Animal Control Officer 1

About this role

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

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