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Animal Rescue Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

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Animal Rescue information

See Portland, OR salary details

$10

$22

$29

How much do animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal rescue in Portland, OR is $22.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.37 and $26.49 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is animal rescue?

Animal rescue refers to the process of saving animals from dangerous, abusive, or neglectful situations and providing them with shelter, medical care, and rehabilitation. Animal rescue organizations work to protect stray, abandoned, or mistreated animals, often finding them foster or permanent homes. The main goal is to ensure the well-being and safety of animals, promoting responsible pet ownership and preventing cruelty. Rescued animals may include pets like dogs and cats, as well as wildlife in distress. Volunteers and professionals collaborate to give these animals a second chance at life.

What are some common challenges faced by animal rescue professionals, and how can they effectively address them?

Animal rescue professionals often encounter emotionally challenging situations, such as witnessing animal neglect or working with traumatized animals. They may also face physical demands, unpredictable schedules, and the need to make quick decisions in high-stress environments. Building emotional resilience, practicing self-care, and collaborating closely with veterinary staff, volunteers, and local authorities can help manage these challenges. Additionally, ongoing training and open communication within the team are essential for maintaining a supportive work environment and ensuring the best outcomes for rescued animals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Animal Rescue Worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Animal Rescue Worker, you need knowledge of animal handling, first aid, and welfare, often supported by relevant certifications or experience with animals. Familiarity with animal control software, rescue equipment, and sometimes animal transport vehicles is typically required. Compassion, resilience, and strong communication skills are vital for building trust with animals and collaborating with the public and rescue organizations. These skills ensure the safety, effective care, and successful rehoming of animals in challenging and often urgent situations.

What is the difference between Animal Rescue vs Animal Shelter Worker?

AspectAnimal RescueAnimal Shelter Worker
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma; certifications in animal handling or rescue techniquesHigh school diploma; training in animal care and shelter operations
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, outdoor rescues, emergency situationsIndoor shelter facilities, animal care areas
Employer & Industry UsageRescue organizations, non-profits, government agenciesShelters, humane societies, animal control agencies
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Animal Rescue involves actively seeking out and rescuing animals in distress, often in outdoor or emergency settings. Animal Shelter Workers primarily care for animals within shelter facilities, focusing on daily care and adoption processes. Both roles require animal handling skills and work within animal welfare organizations, but their work environments and specific duties differ significantly.

What job is it called when you rescue animals?

The job of rescuing animals is typically called an animal rescue worker or animal rescue technician. These professionals often work for shelters, rescue organizations, or wildlife agencies, and they may need training in animal handling, first aid, and sometimes certifications in animal care or veterinary assistance.
What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Rescue jobs in Portland, OR? The most popular types of Animal Rescue jobs in Portland, OR are:
What job categories do people searching Animal Rescue jobs in Portland, OR look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Rescue jobs in Portland, OR are:
What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Animal Rescue jobs? Cities near Portland, OR with the most Animal Rescue job openings:
Infographic showing various Animal Rescue job openings in Portland, OR as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $46,432 per year, or $22.3 per hour.

Limited Duration: Animal Keeper - Condors

Oregon Metro

Portland, OR โ€ข On-site

$30.85 - $41.36/hr

Other

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Position Summary This is a limited duration position and is expected to conclude 12/31/2028 but could end earlier based on business needs. Hello, we're Metro. Metro is dedicated to shaping a better future for the greater Portland region.

The work the people of Metro do every day benefits the lives of the people who live here, today, and tomorrow. The Oregon Zoo is looking for a Limited Duration Animal Keeper who specializes in the care of California Condors. This position is responsible for daily husbandry tasks as well as other essential duties that support the health, welfare, and enrichment of the animals in our care.

As the Limited Duration Animal Keeper - Condors you will: Provides daily care for condors, including feeding, cleaning, monitoring health and behavior, and maintaining species-appropriate social and environmental conditions. Applies knowledge of species' natural history and current care standards to support feeding strategies, breeding and rearing practices, and social management. Maintains and disinfects animal habitats and keeper areas; checks enclosures, tools, and equipment for safety and functionality, and reports or initiates repairs as needed.

Prepares and distributes prescribed diets in a safe and species-appropriate manner, including for mixed-species exhibits; monitors food intake and recommends dietary adjustments. Observes animals for signs of illness, injury, or abnormal behavior and communicates observations with management team; administers medications as prescribed; collaborates with veterinary staff and follows treatment plans and care instructions, including occasional hand-rearing or artificial incubation as needed. Maintains detailed records on health, behavior, diet, reproduction, inventory, and other metrics; assists with animal capture, restraint, transfers, and medical procedures.

Engages with the public through keeper chats, tours, and educational presentations; contributes to conservation messaging and provides accurate animal information to staff and visitors. Responds to emergencies, participates in safety drills and protocols, and uses appropriate equipment to maintain a secure and safe environment for animals, staff, and guests. Collaborates with zoo staff across departments, contributes to a positive team culture, attends meetings, and participates in professional development, research, and conservation programs.

