1

Collection Agency Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Engineer 1 - Wastewater

OR · On-site

$83K - $108K/yr

Position Description This position focuses on wastewater collection system improvement projects and ... Represent the organization in meetings and presentations with the public, agencies, developers ...

Engineer 1 - Wastewater

Gresham, OR · On-site

$83K - $108K/yr

Position Description This position focuses on wastewater collection system improvement projects and ... Represent the organization in meetings and presentations with the public, agencies, developers ...

Phlebotomist III

Vancouver, WA · On-site

$19 - $28/hr

Specimen collection. * Centrifuging. * Specimen labeling. * OSHA compliance. * Microsoft Office ... agencies, and enterprise organizations across the United States and Canada. We deliver agile ...

Showing results 21-40

Collection Agency information

See Portland, OR salary details

$10

$21

$32

How much do collection agency jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for collection agency in Portland, OR is $21.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $24.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a collection agency?

A collection agency is a company hired by lenders or creditors to recover funds that are past due or in default. These agencies contact debtors by phone, mail, or email to request payment and may negotiate payment plans or settlements. If unsuccessful, they can report the delinquent debt to credit bureaus, potentially affecting the debtor's credit score. Collection agencies must follow laws such as the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) to ensure ethical and legal practices.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a collection agent?

To thrive as a Collection Agent, you need strong negotiation skills, knowledge of debt collection laws, and typically a high school diploma or relevant experience. Familiarity with collection management software, CRM systems, and sometimes certification from organizations like the ACA International are valuable. Excellent communication, resilience, and problem-solving abilities help build rapport and handle challenging conversations effectively. These skills are crucial for maximizing debt recovery while maintaining compliance and positive client relationships.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in a collection agency, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in a collection agency often encounter challenges such as handling difficult conversations with customers, meeting collection targets, and managing high volumes of accounts. Building strong communication and negotiation skills is essential for addressing customer concerns empathetically while remaining firm on payment expectations. Many agencies provide ongoing training, team support, and access to technology that streamlines account management, helping employees overcome these challenges and succeed in their roles.

What is the difference between Collection Agency vs Debt Collector?

AspectCollection AgencyDebt Collector
CredentialsVaries; often no specific license, but some states require licensingOften licensed or registered, depending on state laws
Work EnvironmentOffice-based, handling multiple accounts for various clientsField or office-based, focusing on individual debt accounts
Employer & Industry UsageHired by creditors or debt buyers to recover debtsTypically employed by collection agencies or working independently
Search & Comparison IntentYes, often compared for services and reputationYes, often compared for debt recovery practices

In summary, a collection agency is a company that manages debt recovery for multiple clients, often working with various accounts and industries. A debt collector is an individual who works either for a collection agency or independently to recover specific debts. While both roles focus on debt collection, agencies operate as organizations, whereas debt collectors are individuals involved in the process.

What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Collection Agency jobs?

Cities near Portland, OR with the most Collection Agency job openings:

Infographic showing various Collection Agency job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 15% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,584 per year, or $20.5 per hour.

Property Disposal Specialist- Expeditionary Civilian (EC)

Vancouver, WA • On-site

Defense Logistics Agency
National Security • 10K+ employees

Full-time

This job post has expired 4 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Defense Logistics Agency rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Telework Eligible

Yes

Major Duties

  • Performs work to dispose of personal, excess property to include property reutilization, donation, and/or marketing decisions.
  • Performs management and oversight of inventory, demilitarization, property accountability, logistics operations, reutilization, transfer, donation, and sale of property.
  • Performs a variety of tasks relating to the performance of the property disposal system through the areas of reutilization, transfer, donation or sales.
  • Identifies initial or new requirements; coordinates, develops and implements new and revised policies, procedures, plans and programs.
  • Issues and/or provides technical advice, guidance, training, instruction and assistance to assigned disposal activities' staff on property disposal compliance and/or developing quality assurance programs.
  • Oversees and evaluates the efficiency of assigned disposal activities throughout an assigned area via statistical analysis and automated information systems reports.

Qualification Summary

A. Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience that equipped you with the particular competencies to successfully perform the duties of the position, and is directly in or related to the position. To qualify at the GS-12 level, applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level or equivalent under other pay systems in the Federal service, military or private sector. Applicants must meet eligibility requirements including time- in-grade (General Schedule (GS) positions only), time-after-competitive appointment, minimum qualifications, and any other regulatory requirements by the cut-off/closing date of the announcement. Creditable specialized experience includes: Performing property disposal management, control and advisory activities. Developing property disposal policies and procedures. Performing reutilization, transfer, donation and sales of products. Assuring property is accurately accounted for. Advising on proper warehousing practices. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Physical Demands: Performance of work may require frequent visits to generator collection points and areas, and inspections of DLA Disposition Services warehousing facilities and observing customer/contractor on site operations, which requires extended walking and standing. Performs moderate to heavy lifting when moving material by hand or hand-truck. Maybe required to operate a variety of forklift trucks varying in capacity from 2,000 - 15, 000 pounds, to move, load and unload, stack or un-stack palletized materials, supplies and equipment from point of pick up to designated location. Work Environment: Performing site work involves risks and discomforts such as: long hours; handling of property at forward receiving facilities; exposure to hazardous or toxic material or waste; and/or exposure to adverse weather conditions during visits to customers to evaluate or assess inventory. Work may also involve moderate risks or discomforts that require special safety precaution, e.g., working around moving parts, carts, or machines; with contagious diseases or irritant chemicals; etc. May be required to use protective clothing or gear such as masks, gowns, coats, boots, goggles or shields. Drug-Free Workplace Policy The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) is committed to maintaining a safe, drug-free workplace. All DLA employees are required to refrain from illegal drug use on and off duty. DLA conducts pre-employment, reasonable suspicion, post-accident, and random drug testing. Applicants tentatively selected for employment in testing designated positions will undergo a urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Refusal to undergo testing or testing positive for illegal drugs will result in withdrawal of the tentative job offer and a six-month denial of employment with DLA from the date of the drug test. Employees in drug testing designated positions are subject to random drug testing. A negative drug test result must be received by HR within 30 calendar days after the EOD (i.e., start date). The selectee's inability successfully pass; or refusal to conduct the test may result in: 1) the tentative or FJO being withdrawn during the recruitment process; or 2) subsequently being removed from Federal service for failure to meet a condition of employment. You may be required to sign a "Drug Test Statement of Understanding" if you are selected for this position. The DLA drug testing panel tests for the following substances: marijuana, cocaine, opiates, heroin, phencyclidine, amphetamines, methamphetamines, fentanyl, norfentanyl, methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA), and opioids. ADVISORY: Use of cannabidiol (CBD) products may result in a positive drug test for marijuana. DLA employees are subject to Federal law and under Federal law, Marijuana is illegal.


What Defense Logistics Agency employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom