Animal Care Specialist

Animal Care SpecialistThis job posting closes at 11:59 p.m. (Pacific Time) on Wednesday, September 23, 2026. Please note: The application deadline may be extended to expand the pool of qualified candidates. Any recruitment timeline changes will be communicated to all who have initiated an application process or have submitted an application.Do you want to enhance the lives of shelter dogs and our community? Are you committed to providing best practices related to care of animals and want to contribute to supporting our existing programs, practices, and protocols? Do you have work experience handling dogs? Are you enthusiastic and positive with a "can-do" attitude? Are you a team player who can communicate well and work collaboratively with department staff and external customers? If you answered YES to the questions above, please read on!We are searching for a motivated and team-oriented individual with strong communication and interpersonal skills to join our Dog Services team as an Animal Care Specialist. This position is designed to support and uphold existing systems and procedures. The most competitive candidates will demonstrate strengths that align with maintaining and reinforcing our established practices. If selected for this position, you will be responsible for providing humane and routine care and control of dogs, impounded in the Clackamas County Dog Shelter. In this role, you will focus on the general maintenance and cleaning activities at the shelter and the surrounding grounds. You will also be involved in performing behavioral observations and assessments of dogs, recordkeeping, community outreach, customer service and counseling duties related to the adoption, rescue, placement, reclaim and surrender of dogs.Required Minimum Qualifications/ Transferrable Skills:A minimum of six (6) months of work experience handling dogs, which required an understanding of canine behavior and basic animal health as well as working knowledge of safe and efficient animal handling techniquesExperience in handling, controlling, and/or caring for scared or injured animals in a safe and humane mannerExperience in preparing and maintaining accurate written and electronic recordsExperience providing customer service and answering customer questions and/or complaintsPreferred Special Qualifications/ Transferrable Skills:Experience in administering routine vaccinations and medicationsExperience handling, controlling, and caring for vicious, stray or diseased animals using fear-free techniquesExperience with proper disinfecting procedures and disease control as it relates to cleaning cages, pens and runsExperience in a regulatory or compliance-driven environment with established protocols and parametersExperience operating light vehicles to transport animals and suppliesExperience in assisting the public in selecting a dog for potential adoptionPre-Employment Requirements:Must pass post-offer, pre-employment drug test. Learn more about the County's drug testing policyMust pass a post-offer physical assessment; accommodation requests will be reviewed on an individual basis in compliance with State and Federal legislation.Driving is required for County business to accomplish work. Incumbents must possess a valid driver's license, and possess and maintain an acceptable driving record throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the County's driving policyKey Competencies:We are searching for someone who:Aligns with Clackamas County Core Values of Service, Professionalism, Integrity, Respect, Individual Accountability, and Trust "SPIRIT"Builds and maintains professional relationships with internal and external customers, partners, and stakeholders by honoring commitments and delivering exceptional customer service.Commits to teamwork and collaboration by working effectively towards a shared goal, encouraging sharing of information, productive problem solving, and putting team success first.Demonstrates excellent customer service by anticipating, assessing, and responding effectively to the needs of those we serve.Communicates professionally, demonstrating self-awareness, respect for others, and adjusting to various levels of technical skills & understanding of subject matters.Embraces continual learning through commitment to self-improvement and willingness to grow within the job as technology and organizational changes demand it.Seeks to problem solve by using critical thinking and analytical skills, identifying alternative strategies & developing a solution-focused approach to address challenges or issues.Displays creativity and innovation by taking initiative in improving processes, programs, services, and products through new approaches or ideas and being open to others' ideas.Promotes cross-cultural effectiveness by engaging in a culture of respect, inclusiveness, and appreciation of diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and values.Puts ethics into action by holding themselves to a high standard of professional, honest, and objective behavior in all dealings and interactions.Work Schedule:This position is within a County department (Dog Shelter) that is open 7-days a week, 365-days a year. Incumbent will work 40 hours during a five (5) day workweek that includes weekends and some holidays. Incumbents must be willing to work weekends and/or additional hours as needed. Specific hours of work will be discussed with the candidate selected for the position at the time an offer of employment is extended. Note: Positions within Dog Shelter are designated as "essential", which means employees MUST report to work or remain at work as scheduled or as otherwise specifically directed during inclement weather, disaster, or other natural or human-caused incidents. This position is designated as on-site/in-person. It is expected that the selected candidate will perform duties at the specified on-site work location.Working Conditions:Duties require walking, prolonged standing, kneeling, bending, twisting, squatting, reaching forward/overhead, fine motor control and the ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds having awkward size and shape, and the ability to push/pull 75 pounds. Duties also involve frequent exposure to loud noises, wet and slippery surfaces, and sick, injured, agitated, frightened or aggressive dogs.