Careers

Thank you for your interest in employment opportunities at the Humane Society of Ventura County. We are an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and promotes equality in the workplace. We are seeking individuals with exemplary character and skills to help us accomplish our mission of promoting the health, safety, welfare, compassionate care, and protection of all animals through education and community outreach programs.

Bi-lingual (Spanish) candidates are encouraged to apply. Please stop by the shelter located at 402 Bryant St. in Ojai to fill out an application.

Job Description: Performs services related to the health and well-being of animals.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

  • Maintain a clean, safe, and sanitary environment.
  • Observe animals to detect illnesses and injuries and notify the Kennel Manager.
  • Assist the public in finding a compatible pet.
  • Assist in animal intake and cage transfers
  • Feed and water all animals according to schedules
  • Rotate all dogs throughout the day to the exercise yards.
  • Transfer animals to and from the clinic.
  • Keep kennels cleaned throughout the day.
  • Bathe and groom animals as required
  • Follow procedures to keep animals comfortable in inclement weather.
  • Restock supplies.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS:

  • Must be 18-years-old or older to apply
  • High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent on-the-job experience.
  • Genuine compassion for domestic animals and wildlife.
  • Works well and communicates effectively with the general public, other staff members, and volunteers.
  • Uses good judgment.
  • Flexible, capable of working both independently and as a member of a team.
  • Accurately comprehends and interprets written and verbal instruction and procedures.
  • Able to lift and/or carry animals and materials weighing at least 50 pounds.
  • Able to bend stoop stretch, stand, walk, run and extend arms above the shoulders.

WORKING CONDITIONS
Combination of indoor and outdoor environment. The environment may include exposure to chemicals used for cleaning and medical purposes, noises, odors, pet dander, and animals (including those with uncertain dispositions). Protective gear is required when appropriate (earplugs, safety glasses, etc.). Varied schedule; work on weekends and/or holidays may be required.

Minimum wage.

Job Type: Full-time

Email Your Resume

Job Description:

Thank you for your interest in employment opportunities at the Humane Society of Ventura County. We are an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and promotes equality in the workplace. We are seeking individuals with exemplary character and skills to help us accomplish our mission of promoting the health, safety, welfare, compassionate care, and protection of all animals through education and community outreach programs.

Bi-lingual (Spanish) candidates are encouraged to apply. Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) preferred..

The Veterinary Assistant/RVT is responsible for assisting the Humane Society of Ventura County's veterinarian with multiple types of procedures. Provides the highest quality of care for animals in areas such as physical examinations, restraint, dental procedures, surgeries, immunizations, euthanasia, etc. Must have good customer service skills and demonstrated capability educating the public on animal health and treatment. Must maintain a positive and professional attitude while working with other employees, volunteers, visitors, and the public. Must support and advocate for the philosophy, programs, and policies of the Humane Society of Ventura County.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

