Animal Rescue Jobs in Lake Oswego, OR (NOW HIRING)

Current employees: Please apply through the employee portal to be considered for this opportunity.
Pay Range:
$26.07 - $32.06 Hourly
Department:
Department of Community Services (DCS)
Job Type:
Regular Represented
Exemption Status:
United States of America (Non-Exempt)
Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified):
August 31, 2026
The Opportunity:
*Only apply for this position once. If you are interested, please apply without delay! This recruitment will close once we've reached 150 applications or the closing date, whichever comes first.*
OVERVIEW
Our Animal Services division is currently looking for experienced and self-motivated team player to fill our Animal Control Officer 1 position at the Field Services Center in Portland, Oregon.
As an Animal Control Officer 1 you'd provide frontline support for the Field Services unit while working collaboratively with fellow officers, shelter staff, and medical personnel.
In this role, core responsibilities include:

• Gather and record comprehensive data related to calls involving animals, animal owners, and residents
• Maintain a digital log of daily of activities, including animals impounded
• Impound and provide information about stray animals from the public; provide information and answer questions about animal control processes and related program services
• Respond to calls about sick, injured and/or deceased animals within Multnomah County
• Handle sick, injured, and/or fractious domestic animals and wildlife
• Assess the health and physical condition of animals and communicate observations and relevant information to internal and external vet staff
• Transport animals of varying medical and behavioral conditions
• Impound sick, injured, distressed, and deceased domestic and wild animals
• Transport animals to partner agencies or owners as necessary
• Prioritize calls and cases based on animal wellbeing and public safety
• Support and participate in departmental response to disaster and emergency events
• Communicate, coordinate, and work alongside community partners, including law enforcement, emergency services, and other animal welfare agencies

If you would like to take part in this exciting opportunity -- apply today!
Who We Are
Multnomah County Department of Community Services (DCS) comprises unique and essential government services, including Elections, Land Use Planning, Animal Services and Transportation.
Multnomah County Animal Services (MCAS) is the municipal animal welfare and animal control agency for Multnomah County located within the state of Oregon. MCAS is the only open door shelter in Multnomah County and the primary agency responsible for lost pet care, enforcement of Chapter 13 of Multnomah County Code and animal rescue. We also offer dog and cat licensing, lost and found pet services and animal adoptions through our shelter in Troutdale, Oregon. MCAS has an equitable service model that focuses on under-resourced communities and removing barriers to pet adoptions or other placements. As part of this service model, an Animal Control Officer 1 must be open to understanding culturally responsive practices and assisting with implementing changes that encourage this approach.
What We Can Offer You
As an Animal Control Officer, will become a part of a strong organization dedicated to providing outstanding services to the community. At Multnomah County, we are committed to maintaining an effective, respectful, and inclusive workplace. We value collaborative problem solving and strive for continuous improvement. We strongly believe in workforce equity, diversity, and inclusion. Visit our Workforce Equity Strategies Plan (WESP) to see where Multnomah County is headed with these values.
Multnomah County offers an exceptional benefits package, including employer-funded retirement savings; health and dental insurance at very low cost to full-time employees and their dependents; paid parental leave; wellness programs; a focus on work-life balance; and much more. Find more details on our website.
TO QUALIFY
We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific about how your background is relevant.
Minimum Qualifications/Transferable Skills*:

• Equivalent to the completion of twelfth grade
• Six (6) months of experience working or volunteering in an animal-related role
• Six (6) months of customer service experience
• Possession of a valid driver license
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Sheriff's Special Deputy commission within six (6) months of hire
• Must pass a criminal background check

Preferred Qualifications/Transferable Skills*:
You do not need to have the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills to qualify. However, keep in mind we may consider some or all of the following when identifying the most qualified candidates. Please clearly explain on your application how you meet any of the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills.

