Employment

Submit your employment application in one (1) of three (3) ways:

Email to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Mail to: 9777 SEAACA Street, Downey, CA 90241 (Attention Administration)
Drop off: In-person during business hours (9777 SEAACA Street, Downey, CA 90241)

The Southeast Area Animal Control Authority (SEAACA) is an Equal Opportunity Employer who recognizes our employees are our greatest asset. We offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, dental, vision, retirement, and life insurance plans.

Some of the career opportunities within our organization are:

Field Services | Front Office | Veterinary Division | Care Center Operations (Kennel) | Licensing

Field Services:
Our field division consists of Animal Control Officers (ACOs), Senior ACOs, and a Corporal (Field Services Supervisor). Our officers respond to service requests ranging from animals reported running loose to allegations of animal cruelty and neglect.

Front Office:
Our front office consists of Clerks, Radio Dispatchers, and an Office Supervisor. The office staff is responsible for greeting the public, as well as processing, and finalizing adoptions of shelter animals. They receive calls for service from the public and forward those calls to the Field Officers to ensure timely responses to citizens' problems or questions.

Veterinary Division:
Our veterinary division consists of Animal Health Technicians, Registered Veterinary Technician Clinic Supervisor, and a Licensed Veterinarian. The veterinary staff is responsible for spay and neuter surgeries of all adopted shelter animals, monitoring and maintaining the health of the shelter animals, and operating our low cost vaccination clinic.

Care Center Operations (Kennel):
Our kennel staff consists of Animal Care Technicians (ACTs), a Sr. ACT, and a Faculty Supervisor. They are responsible for the day to day care of our shelter animals; providing food, water, and compassion for each animal within our facility.

Licensing:
Our Licensing division consists of clerks and license canvassers. They are responsible for enforcing animals licensing requirements within our cities.

Current Openings:

All positions listed are for employment at our Downey, California facility. All applicants must be 18 years of age or older. No phone calls; please apply as directed in each listing.

JOB DESCRIPTION: Interim Executive Director

Monthly Salary Range: $10,800.00 to $14,040.00

GENEROUS BENEFITS PACKAGE :
(Benefits are optional)

Paid vacations
Paid holidays
Paid sick days
Paid personal days
16% Agency Contribution to 401(a) Retirement Saving Plan
100% Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance
100% Paid disability
100% Paid Employee Assistance Program
100 % Paid life, accidental, death and dismemberment insurance

STATUS: Exempt

REPORTS TO: Board of Commissioners

OPENING DATE: December 22, 2025

DEADLINE TO APPLY: January 30, 2026 at 11:59 PM (PT).

THE MISSION: SEAACA'S Mission Statement:
"The Southeast Area Animal Control Authority, SEAACA, was established in 1975 to answer the
community's needs for responsible animal care and control services. With the support of its
Board of Commissioners and dedicated staff, SEAACA is committed to providing programs for
the caring of abandoned and unwanted pets, reuniting lost pets with their families and
matching new homes for adoptable pets. SEAACA promotes responsible pet ownership by
providing educational information, insuring access to spay or neuter services at a reasonable
cost and insisting people accept the fact their pets are members of the family."

HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHY OF COMMUNITIES SERVED:
In October of 1975 the cities of Downey, Norwalk, and Pico Rivera signed a Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) establishing the Southeast Area Animal Control Authority (SEAACA). SEAACA was formed as an alternative to the escalating cost of animal control services and to improve the service levels provided by private and public animal welfare agencies.

In 1984, Bell Gardens, Montebello, and Paramount joined SEAACA as member cities. In 1987 South El Monte and in 1988 Santa Fe Springs also joined SEAACA.

In addition to these member cities, SEAACA currently extends contract services to the cities of Bellflower, Buena Park, La Palma, Lakewood, South Gate and Vernon. SEAACA currently serves approximately 811,876 residents in fourteen (14) cities.

October 16, 2025, marked the significant milestone of fifty (50) years of quality animal care and control services for SEAACA.