  • Will work in all aspects of a high-volume, high-quality spay/neuter surgery clinic including prepping animals for surgery, administering, and monitoring anesthesia, assisting veterinarians during surgery, and post-operatice management of veterinary patients.
  • Knowledge of anesthetic protocols, venipuncture, the ability to induce, etc.
  • Prioritizes the availability of shelter pets' health status to make those animals available for adoption.
  • Demonstrates patience and tolerance with all animals and willingness to provide direct care to cats and dogs of all sizes and types and a desire to maintain high level care for all animals in order to assure their comfort and safety.
  • Obtains and records patient histories.
  • Collects specimens and performs routine laboratory procedures and tests in hematology, biochemistry, chemistry, microbiology, urinalysis, and serology to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of animal health problems.
  • Dispenses and administers medications, vaccines, serums, and treatments as prescribed by HSVC veterinarian.
  • Administers fluids and blood products as prescribed by HSVC veterinarian.
  • Administers and monitors anesthesia under the direction of a veterinarian.
  • Provides specialized nursing care for injured or ill animals.
  • Prepares patients, instruments, and equipment for surgery.
  • Ensures that monitoring and support equipment such as anesthetic machines, cardiac monitors, and breathing apparatus and in good working condition.
  • Assists in diagnostic, medical, and surgical procedures.
  • Demonstrates knowledge of the procedures used for receiving, treating, and scheduling patients, for ordering medical supplies, and requesting laboratory tests.
  • Demonstrates knowledge of the use, care, and storage of veterinary instruments, materials, and equipment.
  • Deomonstrates knowledge of sterilization techniques for various instruments and materials.
  • Demonstrates knowledge of the instruments, materials, and standardized procedures used in the full variety of treatments tp prepare and provide table-side assistance.
  • Demonstrates knowledge of the principles and processes for providing client services, including client needs assessments, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of client satisfaction.
  • Takes radiographs, positions patients correctly, takes proper measurements and sets up equipment properly.
  • Communicates with and educates pet owners about preventative health, such as spay and neuter options, vaccines, flea preventatives, heartworm preventatives, surgical procedures and post-operative procedures and instructions, medication instructions and administration.
  • Maintains knowledge of preventative healthcare recommendations to answer client questions, provides education on vaccines, flea, and heartworm products, and assists in marketing veterinary services from which their pet would benefit, such as dental cleaning, senior wellness, spay and neuter and boarding.
  • Cleans, maintains, and sterilizes instruments, equipment, and materials.
  • Will work independently on assigned tasks as well as being given direction on how to complete certain assignments.
  • Must employ critical thinking - understanding logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, and approaches to problems.
  • Demonstrate and apply knowledge of proper protocols in the administration of controlled substances, and the most current protocols relating to communicable diseases.
  • Promotes a highly efficient, client-centered environment and facilitates programs and processes that meet client needs.
  • Helps facilitate resolution of client problems.
  • Maintains a clean and sanitary facility that is visually appealing to clients and staff.
  • Adheres to all safety and security regulations and training.
  • Participates in meetings and responds to management communications as required.
  • Understands and demonstrates that regular attendance and timeliness are essential.
  • Promotes cooperative working environments among other shelter departments and staff members; understands the value of teamwork; shows enthusiasm and willingness to perform as necessary to help the clinic function as a unit.
  • Communicates objectives, motivates staff, builds, and maintains morale.
  • Knowledgeable regarding related federal and state animal health laws and regulations including OSHA and DEA. Ensures that the clinic and its employees are in compliance with regulations and inform the Director of Veterinary Services of any regulatory issues.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Excellent computer skills
  • Must be able to work with people from a variety of backgrounds who may have different orientations to animals due to cultural traditions
  • Demonstrates excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Proficient in the use of commercial clinic and shelter software
  • Previous work experience in animal welfare/shelter/high volume clinic
  • Bilingual English/Spanish preferred

    WORKING CONDITIONS:

  • This position requires occasional weekend availability
  • Work is performed within an animal shelter where loud noises, disease, and exposure to hazards are possible
  • Must be able to safely restrain large and/or agitated animals
  • Frequently life and/or move up to 50 pounds
  • Occasionally handle dogs weighing up to and over 150 pounds. Assistance will be provided when working with large animals

COMPENSATION: $18.50 - $25 per hour

    Job Type: Full time. 40 hours per week.

Email Your Resume

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Humane Society of Ventura County (HSVC) is a compassionate care shelter and non-profit organization dedicated to the protection and adoption of animals in need throughout Ventura County. Our mission: The Humane Society of Ventura County, through shelter, adoptions, programs, and services, boldly ensures the welfare of animals in Ventura County. As a private non-profit, all programs, services, and outreach efforts are funded entirely by the generosity of our community.

The Director of Shelter Operations (DSO) holds a pivotal role within HSVC's leadership team. Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the DSO spearheads the strategic direction and management necessary for the organization's smooth functioning and expansion, ensuring financial strength and operating efficiency. This encompasses implementing operational controls, administrative protocols, and systems crucial for efficient operations and sustained growth. The DSO oversees the day-to-day operations and decision-making across all facets of shelter operations, including managing shelter facilities, various programs and services, animal welfare, customer relations, safety protocols, and staff supervision.

