a closely related field. Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.
Experience:
Three (3) years of professional experience in the care, handling and assessing the behavior of various animals in an animal centric setting.
OR
Two (2) years of professional experience in creating and implementing Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive (LIMA), fear-free, and evidence/science-based approaches to animal management, behavior modification, and training.
Private pet ownership is not qualifying experience. Additional qualifying experience may substitute for the required education on a year-for-year basis subject to approval by the Director of Personnel Services and the appointing authority.
If qualifying solely with experience, a High School diploma or GED equivalent is required at time of appointment.
A copy of degree or college transcripts must be uploaded and included in your on-line application for verification of requirement. Applicants lacking the documentation may be rejected if relying upon education to meet the Minimum Requirements.
Special Requirements:
Possession and continued maintenance of a valid California Driver's License may be required at time of appointment. Candidates considered for hire must provide proof of a valid driver's license and current copy of their driving record.
The selected candidates will be required to successfully pass a department interview, and Department of Justice fingerprint.
HOW TO APPLY
Interested and qualified applicants must submit an official City of Fresno application on-line at www.fresno.gov/jobs. Be sure to include references and attach verification of education in your online application.
For more information on how to complete an on-line application, please view "Instruction Guide" on the City's website, Personnel Services Career Opportunities page, or call (559) 621-6950 for assistance. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed employment application. Candidates who demonstrate the most relevant experience, skills, and qualifications for the position will be chosen to proceed in the recruitment process. Only a select group from the qualified pool may be chosen for interviews based on the department's specific needs and preferences.
Applications may be submitted to www.fresno.gov/jobs
Inquiries should be directed to:
Le’Shea Tarver, Senior Human Resources Analyst
(559) 621-6950
Leshea.Tarver@fresno.gov
2600 Fresno Street
Fresno, California 93721-3614
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
HOW TO ATTACH DOCUMENTS TO OUR ONLINE APPLICATION:
1. Your document must first be scanned and saved to a computer or thumb drive (save as the “document name.”)
2. Then go to www.fresno.gov/jobs > City of Fresno Jobs > Apply On-Line.
3. Enter the same Login Information (Username & Password) that is going to be used for the job you are applying to.
4. Under the section “My Career Tools” (located towards the top of the page), Select “Cover Letters & Attachments”, and then “Add Attachments” towards the bottom.
5. For Attachment Type, choose the most appropriate option (i.e. “DIPLOMA/TRANSCRIPTS or DD214.”)
*If you do not see an appropriate choice, you may use “Reference Attachments.” Under Attachment Purpose, you can TYPE a description.
6. Then Select “Add Attachment” and hit the “Browse” button to locate your attachment.
7. Once you have selected your attachment, select “Open”, hit “Upload” and then “Save & Return.”
8. After you confirm your attachment has been uploaded, then proceed to fill out your online application.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The City of Fresno is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Should you need a special accommodation due to a qualifying disability, please contact the Personnel Service Department at (559) 621-6950.