SEAACA is an independent public entity governed by a policy board (Board of Commissioners) comprised of a representative from each of the eight member cities. The Board of Commissioners is advised by an Administrative Committee comprised of the City Managers/City Administrators of the member cities.

THE POSITION:
The Executive Director (ED) has full administrative authority and oversees the direction of SEAACA's operations including field, care center, veterinarian clinic, and licensing programs/services. This exempt position reports directly to the Board of Commissioners and works with the management team to develop policies, short-term and long-term strategic goals, and manage SEAACA's resources. The ED serves as the liaison between SEAACA and the public and ensures quality animal care and public services are provided in accordance with SEAACA's mission, goals, and management philosophy.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Serves as liaison between the Board of Commissioners, management and support staff, and volunteers.
Directs all aspects of the constant humane treatment and handling of sheltered animals including ensuring high quality standards of animal care, handling, and sanitation with the shelter are adhered to and veterinarian treatment is consistent with protocol at all times.
Effectively manages resources, people, and dollars for the maximum benefit to the authority.
Directs and oversees the unrepresented management/supervisory team by setting priorities; positive and open communication; team interaction and tracking outcomes.
Oversees preparation and execution of departmental budgets on an annual basis, to include projected income and expenses.
Monitors revenues and expenses in relation to the annual budget; authorizes the purchase of equipment and supplies in accordance with established purchasing policies and procedures.
Maintains a liaison with representatives of other CA animal control organizations, federal, and state agencies, community groups, and officials of contract cities.
Ensures constituent complaints are resolved concerning the level of service provided.
Promotes the agency's goals, animal and customer care and management philosophy to veterinarians, vendors, the general public media, and other animal welfare related organizations.
Designs, develops, and implements programs to inform the public; maintains communication with the community; and promotes responsible pet ownership.
Designs and implements programs to work with Adoption Partners and the public to facilitate adoptable animals into forever homes.
Maintains a working knowledge of state and local laws pertaining to animal care and control.
Directs and supervises management staff in the performance of their respective responsibilities.
Communicates pertinent information to staff and management.
Negotiates and manages contracts/grants required for the daily operation of the authority.

QUALIFICATIONS.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

Possession of good analytical skills, including the ability to identify and resolve issues and to solve problems within existing resources.
Ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of people including residents, community groups, rescue (social media), adoption partners, Elected Officials, City Managers and staff, plus other stakeholders.
Ability to manage problems which may be controversial at times and to deal effectively with media attention.
Leadership skills should include but not be limited to: demonstrated track record in managing and training staff; experience in managing in a government service system; participation in tracking strategic planning; leadership in enforcing laws and ordinances; building moral and decision making.
Strong knowledge of computers and management reporting are also essential skills.
Ability to exercise judgment and diplomacy in a wide variety of public contact situations.
Should be goal oriented, reliable in meeting deadlines, well organized and a consensus builder.
Should be type of leader that sets the tone for excellence and models desired behaviors.
Ability to demonstrate high emotional intelligence.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor's degree with major course work in Animal Care, Veterinary Technology, Public Administration, Business Administration, Public Safety, or a related field; plus five (5) years of management level experience. Ten (10) years of progressively responsible, related management or administrative experience may be substituted for a Bachelor's degree.
Experience in Animal Care and Control and/or Animal Welfare is preferred. Some of the five (5) years can include management level at a non-profit organization of equivalent size and complexity of SEAACA or management-level government leadership in an organization of equivalent size and complexity of SEAACA.
Relevant volunteer experience in leadership and/or management roles will be considered. Animal handling experience is desirable.
Experience in working with a constituent or elected Board or Commission is essential.
Experience in dealing with implementation and enforcement of local and state laws and ordinances is important.
Must be able to pass any required drug test, maintain a valid driver's license, and maintain the confidentiality of any information encountered.

