This Job Posting closes at 11:59 p.m. (Pacific Time) on Wednesday, September 30, 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.

COMPENSATION

Annual Pay Range: $123,021.65 - $137,377.79

Hourly Pay Range: $59.145024 - $66.047013

Salary offers will be made within the posted pay range and will be based on candidate's experience (paid or unpaid) that is directly relevant to the position. After six (6) months of satisfactory employment, employees are eligible for a 3.5% merit increase.

JOB DETAILS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Are you passionate about treating and helping animals?
Do you want to make a difference in the lives of animals in need?
Do you want to help our community's animals by practicing shelter medicine for Clackamas County Dog Services?
Do you want to be part of the team that provides dog sheltering, care, adoptions, and lost and found services to the public?
Do you want to be in a position that offers work/life balance by providing an option to choose a workweek schedule between 30 and 40 hours per week while still receiving full-time benefits?

If you answered "yes" to the questions above, please read on!

We are in search of our next Veterinarian to join our team and provide professional medical veterinarian services in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and aftercare of ill or injured animals. In this role, you will have an opportunity to demonstrate your leadership by overseeing and guiding the work of an Animal Health Technician.

As the Veterinarian for Clackamas County Dog Services, you will play a critical role in maintaining and improving the health and safety of sheltered dogs. If selected for this position, you will directly impact the operation and administration of the shelter medical program by evaluating animals' health status, identifying diseases, assessing injuries, and determining treatment, care and surgical needs of the animals; ensuring safe and effective handling, care and treatment of fractious, stray or ill animals; administering injections and medications to dogs; explaining proper care of animals to the public and adoptive owners; as well as performing humane euthanasia by injection, as necessary. You will also have an opportunity to work collaboratively with a variety of County departments, such as Disaster Management or Health, Housing & Human Services to respond to questions and address concerns related to animal health.

Dog Services Division administers the County’s animal control program to enforce state and county laws and regulations governing the care, control, impounding, protection, licensing and disposal of animals. The Division also operates and maintains the County’s animal shelter, which houses stray and abandoned dogs. To that end, we are searching for someone with deep passion for helping animals and excellent interpersonal skills to complement the Dog Services Team.

Required Minimum Qualifications/ Transferrable Skills:*

Possession of a valid Veterinarian license, issued by the State of Oregon Veterinary Medical Examining Board in good standing that is not expired, revoked, or suspended at any time during employment as outlined in OAR 875-010-0000. (Note: Proof of licensure will be required prior to the final offer of employment being extended to the selected candidate. Licensure in another state, acquired by examination will temporarily fulfill this requirement, provided Oregon license is obtained or reciprocated within 30 days of hire.)
Thorough knowledge of legal requirements that govern delivery of veterinary services
A minimum of six (6) months of experience independently caring for and treating dogs for injuries, illnesses and diseases
A minimum of six (6) months of experience independently performing routine surgical procedures, including spaying and neutering all sizes of dogs, as well as experience performing dental cleanings, extractions, and utilizing dental x-ray machines
Lead work experience that may include leading projects, programs or initiatives, or leading the work of others, such as providing daily work direction and/or scheduling, assigning work, checking completed work, and training
Experience preparing clear and accurate reports

Preferred Special Qualifications/ Transferrable Skills:*

At least six (6) months of experience working or volunteering in an animal shelter
Training or education in dog behavior and dog body language
Knowledge of the Association of Shelter Veterinarians Guidelines for standards of care or Fear-Free Certification
Experience preforming necropsies and collecting evidence
Experience performing emergency surgical procedures
Thorough knowledge of quality assurance procedures and techniques

Pre-Employment Requirements:

Must pass post-offer, pre-employment drug test
Must 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 on a regular basis or to accomplish work. Incumbents must possess a valid driver's license and possess and maintain an acceptable driving record throughout the course of employment.

Post-Employment Requirements:

Within thirty (30) days of hire, must possess a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) license for controlled substances. Please note: the cost of obtaining the DEA license (post hire) is covered by the employer.

*For Veterans qualified for Veteran’s Preference: If you believe you have skills that would transfer well to this position and/or special qualifications that relate to this position, please list those skills and/or qualifications in the open-ended question at the end of the application and explain how those skills and/or qualifications relate to this position.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Please Learn what makes this role essential to our community and explore more details here: Clackamas County Dog Services Veterinarian.

