Animal Communicator Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Department:Operations

Reports To:Shelter Manager

Classification:Full-Time/Part-Time, Non-Exempt

Pay Scale:$20.15-$22.86(hourly)

Starting Range:$20.15-$21.63(hourly)

Location:Shelter

WhoWe'reLooking For

You find job satisfaction in creating meaningful change - whetherthat'sturning a poop-covered kennel into a clean and cozy sleeping space or finding just the right squeaky toy to bring a shy dog out of hiding. You like working on your feet, staying calmwhen things get busy, and findingthesparkles of joy thatkeepyoumotivatedin a caring profession.

You can keep yourself on taskwhile also recognizingwhen priorities need toshiftor a teammate needs help. You approach animals with curiosity and compassion, paying attention to what their behavior may be telling you rather than making assumptions. Youtake pridein doing excellent work while understanding that sheltering is a team effort - and that communicating, asking for help, and learning from mistakes are part of doing the job well.

You understand that everyone's work contributes to thehealth and welfareofthe animals in ourcareand youtakeownership of keepingourfacility clean, safe,and welcoming for both two-legged and four-legged animals.

Purpose of the Position

The Animal Care Expert- Grade 1(ACE1)providesexcellent daily carethat supports thephysical and emotional health of animals housed at HSCO.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Cleanand sanitizekennels, animal housing areas,and associated workspaces includingdishes, laundry, storage areas, and common spaces.

• Feedanimals according to established instructions and ensure access to clean water and appropriate daily care.

• Observe animals during routine care and promptlycommunicate changes in physical health, behavior, appetite, or overall wellbeing to theappropriate staffmember.

• Providedailyenrichment, social connection, and physical and mental exerciseappropriate toindividual animals.

• Provide targeted enrichmentand supportfor long-stayanimalsoranimals experiencing greater barriers to placement.

• Follow established animal handling, sanitation, safety, anddisease-preventionpractices.

• Organize and prioritize assigned work to ensure essential animal care needs are completed whileremainingresponsive to changing needsthroughthe day.

• Communicate with teammates whenprioritiesconflict, concerns arise, or additional support is needed.

• Mayassistwith dog playgroups and other animal enrichment activities based on training and operational needs.

What Success Looks Like

• Animals consistently have clean, safe, and comfortable living spaces and receive attentive daily care.

• Changes in an animal's physical or emotional well-being are noticed and communicated promptly, includingappropriate documentation

• Animals receive meaningful enrichment, exercise, and socialconnectiontosupport their individual needs.

• Essential work gets done even when the daydoesn'tgo according to plan because priorities areadjustedand teammates communicate and help one another.

• Coworkers can rely on you to take ownership of your work, ask for help when you need it, and contribute to the needs of the larger team.

• You continue building your animal care knowledge and skills through feedback, curiosity, practice, and experience.

This Role ProbablyIsn'tfor You If...

• Youpreferto start worklater than6am or youaren'tavailabletoworkweekends or holidays.

• You need a work environmentwithoutstrong smells,loud noises, or physically demanding cleaning.

• Youaren'tprepared with strategiesto support yourselfwhile working in an environmentthat can sometimes be stressful or emotional.

• When somethingdoesn'tlook right,you'remore likely to assume someone else will handle it, rather than ask questions or bring it to someone's attention.

• When your daydoesn'tgoas expected, you tend to withdrawand become frustratedrather thancommunicate, reprioritize,and ask for the help you need.

• You prefer focusing only on "your" assigned tasks, rather than pitching in when the animals,facility, or team need your help.

• You view feedback or mistakes primarily as criticism rather than opportunities to learn and improve.

Our Commitment to You:

HSCO recognizes our employees as our greatest resource. We are dedicated to maintaining a supportive culture that welcomes diverse and compassionate team members who gain satisfaction from helping pets and people in our community. While this work can be challenging, we strive to find positivity, camaraderie, and fun wherever we can.

HSCO offers competitive wages and benefit packages. The following benefits are available for full-time employees (40hrs/week):

• Health insurance (PPO or HSA) with 100% of premium for employee is paid by HSCO (equivalent of $6,000 in premiums annually)
• Corporate Dental Membership, 100% premium for employee is paid by HSCO
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Simple IRA. Up to 3% match offered to participants, after 1 year of service.
• Paid Time Off accrual of 120 hours in the first year
• Personal Time Off of 24 hours/year
• Holiday Pay for seven holidays (New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day)
• Discounted veterinary care for your pets
• Discounts at the HSCO Thrift Store