Attributes for success Knowledge of animal husbandry practices for species under care. Comfort and experience working with exotic and potentially dangerous animals in a safety-oriented work environment. Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Contribute to a positive team atmosphere and contribute in a close, team-oriented environment. Passion for animal care and conservation. DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION At Metro, we strive to cultivate diversity, advance equity, and practice inclusion in all of its work.

This means attracting and empowering a workforce that is inclusive of a broad range of human qualities. Workplace diversity is both a moral imperative and a business strength, essential to providing quality support and services to our region. Metro's goal is to hire, develop and retain highly skilled and talented individuals across all departments and programs who best reflect the diversity of our community.

Learn more about Metro's Diversity Action Plan 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 in your application materials on how your background is relevant. Minimum qualifications Bachelor's degree in; biology, zoology, or related fields in relevant taxa and Three years of professional animal keeper experience working with condors or large vultures; or Any combination of education and experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the classification duties and responsibilities.

Required: Current and valid driver's license Additional Requirements: Additional medical testing and/or immunizations (not already stated in this announcement) may be required as the duties of this position may require close contact with animal areas and enclosures where animals may be present. Ability to successfully pass a driving records check. If this statement is true for you, then you may be ineligible to apply If you were terminated for cause during any employment with Metro, or resigned in lieu of termination, you may be ineligible for rehire for a minimum of 3 years.

Like to have qualifications You do not need to have the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills to qualify. However, keep in mind we may consider them when identifying the most qualified candidates. 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.

At least 1 year of incubation experience SCREENING AND EVALUATION The application packet: The application packet consists of the following required documents. Please ensure that you upload these documents in your online application. Make sure your application is complete, missing any part of these items could result in an incomplete application and will not be moved forward in the recruitment.

A completed online application Responses to supplemental questions The selection process: We expect to evaluate candidates for this recruitment as follows. The selection process is subject to change. Initial review of minimum qualifications In-depth evaluation of application materials to identify the most qualified candidates Consideration of top candidates/interviews Testing/assessments (if applicable) Reference check Driving records check for finalist candidate COMPENSATION, BENEFITS AND REPRESENTATON The full-salary range for this position is step 1: $30.85 an hour to step 5: $41.36 an hour

However, unless a candidate's qualifications justify, based on the Oregon Pay Equity Act requirements and Metro's internal equity review process, the appointment will likely be made between Step 1: 30.85 to the equity range Step 3: $36.10. This position is eligible for overtime and is represented by LIUNA 483. It is classified as an Animal Keeper

Classification descriptions are typically written broadly and do not include the specific duties and responsibilities of the positions. View the classification description. Questions.

Recruiter: Christina Rentas Email: christina.rentas@oregonmetro.gov Additional Information Equal employment opportunity All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, familial status, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability for which a reasonable accommodation can be made, or any other status protected by law. Accommodation Metro will gladly provide a reasonable accommodation to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in this recruitment process. Please contact the recruiter outlined in the job announcement in advance to request assistance

Veterans' preference Under Oregon Law, qualified veterans may be eligible for veterans' preference when applying for Metro positions. If you are a veteran and would like to be considered for a veterans' preference for this job, please provide qualifying documents as instructed during the application process. Hybrid Telework Positions designated as "hybrid telework," meaning you will have the option to work away from the office, although there may be times that coming into the office will be required.

The designation of Hybrid Telework may be subject to change at a future time. All employees must reside in Oregon or Washington; Metro cannot support ongoing telework from other locations. Pay equity at Metro No matter who you are or where you work at Metro, you deserve to be paid fairly for the work you do.

Every worker must get equal pay for equal work regardless of your gender, race, age, or other protected characteristics. Metro has established processes and conducts routine pay equity reviews as part of the hiring process to ensure compliance with the 2017 Oregon Pay Equity Act. Online applications Metro accepts job applications online.

If you need assistance or accommodation with your application, or access to a computer, please contact the recruiter outlined in the job announcement in advance to request assistance. How to Apply For tips on how to apply and more information on what the application process looks like, visit Metro's "How to apply" page. Government Jobs For assistance with your account or to reset your password please visit GovernmentJobs "Help and Support" page.

Metro Led by an elected council, this unique government gives all residents of greater Portland a voice in shaping the future and provides parks, venues, services, and tools at a regional scale. We find solutions for our area's garbage and recycling that protect clean air and water; help plan land use and development to provide jobs and safe transportation; manage local venues that provide a connection to arts and culture and help keep the economy growing; protect 17,000 acres of parks and natural areas, and run the Oregon Zoo, to keep nature close to home. As part of the Metro family, Oregon Zoo helps make greater Portland a great place to call home.

Metro brings people together to shape the future of our area and provides parks, venues, services, and tools at a regional scale. The Oregon Zoo and Metro The Oregon Zoo inspires visitors to learn about protecting endangered species and restoring native habitats and is the state's most popular paid attraction. The zoo's roughly 320 employees welcome more than 1.5 million visitors each year.