TYPICAL TASKS

Please review the classification specification which includes the typical tasks of this position by clicking on the following link: Veterinarian.

KEY 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

We understand the demands of shelter medicine and are committed to supporting our Veterinarian with a schedule that promotes both personal well-being and organizational effectiveness.

This position offers flexibility in both workdays and hours, with the opportunity to set a workweek schedule between 30 and 40 hours while still receiving full-time benefits. The shelter operates 7 days a week, so the incumbent may occasionally need to respond to emergency situations or attend special events outside of their typical schedule, which may include some holidays. We aim to have veterinary coverage throughout the week and will collaborate with the selected candidate to establish a schedule that aligns with their needs and the needs of our shelter. Specific hours of work will be discussed with the candidate selected for this position at the time an offer of employment is extended.

Please Note: 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. However, there may be opportunity for completing some work from a remote location, if mutually agreed upon with management, in accordance with the Clackamas County Teleworking Policy, and based on the Department's business needs.

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 animals.

Please Note: As needed, incumbent is considered essential staff to provide vital animal care during incidents as a back-up for primary essential staff.

BENEFITS INFORMATION

Clackamas County proudly offers an attractive compensation and benefits package, including competitive wages, cost-of-living adjustments, merit increases (for eligible employees), and a robust sick and vacation plan for regular status employees.

We encourage and support employee health and wellness by offering health and wellness classes and events, and alternative care benefits, so you can customize your wellness needs to fit your lifestyle.

Employee benefits become effective the first of the month following an employee’s date of hire.

Attractive benefits package and incentives for employees in regular status positions are detailed below.

Generous paid time off package, including:

12 hours of vacation accrued per month
Eligible newly hired employees will have the one-time option to frontload their first year of vacation accruals! This means you have access to vacation time at time of hire.
8 hours of sick accrued per month
10 paid holidays and 1 personal day per year

Other Benefits:

Membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)/Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan (OPSRP):
Employer paid 6% PERS retirement contribution (The county currently pays the employee’s share of the retirement contribution.)
OPSRP members get vested after five years of contributions or when they reach age 65
A Choice of Medical Plans that include chiropractic coverage, alternative care, vision, and prescription drug coverage
A Choice of Dental Plans
Employee Assistant Program (EAP)
Longevity pay
Other retirement Savings Options that allow for additional retirement funds savings, including an option to contribute a portion of employee earnings on a pre or post-tax basis to a 457b Deferred Compensation Plan
A variety of additional optional benefits (see link below for additional information)

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS & PERKS

For employees in the Veterinarian classification, the employer covers the cost of obtaining the DEA license (post-hire).
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (for more information and for eligibility, please visit https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service)
Continuing Education Credits

This is a full time County position represented by AFSCME.

Learn More About Benefits

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

The Department of Transportation & Development/Dog Services Division enforces all County laws governing the care, control, impounding, licensing, adoption and disposal of animals.

The purpose of the Dog Services program is to provide dog sheltering, education, complaint resolution, licensing, protection, and enforcement services to the public so they can reunite with lost dogs, benefit from the companionship of a well-matched adoption or placement and experience a healthy, safe, and livable community.

Learn more about Clackamas County Dog Services

APPLICATION PROCESS

Clackamas County only accepts online applications.

Help with the Application

If you have any questions or issues you may contact the Department of Human Resources by calling 503-655-8459 or emails us at jobs@clackamas.us. Our office hours are Monday - Thursday 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Pacific Time (closed on Fridays).

HOW TO CLAIM VETERAN'S PREFERENCE

Requesting Veterans' Preference

Learn more about Oregon's Veterans' Preference

VISA SPONSORSHIP

Clackamas County does not offer visa sponsorships. Once a job applicant has accepted a position, they will be required to complete an I-9 and confirm authorization to work in the United States prior to their first day.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Clackamas County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential elements that create and foster a welcoming workplace. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, political affiliation, disability or any other factor unrelated to the essential functions of the job.

If you wish to identify yourself as a qualified person with a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act and would like to request an accommodation, please address the request to the Department of Human Resources prior to the recruitment close date. You may request an accommodation during the online application process.

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