Animal Control Officer 2

Current employees: Please apply through the employee portal to be considered for this opportunity.

Pay Range:

$29.28 - $35.88 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):

January 11, 2026

The Opportunity:

*only apply for this position once. We will close the application period on the closing date listed or when 150 applications have been received.*

OVERVIEW:

This Work Matters! 

In the Department of Community Services at Multnomah County, we look for people who can grow, think, lead, and inspire.  We have a culture that thrives on diversity, equity, and inclusion, and rewards commitment to public service. We seek leaders, achievers, and doers who bring skill and passion to a challenging and evolving environment.

Our Animal Services division is currently looking for an experienced and self-motivated team player to join us as a full-time Animal Control Officer 2.

Multnomah County Animal Services (MCAS) is transforming its operations and approach to an equitable service model that focuses on under-resourced communities and removing barriers to pet adoptions or other placements. As part of this transformation, an Animal Control Officer 2 must be open to understanding culturally responsive practices and assisting us with implementing changes in our operations that encourage this model.

As an Animal Control Officer 2, you will help promote successful pet ownership through community engagement, education, providing resources, and progressive enforcement of violations of Multnomah County ordinances.  To achieve these goals, you will be part of a dynamic and collaborative team working in the community with diverse populations.  

Responsibilities include:

• Patrol an assigned geographical area in an assigned vehicle responding to community reports
• Issue Notices of Infraction for violations of Multnomah Code Chapter 13 that includes, but is not limited to:
• - Investigating and processing the designation of potentially dangerous dogs 
• - Investigating animal bites and coordinating the quarantine/isolation of the animal as appropriate
• - Conducting fair and unbiased investigations on reports of stray, neglected, sick, abandoned, and aggressive animals
• - Inspecting animal facilities to ensure conformance to ordinances
• Record and maintain digital records of daily activities and community response
• Impound sick, injured, distressed, and deceased domestic and wild animals
• Prepare investigative reports, legal documents, and other reports as required
• Testify in administrative and criminal hearings 
• Handle sick, injured, and/or fractious domestic animals and wildlife
• 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

Who Are We?
Multnomah County Department of Community Services comprises unique and essential government services, including Elections, Land Use Planning, Animal Services, and Transportation.

MCAS is the municipal shelter 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.

What We Can Offer You:
You 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. 

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.

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. For details about how we typically screen applications, review our overview of the selection process page.

Minimum  Qualifications/Transferable Skills*:

• Equivalent to an associate's degree (in lieu of a degree we will consider equivalent work related experience) 
• One (1) year of experience working with animal control, care, or husbandry particularly with dogs and cats
• A valid driver license
• Ability to obtain and maintain a limited commission as a Special Deputy Sheriff for Multnomah County, which includes passing 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 animals
• Ability to manually handle and control animals; must be able to lift and carry at least 60 pounds
• 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
• Demonstrated experience working with the public, especially diverse populations, including providing information and resources
• Demonstrated experience interpreting and applying policies, ordinances and/or laws in day to day activities
• Demonstrated experience modeling inclusive behaviors and practices that create a sense of safety, trust, and belonging for co-workers and community members
• Maintaining an open line of communication between peer Officers, Dispatchers, Legal Specialist, and Field Supervisor, and foster a spirit of teamwork

*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:
Please be sure to provide all 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.
• Attach a resume: Please indicate how you meet the required minimum qualifications . Attach the PDF document to the on-line application. Be sure to explain in detail, including dates, all related work experience, paid or unpaid.

Note: The application and resume should clearly demonstrate your work experience/skills and how they relate to the descriptions provided in the ‘Overview’ and ‘To Qualify’ sections of this job posting.  Please be thorough, as these materials will be used to determine your eligibility for an interview.

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
• Consideration of top candidates, which may include phone interviews, panel interviews, and/or additional testing
• 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.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Type of Position: This hourly, union-represented position is eligible for overtime.

Schedule: 

• Four 10-hour shifts
• Wednesday - Saturday, 7:45am-5:45pm

Location: Although ACOs start and end their day at our Field Services office in East Portland, this position primarily works in the field and routinely travels to the shelter in Troutdale.

Questions?
Angie Larson, Recruiter 
Department of Community Services
angie.r.larson@multco.us

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.

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:

Angie Larson

Email:

angie.r.larson@multco.us

Phone:

+1 (503) 4079569

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:

6067 - Animal Control Officer 2