The City of Elk Grove is now accepting applications for the position of 

ANIMAL SERVICES VOLUNTEER/EVENTS COORDINATOR

The City is seeking a dynamic individual with strong leadership abilities and customer engagement skills to fill the position of Animal Services Volunteer/Events Coordinator. The Animal Services Volunteer/Events Coordinator organizes and supervises a robust volunteer program and coordinates a variety of community outreach activities and programs in support of the City's Animal Shelter. This position recruits volunteers and foster families, is responsible for creating and maintaining volunteer staffing and training schedules. The incumbent will be responsible for all stages of programs and special events, from concept to implementation and will be expected to develop marketing and outreach material. The selected candidate must possess strong organizational skills and have the ability to supervise volunteers. 

Tentative Recruitment Timeline (subject to change)

Filing Deadline:                        11:59 PM on March 26, 2025

Oral Board Interviews:            April 8, 2025 (virtual)

Final Selection Interviews:     April 22, 2025 (in person)

The City offers a competitive salary and generous benefit package including CalPERS retirement benefits, a deferred compensation match and more. Why work for the City of Elk Grove? Proud Heritage. Bright Future.

Community Profile

Elk Grove is a vibrant, family-friendly community of approximately 178,124 people in the Sacramento, California region, located 14 miles south of the State Capital and 60 miles east of the Bay Area. Elk Grove is a young, ethnically diverse, modern city that was incorporated in 2000. Elk Grove has low crime, excellent schools, over 100 community parks and 28 miles of trails, plentiful dining and shopping options, numerous annual events and festivals, and over 270 sunny days per year.

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, plans, coordinates, and organizes a variety of community outreach activities, events, and programs in support of the City's Animal Shelter; develops marketing and outreach materials; develops marketing content and schedules social marketing schedule; oversees and coordinates the volunteer program; and performs related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from assigned management or supervisory personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This journey level classification is responsible for independently performing paraprofessional duties in support of the animal shelters volunteer program and community outreach initiatives. Positions at this level exercise judgment and initiative in their assigned tasks, receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Develops and maintains collaborative partnerships with community leaders, local, regional, and statewide organizations to include other animal shelters and rescue organizations, non-profit agencies, local businesses, and other City departments to develop, implement, and/or promote a variety of programs and projects consistent with the animal shelter's goals and services.

• Recommends and assists in implementing goals and objectives for the Animal Shelter's volunteer and events programs; documents processes, procedures, and resources; implements policies and procedures.

• Utilizes the website, social media, and other communication outlets to develop promotional campaigns regarding volunteer and foster family program activities, fundraising campaigns, and volunteer needs; collects content for social media posts; creates and maintains a schedule for posting on social media platforms.

• Plans, organizes, and coordinates community and special events; monitors event budget expenditures and timelines; selects vendors and seeks event sponsors; coordinates with City departments, as appropriate, for event coordination and permitting.

• Represents the animal shelter at a variety of community outreach activities and public awareness programs; speaks to groups and individuals regarding animal shelter activities and services.

• Recruits' new volunteers and foster families; develops announcements; reviews applications; conducts interviews and requests local background checks; makes selections; sets up and maintains files; assigns volunteer staff to appropriate area.

• Creates and maintains volunteer staffing schedules including scheduling daily coverage, time off, vacation, and sick leave.

• Organizes volunteer staff departmental training; informs new volunteers of program procedures, policies, and applicable laws; provides training for customer service techniques and basic handling and care of animals. 

• Monitors program performance; maintains records and prepares statistical information; prepares related reports.

• Receives donated supplies and equipment and recommends distribution of donations received based on priority.

• Creates written correspondence to communicate volunteer program events or needs internally to staff and volunteers and externally to community subscribers from various social media platforms.

• Assists in identifying sources of funding necessary to administer volunteer and other community programs; identifies grant opportunities and initiates grant application process. 

• Participates in leadership meetings and other program planning at the animal shelter to help guide the   organization through challenges and change.

• Performs related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Recognize animal behavior and body language for cats, dogs, rabbits, or other animals.

• Common animal welfare hazards and standard safety practices

• Occupational hazards and standard safety practices

• Basic principles and practices of municipal budget administration.

• Basic principles and practices of program development and administration.

• Operations of a welfare animal organization, animal shelter, or municipal animal control program.

• Operations, services, and activities of a volunteer program including principles and practices of volunteer recruitment, selection, and training.

• Principles and practices of coordinating community events.

• Principles, practices, and techniques of community outreach efforts.

• Principles and procedures of record keeping.

• Techniques for effectively representing the City in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, educational, regulatory, and legislative organizations.

• Recent and on-going developments, current literature, and sources of information related to the operations of the assigned division.

• Methods and techniques of preparing technical and administrative reports, and general business correspondence.

• City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.

• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.

• Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging concepts and principles, including their significance in organizational dynamics and the functioning of the City and their impact on fostering innovation and collaboration.

• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. 

• Current equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability to:

• Analyze volunteer program effectiveness and make recommendations for change.

• Develop, conduct and/or coordinate animal adoption, education, public relations, and outreach efforts and organize community events.

• Effectively recruit, train, schedule, and evaluate volunteers.

• Effectively represent the City to outside individuals and agencies to accomplish the goals and objectives of the department.

• Operate the equipment used in handling various animal breeds.

• Participate in the preparation and administration of assigned budgets.

• Plan and organize work to meet changing priorities and deadlines.

• Plan, develop and implement an effective volunteer program in an animal shelter.

• Organize and coordinate community outreach events.

• Respond tactfully, clearly, concisely, and appropriately to inquiries from the public, City staff, or other agencies on sensitive issues in area of responsibility.

• Work comfortably and safely with and around animals, including those who are sick, injured, or aggressive or who may be euthanized.

• Work safely with potentially aggressive animals and hazardous chemicals.

• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.

• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax. 

• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.

• Engage with a diverse public and workforce, facilitating inclusive service delivery, and implementing equitable city policies.

• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. 

Education and Experience:

Completion of the twelfth (12th) grade and three (3) years of experience involving the coordination and implementation of a volunteer program.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of, or ability to obtain by the time of appointment, an appropriate, valid California driver's license.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

When assigned to an office environment:

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer, and to operate a motor vehicle to visit various City and meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. Standing in and walking between work areas is frequently required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification frequently bend, stoop, kneel, and reach to perform assigned duties, as well as push and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 50 pounds. Reasonable accommodations will be made for individuals with disabilities who are qualified to perform essential functions of a position or positions within this classification.

When assigned to a field environment:

Must possess mobility to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; to reach, twist, turn, kneel, bend, stoop, squat, crouch, and grasp; to climb and descend ladders; strength, stamina, and mobility to perform light to medium physical work, to work in confining spaces and around machines; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone or radio.  Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate the above-mentioned tools and equipment. Employees must be able to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 50 pounds, or heavier weights with proper equipment and assistance from other staff. Reasonable accommodations will be made for individuals with disabilities qualified to perform essential functions of a position or positions within this classification.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Employees predominately work in an office environment with moderate to loud noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may work in the field and occasionally be exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous chemical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with members of the public or with staff under emotionally stressful conditions while interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Employees may be required to work extended hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

FLSA Status: Non-exempt