• Knowledge of basic canine and feline identification and behaviors
• Knowledge of and the ability to safely and humanely handle domestic and wild animals
• Must be able to lift and carry at least 60 pounds
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions
• Following established program standards and guidelines, ability to produce and maintain accurate written and electronic records
• Ability to safely operate Multnomah County Animal Control vehicles
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions, work a variety of shifts and hours, including on-call duty. Must be physically agile and fit to do extensive walking, bending, crouching, stooping, lifting moderately heavy objects, and other forms of exertion including occasional running
• Ability to deal effectively and professionally with staff, volunteers and the public, exercising tact and good judgment
• Ability to work independently while maintaining an open line of communication with peers

*Transferable skills: Your transferable skills are any skills you have gained through education, work experience (including the military) or life experience that are relevant for this position . Be sure to describe any transferable skills on your application and clearly explain how they apply to this position.
SCREENING AND EVALUATION
The Application Packet:
Be sure to provide the materials below in your application submission:

• Online application:Explain all related experience (paid or unpaid) and training in the education and work experience sections of the application.
• Resume:Please indicate how you meet the required minimum qualifications. Attach the PDF document to the online application. Be sure to explain in detail, including dates, all related work experience, paid or unpaid.
• Cover letter (optional): This should expand on your resume, address why you are interested in this position and demonstrate how your experience and skill set align with the minimum and preferred qualifications listed.

Internal candidates: After you have applied, you will receive the Oregon Veteran Preference Questionnaire in your Workday inbox. Your application as an internal candidate is not complete until you fill out and submit the Oregon Veteran Preference Questionnaire.
The Selection Process: For details about how we typically screen applications, review our overview of the selection process page. We expect to evaluate candidates for this recruitment as follows:

• Initial review of minimum qualifications
• Evaluation of application materials to identify the most qualified candidates.
• A phone screen, oral exam, supplemental screening or written exam may be used to determine the most qualified candidates
• Consideration of top candidates/Interviews
• Professional reference checks
• Criminal background check

Note: Application information may be used throughout the entire selection process. This process is subject to change without notice. This recruitment will be used to fill any current and future full-time, part-time, on-call, temporary and limited duration positions while the eligible for hire list is active.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Type of Position: This full-time, hourly and union-represented position is eligible for overtime.
Salary: The starting pay assignment will be based on an analysis of the successful candidate's related experience and education in accordance with the county's pay equity policy and the Oregon Equal Pay Act. Pay for new employees typically starts at the beginning of the pay range.
Schedule: Sunday - Wednesday, 7:45am - 5:45 pm OR Wednesday - Saturday, 7:45am - 5:45pm
Location: Multnomah County Animal Services - Field Services, 1600 SE 190th Ave., Portland, OR 97233. Although ACOs start and end their day at our Field Services office, this position primarily works in the field and routinely travels to and from the shelter in Troutdale.
Equal Pay Law
Please be advised that the pay range listed for this position is intended to provide general guidance on the earning potential for the role. However, actual compensation will be determined in accordance with the Oregon Equal Pay Law and will take into account factors such as the candidate's relevant experience and education. Candidates should expect that initial offers will be made within the listed pay range and may not be at or near the top of the range.
Essential Employee Designation
The county provides a wide array of services, including many emergency-related functions and other services essential to the public health and safety. Essential employees are required to report for duty regardless of decisions to close or curtail other county operations.
Serving the Public, Even During Disasters
Everyday, Multnomah County staff work together to serve as a safety net for our communities. During a disaster, this safety net becomes even more critical. All County employees have a role in serving the public during inclement weather, natural disaster, or other types of community emergency response. During these emergency responses, while typically there begins with a call for volunteers, county employees may ultimately be reassigned from their current position to a role in the emergency response in order to support the critical needs presented by our communities. For more information, please visit the Disaster Service Worker Information page.
In accordance with Oregon Law, Multnomah County is not collecting school attendance dates in the initial application process; please do not include these dates in your resume, cover letter and other application materials.
Diversity and Inclusion: At Multnomah County, we don't just accept difference; we value it and support it to create a culture of dignity and respect for our employees.
We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran or protected veteran status, genetic information and other legally protected characteristics. The EEO Know Your Rights poster is available for your reference. Multnomah County is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. We request priority protected veteran referrals.
Veterans' Preference: Under Oregon Law, qualifying veterans may apply for veterans' preference. Review our veterans' preference page for details about eligibility and how to apply.
Accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act: We gladly provide reasonable accommodation to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing an application or participating in this recruitment process. Please contact the recruiter below in advance to request assistance. Individuals with hearing or speech impairments may contact the recruiter through the Telecommunications Relay Service by dialing 711.
Questions?
Recruiter:
Marisa Messina
Email:
marisa.messina@multco.us
Phone:
+1 (971) 3139319
Application information may be used throughout the entire selection process. This process is subject to change without notice.
Disclaimer: This announcement is intended as a general descriptive recruitment guide and is subject to change. It does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.
Job Profile:
6069 - Animal Control Officer 1