Animal Behavior Internship Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Job Location: Community Veterinary Hospital – Portland, OR 97211
Position Type: Full Time
Education Level: DVM
Salary Range: $130,000.00 - $139,875.00 per year

Founded in 1868, Oregon Humane is the Northwest’s oldest and largest animal welfare organization with one of the highest adoption rates in the nation. We work toward our vision of a world where all animals are treated with compassion, kindness and respect. With campuses in Portland and Salem, Oregon Humane relies on donor support for adoption, education, medical and humane law enforcement programs. Visit oregonhumane.org to learn more about our work.

The Veterinarian collaborates with the medical and operations leadership team to ensure the hospital’s overall performance meets all medical standards set by executive leadership and complies with the Oregon Veterinary Medical Educators Board Practice Act.

The veterinarian is responsible for providing day‑to‑day delivery of exceptional diagnostic, treatment and surgical services to animals served by Oregon Humane. The role includes outpatient and inpatient care, primarily with canine and feline patients and a small percentage of exotics. Additional responsibilities include clinical leadership for staff and student interns and expert consultation on complex cases.

• Medical/Dental/Vision coverage
• Paid Time Off, Sick Time and Holidays
• 401(k) with employer match
• Professional Development Opportunities
• One free Oregon Humane adoption per year
• Perks & Discounts

• Exhibit personal leadership by exceeding expectations, demonstrating flexibility, resilience, and maintaining positive relationships.
• Maintain high ethical standards and treat all people with respect and dignity.
• Show personal awareness and model non‑defensive behavior to build a culture of feedback and learning.
• Contribute to regular dialogue and accountability with leadership to review progress and course correct.
• Utilize data and insights to identify key inputs and metrics that reflect strategy and progress.
• Build appropriate feedback loops to measure milestone achievement.
• Communicate effectively to executive and stakeholder groups.
• Liaise with stakeholders, including other departments and donors, to maintain productive relationships.
• Leverage best practices externally and enhance Oregon Humane’s reputation in animal welfare.

• Perform clinical and surgical veterinary duties in a high‑volume spay/neuter, general surgery, and comprehensive medical center.
• Communicate examination findings, treatment plans, and care alternatives to clients.
• Engage in financial conversations with clients and involve other team members as needed.
• Uphold the team's culture of quality, compassion, efficiency, teamwork, and responsibility.
• Provide clinical advice on complex euthanasia decisions and referrals from community partners.
• Mentor and guide colleagues, interns, residents, and students on complex medical, surgical, and euthanasia decisions.
• Collaborate with other departments to coordinate care and quarantine of infectious disease patients.
• Develop and maintain protocols and provide guidance to staff.
• Participate in investigation of animal cruelty or neglect and support veterinary forensics and humane law enforcement teams.
• Maintain accurate medical records in veterinary practice software.
• Work with the Medical Director to resolve complaints about medical outcomes or decisions.
• Provide clinical instruction to veterinary students and house officers in partnership with OSU faculty.
• Attend clinical rounds and support patient care discussions.
• Participate in departmental and organizational meetings, media appearances, and events.
• Serve as a direct professional contact with community practitioners for questions and follow‑up.
• Bolster inter‑departmental communication and partnerships through effective teamwork.
• Participate in Oregon Humane‑organized responses to animal‑related emergencies and special projects.
• Collaborate with the shelter medicine team to provide support as needed.
• Assist related internal and external departments as needed and perform duties requested by management.

None

Reports Directly To: Medical Director
Often Engages Directly With: Medical Staff

• DVM from an accredited academic institution.
• Licensed to practice veterinary medicine in Oregon or able to obtain within six months of hire.
• Excellent surgery and medical diagnostic abilities in a high‑volume facility.
• Ability to recognize, diagnose, treat, and properly quarantine infectious disease in a high‑population environment.
• Willingness to perform tasks without direct supervision.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, able to communicate respectfully and professionally with a diverse population.
• Sound judgment and professional demeanor during all interactions with the public, partner agencies, donors, staff, and volunteers.

• Work performed in office, medical center, and animal shelter environments.
• Occasional weekend and evening work may be required.
• Animal contact and related injuries may occur.
• Noise exposure varies, including animal vocalizations.
• Pace of work is active and demanding, requiring multitasking and adaptability.
• Primarily resides on the Oregon Humane campus, which is open to the public; contact with emotional people may occur.

• Occasionally lift and move objects up to 50 lbs.
• Occasionally push and pull items up to 100 lbs.
• Occasionally move items above shoulder level.
• Occasionally use hands and arms at or above shoulder level.
• Prolonged standing, sitting, and/or stooping may occur.
• Occasionally climb and bend.
• Must be able to lift, move, restrain, guide, or manage an animal weighing up to 150 lbs. on a leash occasionally.
• Must remain stationary in prolonged periods.
• Ability to perform emergency life‑saving techniques.

Oregon Humane is committed to building a diverse team and fostering an inclusive culture where all perspectives are valued. We actively seek diversity in backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences and strive to create a respectful, compassionate environment.

Oregon Humane is an equal opportunity employer that does not tolerate discrimination on any basis. We actively seek out diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We do not engage in or tolerate discrimination based on race, color, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability, marital status, military veteran status, or any other protected group.

This position is at‑will. The description does not create any contract of employment; employees may be terminated at any time for any lawful reason.