The ideal candidate will model our core values of compassion, collaboration, respect, integrity, and boldness. This person is detail-oriented, a clear communicator, embraces a growth mindset, has high emotional intelligence, loves problem-solving, is assertive yet diplomatic, flexible, and works at a fast pace.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

General Management:

  • Operations: Oversee the daily operations, programs, and services at HSVC.
  • Culture: Cultivate a culture of excellence, efficiency, and effectiveness across the organization while creating and maintaining high standards of customer service.
  • Recordkeeping: Ensure that appropriate records are accurately created, maintained, andreported during the daily operations of the shelter.
  • Plans and objectives: Assist the Executive Director with planning and budgeting. Analyze data and adjust processes and programs to achieve organizational goals.
  • Implementation: Ensure that all established procedures and policies of the organization are appropriate, in keeping with current best practices, and are reliably implemented.
  • Walk-throughs: Perform daily walk-throughs of the shelter to guarantee proper sanitation, care, feeding, and disposition of the animals. This is to ensure that animals are moving through the system efficiently and are made available for adoption in a timely manner.
  • Legal compliance: Follow all local, state, and federal laws regarding animal housing, care, admission, disposition, and employee work-related matters. Ensure compliance with HSVC contractual agreements.

Animal Care:

  • Animal care and flow: Evaluate, develop, implement, manage, and monitor animal care and flow processes at the shelter including, but not limited to, admissions, animal handling, sanitation, feeding, health care, adoptions, transfers, foster care, and euthanasia.
  • Standards of care: Ensure high standards of care for the animals under the care of HSVC’s shelter, including both physical and mental well-being.
  • Humane treatment: Promote a caring attitude toward all animals and treat animals humanely and with compassion at all times, regardless of circumstances including those who are sick, injured, feral, or aggressive.

Customer Service:

  • High-quality service: Model outstanding customer service including efficient, courteous interactions with members of the public.
  • Courtesy: Treat staff, volunteers, supporters, officials, and the public with dignity, respect, and courtesy. Foster a collaborative atmosphere and serve as a role model to inspire community support, aiding HSVC in achieving its goals.

Staffing:

  • Management: Schedule, assign, supervise, and provide clear expectations for managers and employees including performance reviews and management.
  • Training: Ensure ongoing training, guidance, and development of the management team and provide training for front-line staff, ensuring that all required training is current.
  • Safety: Work with HR to ensure that appropriate safety programs and training are in place to comply with appropriate safety standards including OSHA compliance.
  • Hiring: Interview, select, hire, and train staff and other employees consistent with the organization’s mission, contracts, and California law.

Community Engagement:

  • Engagement: Work with the Executive Director to cultivate and encourage community engagement efforts including working with volunteers, rescue groups, other shelters, government agencies, private businesses, grant funding entities, other nonprofits, and the veterinary community.
  • Promotion: Collaborate with the Executive Director and marketing team to ensure effective promotion for adoptions, spay/neuter, events as well as for individual animals and needed equipment and supplies.
  • Participate in HSVC events as needed.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

  • Minimum of three years of experience in animal sheltering and familiarity with animal welfare issues.
  • Minimum of 3 years of management experience, preferably with 20+ employees.
  • Certified Animal Welfare Administrator (CAWA) - preferred.
  • College degree is strongly preferred.
  • Valid CA Driver's license and clean driving record.

Based on the requirements listed above, we are offering an annual salary of $115,000 - $135,000 for this position in addition to a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental and vision insurance, paid vacation, paid holidays and a 403(b) plan.

Generous relocation assistance package potentially available.

Successful candidates must be able to pass a background check, and reference checks and be able to perform essential functions of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.

Email Your Resume

Overview:

The Humane Society of Ventura County seeks an energetic, compassionate, and knowledgeable Executive Director to lead our organization in partnership with the Board of Directors.

