Animal Care Worker Examination

ANIMAL CARE WORKER Examination

(OPEN) CS2026-083

Application Open Date: 07/13/2026

Application Close Date: 07/27/2026

SALARY: $19.94 - $23.31 per hour.

APPLICATION INFORMATION

This application is not for an immediate opening, by submitting an application you are applying to take a Civil Service Examination for the opportunity to be placed on an Eligible List for a future opening. To learn more about the Civil Service examinations and Eligible Lists please visit the Cleveland Civil Service Webpage: FAQs | City of Cleveland Ohio

To determine if you qualify to take the examination you must include/attach any required documents (i.e. Resume, Certifications, Driver’s License, etc…) to support you meet the Minimum Qualifications at the time of submitting your application. Please read the Minimum Qualification section carefully, you may attach PDF or JPEG

EXAMINATION INFORMATION

WRITTEN EXAMINATION: The exam may be computerized, or a traditional pencil and paper designed to test the objectives of the duties and minimum qualifications of the classification.

Examples of Duties

Responsible for daily kennel and shelter cleaning, ensuring shelter animals are properly cared for, assisting with adopter meets, and other duties as assigned. Ensures the Division of Animal Care and Control's (DACC's) high-quality standards are maintained. Cleans and disinfects multiple animal kennels, food and water bowls, and enrichment toys. Also cleans all outside areas as well as public areas. Scans dogs for microchips and implants them in dogs that have not been microchipped. Ensures that photographs are taken of newly impounded animals. Assists with assessing dog's temperament as needed. Feeds, grooms, exercises, walks, and engages in enrichment activities as well as socialization of all shelter animals. Interacts with DACC clients to introduce adoptable animal as well as other meets, as needed. Promotes adoptions through visitor education. Documents animal identification. Updates animal walking boards, divisional spreadsheet, and record management systems. Assists with animal euthanasia as needed. Drives Divisional vehicles. Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

High School Diploma or GED required. Valid State of Ohio Driver’s License required. Must become euthanasia certified within six months of the date of hire. Must be able to lift and handle animals of all sizes. Animal welfare experience is preferred.

Reminder: Minimum qualifications must be met as of the last day of the accepting applications. You must upload these documents at the time of submitting your application or email the documents to ***email_hidden*** and include the Job Title in the email.

Supplemental Information

RESIDENCY CREDIT

A person who has had as his/her primary residence in the City of Cleveland for at least one year at the time of filing a Civil Service application, and desires to take an entry-level Civil Service examination, shall, if a passing grade on the written examination is attained, have ten (10) points added to his/her passing score. (NOTE: Not all Examinations consider residency credit in the scoring process) To substantiate a claim for residency points, Applicants must UPLOAD LEGIBLE COPIES of the following:

• A signed and notarized Residency Affidavit available on the City’s website here: https://www.clevelandohio.gov/sites/clevelandohio/files/AffidavitOfResidency0321.pdf

CLEVELAND MUNICIPAL SCHOOL DISTRICT (CMSD) PREFERENCE CREDIT

An applicant who is a graduate of the Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) and is participating in an open competitive entrance-level examination, as determined by the Commission, shall receive an additional five (5) points upon achieving a passing score, as established in the examination announcement. Applicants must provide acceptable proof of graduation from a CMSD school at the time of application in order to qualify for this credit.

VETERANS’ PREFERENCE

Veterans' preference will be awarded, when applicable, to eligible veterans in accordance with Civil Service Rules 4.40E, 4.40F and 4.40G. Proof of active service or a DD Form 214, must be presented to the Commission at the time of filing application for the examination in which credit is sought in order to qualify for veterans' credit. If the applicant has received an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions that applicant shall receive an additional five (5) points added to their raw score on the examination; or ten (10) points are added to their raw score on the examination if applicant’s supporting documentation indicates more than fifteen percent (15%) service connected disability. NOTE: Only DD Form 214 (long form) or an official armed service document indicating type of discharge or separation and the dates of active service will be accepted as proof of active service.

Reminder: To determine if you qualify to take the examination you must include/attach any required documents (i.e. Resume, Certifications, Driver’s License, etc…) to support you meet the Minimum Qualifications. Please read the Minimum Qualification section carefully, you may attach PDF or JPEG

We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin/ancestry, military status, disability, age and religion.

The City's guiding principles are as follows : Placing Clevelanders at the Center, Empowering Employees to Do Purposeful Work, Defining Clear and Pragmatic Objectives, Leading with Trust and Transparency, Striving for Equity in All We Do, and Embracing Change. All City employees are responsible for embracing and carrying out these principles in all that they do.