APPLICATION:
Please supply your resume and letter of interest to one of the following:

Email to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Mail to: 9777 SEAACA Street, Downey, CA 90241 (Attention Administration)
Drop off: During business hours (9777 SEAACA Street, Downey, CA 90241)

JOB DESCRIPTION: VETERINARY ASSISTANT

Salary: $19.4936 to $24.1491 per hour, generous benefit package, including 14% agency contribution to retirement. (unbenefited position during 6-month training period)

DEFINITION:
Under direct supervision of the Veterinary Clinic Supervisor, assists the registered veterinary technicians (RVT), veterinarians, and receptionists in all duties in the veterinary division. Responsible for the quality of humane and profession treatment of all animals in the care of SEAACA including the maintenance and care of animals, monitoring of animals for signs of illness, disease, or injury; cleaning, disinfection and sanitation of cages and work areas; sterilizes laboratory and surgical instruments and equipment; assists veterinarians with healthcare duties; provides routine post-operative care; administers medication orally or topically; prepares samples for laboratory examination under the supervision of veterinarian or licensed veterinary technician.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:

Observes animals in animal care center custody for signs of disease, illness or injury and reports these to Veterinarian.
Feeds, waters, and monitors animals for signs of illness, disease, or injury under Veterinary care.
Cleans, disinfects and sanitizes cages, work areas, laundry, laboratory equipment, and surgical equipment. Maintains Veterinary division facilities.
Prepares animals for treatment or surgery and assists Veterinarian during treatment or surgery.
Assists Veterinarian in variety of healthcare duties, including injections, venipuncture, and wound dressing.
Prepares examination or treatment room, and holds or restrains animal during treatment.
Intake and release of privately owned animals entering the animal care center for Veterinary care.
Provides agency and general information over the counter and on the telephone. Gives written/verbal information and instruction to public at front counter.
Provide professional/courteous customer service to clients.
Processes monetary transactions for veterinary treatments and other services.
Other duties as assigned.

JOB DESCRIPTION: STAFF VETERINARIAN

Annual Salary Range: $133,657 to $165,578

DEFINITION:
State of California licensed Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. When onsite, SEAACA’s staff veterinarian is responsible for maintaining the health of all animals in the care of the Southeast Area Animal Control Authority (SEAACA)..

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/FUNCTIONS:

Examines animals for prospective adoptions to ensure health condition.
Vaccinates animals against Rabies, Distemper, Parvo, Upper Respiratory Infection, and other diseases common to canines and felines.
Performs spay and neuter surgeries.
Collaborate with Chief Veterinarian to ensure SEAACA’s operations are conducted using appropriate and up-to-date medical and surgical practices.
Maintain a culture of collaboration and teamwork among the entire Veterinary Services team.
Examines and treats injured or sick animals that come into SEAACA’s care.
May monitor quarantine of animals that have been involved in a bite.
May assist field officers with cruelty investigations or rescues where medical intervention is necessary.
Participate in euthanasia decision making. Train and certify staff to perform euthanasia procedures.
Other duties as assigned.

JOB DESCRIPTION: VETERINARY ASSISTANT

Salary: $19.4936 to $24.1491 per hour, generous benefit package, including 14% agency contribution to retirement. (unbenefited position during 6-month training period)

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:

Observes animals in animal care center custody for signs of disease, illness or injury and reports these to Veterinarian.
Feeds, waters, and monitors animals for signs of illness, disease, or injury under Veterinary care.
Cleans, disinfects and sanitizes cages, work areas, laundry, laboratory equipment, and surgical equipment. Maintains Veterinary division facilities.
Prepares animals for treatment or surgery and assists Veterinarian during treatment or surgery.
Assists Veterinarian in variety of healthcare duties, including injections, venipuncture, and wound dressing.
Prepares examination or treatment room, and holds or restrains animal during treatment.
Intake and release of privately owned animals entering the animal care center for Veterinary care.
Provides agency and general information over the counter and on the telephone. Gives written/verbal information and instruction to public at front counter.
Provide professional/courteous customer service to clients.
Processes monetary transactions for veterinary treatments and other services.
Other duties as assigned.