About Us:

Since 1932, the Humane Society of Ventura County (HSVC) has served the animals and people of Ventura County through ordinary and extraordinary circumstances, including multiple wildfires in past years. Located on an idyllic 4.4-acre site in Ojai, our shelter provides safety and security for domestic animals with a goal of finding their forever homes. HSVC services include a robust adoption process, low-cost vaccine and spay/neuter clinics, emergency shelter, humane education presentations, and more. HSVC is the only organization in Ventura County with Humane Officers who investigate cases of animal abuse, cruelty, and neglect.

The HSVC is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We collaborate with many organizations to best serve animals but are not a chapter of nor affiliated with other organizations, locally, statewide, or nationally. This organization has an annual operating budget of $2.2 million.

The Executive Director has six direct reports from senior staff; finance, animal care and operations, development, veterinary services, humane investigations, and community engagement. With a dedicated staff of 30+ and a strong volunteer cadre of 70+, the HSVC is a collaborative team of compassionate people serving animals and communities in Ventura County.

Position Overview:

Reporting to the Board President, the Executive Director (ED) provides leadership and oversight of daily activities and is responsible for the overall management of the administration, programs, and strategic direction of the organization. As a valued partner, the ED works closely with the Board of Directors (Board), staff, and the community.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Embrace the mission of the HSVC and serve as a public advocate for animal welfare.
  • Provide collaborative leadership for the Board, staff, and volunteers.
  • Ensure effective communication with the Board, staff, and volunteers through interpersonal, written, and verbal exchanges.
  • Serve as the key spokesperson for HSVC.
  • Develop and build relationships with stakeholders, businesses, donors, foundations, government entities, civic organizations, and other animal welfare groups.
  • Partner with the Director of Development to oversee fundraising strategies.
  • Strive to remedy the greater problem of animal overpopulation, abuse, and neglect through education and community outreach.

Operational Responsibilities:

  • Provide leadership for all senior staff, including finance, animal care and operations, development, veterinary services, humane investigations, and community engagement.
  • Mentor, develop, and retain directors, conducting regular meetings to assess policies, procedures, and operational strategies and proactively addressing concerns.
  • Collaborate with the Finance Director to ensure alignment with the annual budget and timely communication of any significant variances to the board.
  • Stay current on animal welfare trends and community needs to inform programming and initiatives.

Human Resource Responsibilities:

  • Engage in hiring and selection of new staff, and terminations, as needed.
  • Oversee the development and execution of staff training and professional development.
  • Cultivate a workplace environment of dignity and respect to attract and retain talented staff.
  • Assist the Director of Shelter Operations in evaluating the performance of supervisory staff.
  • Review and update organizational policies and programs regularly.

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree or higher, or applicable work experience.
  • Minimum of 5 years of senior/executive management experience in a nonprofit organization, including 3 years supervising staff.
  • Experience with an animal welfare organization, serving on staff or as a key volunteer.
  • Demonstrated success in fundraising best practices, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
  • Financial competence, including budget management.
  • Capability to respond promptly in emergencies, including natural disasters requiring animal shelter.
  • Proficiency with cloud-based productivity platforms, such as Microsoft 365.

Preferred:

  • Certification as an Animal Welfare Administrator (CAWA).
  • Understanding of legal obligations and responsibilities related to animal care and adoption, as well as awareness of animal rights issues.
  • Skills in safe handling and care of animals, alongside a genuine compassion for domestic and wild animals.

Physical Requirements:

  • Flexible schedule as needed, including some evenings, weekends, and emergency responses.
  • Exposure to animals and associated environments, including sounds, odors, and varying conditions.
  • Physical activities include prolonged standing, walking, bending, and lifting up to 50 pounds.
  • Capacity to navigate uneven terrain and adapt to various temperature conditions indoors and outdoors.

Salary Range and Benefits:

    This is a full-time, exempt position, on-site in Ojai California. The salary range is $125,000 - $145,000, based on experience. The position offers medical, dental, and vision insurance, paid vacation, and paid holidays as well as a 403(b) plan. Generous relocation assistance is potentially available.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

    The Humane Society of Ventura County is an Equal Opportunity Employer looking to build a diverse team. Prospective employees will receive consideration without discrimination based on race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, age, sex or gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, political beliefs, military service or veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

    Interested candidates, please submit a cover letter and resume to [email protected]

    Please do not directly contact the Humane Society of Ventura County about this position.

    APPLY NOW

Overview:

Urgent need for a temporary short-term position as equine specialist, expected to last 30-45 days with a possibility of long-term employment.

The Humane Society of Ventura County (HSVC) is a compassionate care shelter and non-profit organization dedicated to the protection and adoption of animals in need throughout Ventura County. Our mission: The Humane Society of Ventura County, through shelter, adoptions, programs, and services, boldly ensures the welfare of animals in Ventura County. As a private non-profit, all programs, services, and outreach efforts are funded entirely by the generosity of our community.

About the Position:

The Equine Care Specialist position will play an important role within our organization, caring for HSVC’s animals while contributing to a positive work culture aligned with our core values of compassion, collaboration, respect, integrity, and boldness. This position reports directly to the Equine Manager.

The Equine Care Specialist will nurture equine and livestock mental health through regular grooming, handling, exercise, and training. The Equine Care Specialist will improve barn sanitation with twice-a-day stall cleaning. Supply orders, like feed and bedding, will be timely and accurate with approval from the Equine Manager. The overall health and wellness of equines and livestock is the Equine Care Specialist's primary focus.

The Equine Care Specialist will train HSVC staff and volunteers on horse behavior and safety. Using ASPCA’s My Right Horse behavior metrics, the Equine Care Specialist will routinely conduct behavior evaluations to assess every horse’s specific needs for training. These behaviors will be updated on ASPCA’s My Right Horse and our own website. The Equine Care Specialist will screen applicants and conduct corral checks for potential adopters.

The Equine Care Specialist will also be available to transport shelter animals (including dogs, cats, and other animals as needed) to and from veterinary appointments as necessary. Equine Care Specialist will be cross-trained in the animal care department to help with dogs and cats when necessary.

The weekly schedule for this position will be 5 days a week, including Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Essential Job Functions:

  • Maintain a clean, safe, and sanitary environment.
  • Observe animals to detect illnesses and injuries.
  • Administer any needed medications or treatments per equine veterinarians.
  • Socialize, groom, train all equine and livestock.
  • Screen adopters and perform corral checks for potential new homes.
  • Assist in livestock intake and transport.
  • Feed and water all livestock according to schedules.
  • Rotate all livestock needing daily exercise in turnouts.
  • Keep stalls and corrals cleaned throughout the day.
  • Bathe and groom livestock as required.
  • Follow procedures to keep livestock comfortable in inclement weather.
  • Inspect stalls, corrals, barn, and equipment for cleanliness and structural defects.
  • Order feed and supplies.
  • Help train staff in horse/livestock care and handling.
  • Train volunteers to work with horses.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Job Specificiations:

  • Genuine compassion for domestic animals and wildlife.
  • Works well and communicates effectively with the general public, other staff members, and volunteers.
  • Uses good judgment.
  • Flexible, capable of working both independently and as a member of a team.
  • Accurately comprehends and interprets written and verbal instructions and procedures.
  • Able to lift and/or carry animals and materials weighing at least 50 pounds.
  • Able to bend, stoop, stretch, stand, walk, run and extend arms above the shoulder.
  • Must have a valid CA driver’s License and clean driving record.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • High School diploma, GED, or equivalent on-the-job experience. Experience loading, hooking up and driving a horse trailer is a plus.

Working Conditions:

  • Combination of indoor and outdoor environments. Environment may include exposure to: chexmicals used for cleaning and medical purposes, noises, odors, pet dander, and animals (including those with uncertain dispositions). Protective gear is required when appropriate (earplugs, safety glasses, etc.).
  • Varied schedule, work on weekends and/or holidays may be required.
  • Job Types: Full-time, Temporary
  • Pay: $19.00 - $21.00 per hour

Benefits:

  • Dental insurance
  • Employee assistance program
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off

Schedule:

  • 8 hour shift
  • Day shift
  • Every weekend

APPLY NOW