JOB DESCRIPTION: ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER

Salary: $22.8182 to $28.2675 per hour, generous benefit package, including 14% agency contribution to retirement. (Unbenefited position during training). Minimum age requirement: 18 years of age

DEFINITION:
A Limited Law Enforcement Officer, under the direct supervision of Corporal and Senior Animal Control Officers. Performs tasks related to enforcing city and state ordinances regarding the care and treatment of all types of animals, wild and domestic, dead or alive. Educates the community about stray or vicious animals and related diseases; captures, impounds, relocates, and when necessary, disposes of animals; and maintains records. Investigates animal bite cases and animal complaints; issues citations. Prepares reports as applicable. Testify in court as directed.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:

Impounds of dogs at large and in violation of City ordinances. Impounds domestic and wild animals in response to citizen and government agency requests for service.
Investigates citizen complaints and requests from government agencies regarding violations of city and state ordinances pertaining to the proper care and control of animals.
Issues verbal warnings, written warnings or citations for ordinance violations, when appropriate.
Responds to emergency complaints such as animal bites, animal cruelty, control of poisonous or dangerous animals and other incidents.
Prepares reports of incidents including animal bites, animal cruelty, vicious dogs and other incidents, often to be used in court prosecution.
Assists law enforcement or other agencies upon request with animal problems.
Maintains accurate daily log of activities performed.
Prepares impound records for each animal impounded. Performs animal license records verifications to contact and locate owners of animals with identification.
Educates the public on responsible pet ownership and the ordinances regarding animals.
Transports injured or sick animals for needed veterinary treatment as appropriate.
Maintains a sanitized and appropriately stocked vehicle for performance of duties.
Maintains certification for and performs euthanasia as necessary.
Processes monetary transactions for provided services.
Delivers correspondence and citations to city halls and courts.
Other duties as assigned.

JOB DESCRIPTION: LICENSE CANVASSER

$19.4936 - $24.1491 an hour - Temporary Part-Time employment status does not qualify for health and dental benefits. Retirement: Employee contributes (5%) of wages to a PARS ARS Account; SEAACA contributes the equivalent of 2.50% of the employee’s wages to their PARS ARS Retirement Account. (Non-benefited position)

DEFINITION:
This is a temporary, part-time position under the direct supervision of the Revenue and Licensing Program Manager. An Animal License Canvasser canvasses residence and business districts enforcing animal license ordinances; collects money for license fee payments and issues receipts to animal owners. Verifies rabies vaccination and sterilization records of dogs in the field and reconciles daily revenue collections. Animal License Canvassers may also issue official notices. The nature of the work requires prolonged walking, standing and driving. This position involves heavy public contact.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:

Canvasses residences and businesses enforcing animal license ordinances and laws.
Verifies rabies vaccinations.
Collects payment for licenses and issues receipts.
Maintains records and prepares reports that could be used in court as legal evidence.
Disseminates public education materials to residents.
Observes and reports suspicious activities involving animal related concerns, such as inhumane treatment, animal fighting, breeding activities, exotic animals, etc., to the appropriate department of the Agency, and assists other departments as needed.
Assist and work at state mandated low-cost clinics and/or SEAACA promotional events.
May utilize personal vehicle during the course of employment with mileage reimbursement (see reverse).
Performs other duties as assigned.

JOB DESCRIPTION: ANIMAL CARE TECHNICIAN

$19.4931 - $24.1486 hourly, generous benefit package, including 14% agency contribution to retirement. (unbenefited position during training)

DEFINITION:
Under direct supervision of the Facility Supervisor and Lead Animal Care Technician, cares for the animals that come into the SEAACA Animal Care Center and maintains the facility. Working hours and days off may be rotated. Hours may be for various durations, up to 12 hours a day, however, normally do not exceed eighty (80) hours in any two-week period and include weekends and holidays.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:

Provides food and water for domestic, exotic and wild animals at shelter.
Cleans and disinfects animal enclosures (some outside of the building) and feed bowls.
Impounds animals into animal care center and releases animals to owners and new adopters.
Humanely euthanizes animals.
Provides quality customer service.
Maintains facility.
Computer data entry, record keeping, and scanning animals for microchips.
Observes animals for signs of illness or injury and reports these to Veterinary Division.
Other work as assigned.

JOB DESCRIPTION: CLERK/CASHIER

$19.4946 to $24.1505 / hourly rate, plus generous benefits package, including 14% agency contribution to retirement. (Non-benefited position during training)

DEFINITION:
Under the direct supervision of the Manager, Revenue and Licensing Program, and the Front Office Supervisor, Customer Service Representatives (Clerk/Cashiers) are the first line of contact with customers. Customer Service Representatives assists customers with their inquiries; receives requests for animal control services over the telephone and at the front desk; relays service request to field officers by two-way and network radio; greets and serves requests of visitors to the Animal Care Center; process pet adoptions, animal licenses, and animal related complaints; answer questions, provide information and education on programs and services, and respond to requests for agency specific programs and records requests and a variety of other accounting, clerical and record keeping duties.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:

Answer telephones, take information regarding requests for animal control services, animal licenses, and provide information about agency programs from citizens and government agencies.
Provides agency and general information over the counter and on the telephone. Give written information and instructions to the public at the front counter.
Operates network computer station.
Prioritizes calls for service and relays service requests.
Interprets the level of service needed through information obtained from field officers or residents and if required, relays pertinent information to their Supervisor.
Processes pet adoptions, animal intake records and service requests, monetary transactions for animal adoptions, redemptions, animal licenses. and other services.
Performs animal records verifications to locate owners of animals found with identification.
Perform accounting and filing duties.
Research routine questions required to complete a task. This may include asking direct questions, investigating a situation, determining the sources of a problem, and systematically obtaining additional data from various sources.
Other duties as assigned.

JOB DESCRIPTION: DISPATCHER

Hourly Rate of Pay: $19.4890 to $24.1434, Generous benefit package, including 14% agency contribution to retirement. (non-benefited position during training)

DEFINITION:
Under the direct supervision of the Corporal and Senior Animal Control Officers receives requests for animal control services over the telephone; relays service request to field officers by two-way and network radio. Assists with monitoring Field Officer activity and deployment; status of Field Officers in the field; process animal complaints and records requests and a variety of other clerical and record keeping duties.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:

Answers telephones, taking information regarding requests for animal control services from citizens and government agencies.
Enter, update and retrieve service requests/impound records and/or information via computer.
Operate various equipment such as telephone, two-way radio, computer and telecommunications equipment.
Prioritize calls for service and relays service requests and information to Field and Senior Officers.
Interprets level of service needed through information obtained from field officers or citizens and if required, relays pertinent information to the Field Division.
Informs Field Division of field conditions/calls in progress.
Informs Supervisor/Senior of any emergency situation.
Processes service requests and keeps records updated.
Performs animal license records verifications to locate owners of animals with identification.
Prepares logs, reports and records as directed.
Maintains files necessary for dispatch as assigned.
Perform filing and record-keeping duties.
Other duties as assigned.

JOB DESCRIPTION: EXTRA HELP POSITION

$19.4936 to $24.1491/ HOURLY

DEFINITION:
The Southeast Area Animal Control Authority is seeking motivated, temporary part-time employees in an Extra Help position to join their team of industry professionals. Develop your skills and knowledge of the fast-paced environment of animal care and control at SEAACA. Any person hired in an Extra Help position is required to meet the minimum qualifications as detailed in this job description. Extra Help employees do not exceed 1,500 hours during 12 consecutive calendar months. The working hours are flexible and may include weekday and/or weekend scheduling.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:

Assist various SEAACA Departments with daily assignments
Provide enrichment for animals in SEAACA’s care including but not limited to interactions and walking of dogs
May involve exposure and/or interactions with dogs, cats and other animals varying in size, health and temperament
Clean and disinfect animal enclosures and enrichment items
Provides quality customer service.
Provides general and pet licensing information to SEAACA residents at the Care Center and in the community.
Care Center maintenance including but not limited to detailed cleaning
General operation of computers
Other duties as assigned