• Maintain a clean, sanitary and safe environment for animals and people. Provide basic animal care and enrichment based on "The Five Freedoms": freedom from hunger and thirst, discomfort, pain, injury or disease, to express normal behavior and from fear and distress. Assist management in evaluating, improving, developing, and implementing standard operating procedures and protocols.
• Identify adoptability based on established protocols.
• Provide mental and physical exercise to dogs on a daily basis, physical exercise, mental enrichment (food puzzles, environmental enrichment, training, toys, etc) through direct interactions and volunteers.
• Responsible for working safely and following all applicable safety health rules. Maintain and cultivate relationships. Responsible for reporting any unsafe condition to supervisor. Workers are expected to stop work when conditions are unsafe and could lead to significant property damage, serious injury, or death.
• Perform humane euthanasia as directed by management.
• Assist customers searching for lost dogs and those bringing stray dogs into the shelter. Counsel owners as needed regarding medical or behavioral concerns noted during their dog's stay at the shelter. Collect usable data to document and review at time of intake. Intake dogs, prepare for disposition (also known as, Advanced Animal Care duties), receive lost dogs, and administer routine medications, vaccinations, microchip, and other necessary treatments. Safely and humanely examine, weigh, handle, and observe dogs. Work with dogs of all sizes, ages, temperaments, and needs in a safe and humane manner. Observe and document health of dogs to rapidly identify any illness, injury, or change in status; report to veterinary staff and supervisor.
• Provide professional and compassionate customer service by demonstrating empathy and professionalism to all internal and external customers. Use good judgment and act on opportunities to educate; approve or deny adoptions; remain calm in difficult situations; create solutions to meet the needs of the customer and the organization. Review adoption applications and actively engage members of the public in the adoption process.

• All authorized specialty programs will provide value to our community, citizens, and animals. Specialty programs encompass internal and external training and education, including instruction to staff, volunteers, and the community. Keep all program materials and programs up to date, including orientation materials, manuals, handouts, etc. Below are examples of special programs, but is not an exhaustive list:
   
  Enrichment & Training
  In accordance with established guidelines and protocols, ensure all dogs are behavior evaluated. Responsible for creating behavior plans for dogs with behavioral challenges, and ensure proper implementation, provide daily enrichment, including providing daily playgroups. Able to break up dog fights safely and effectively, provide behavioral guidance via phone and email, and provide dog handling and body language classes for staff, volunteers and customers.
   
  Transfer Partners
  Communicate to internal and external customers to effectively handle all outgoing transfer requests. Maintain and cultivate relationships, as well as serve as the primary point of contact with shelter and transfer partners within and outside of Marion County. Stay current on available shelter dogs, assess for transfer, and follow policy and procedures related to working with partners. Network to expand additional rescue and shelter program resources. Coordinate with transfer partners by reviewing medical and behavior records, and discussing specific needs of individual dogs. Reach out to partners regarding dogs in need of special assistance.
   
  Dog Walking Program
  Assist in developing content and provide hands-on training to volunteer staff. Provide immediate feedback, addresses concerns, and offers guidance in regards to dog handling. Assist with ongoing volunteer trainings, orientations, and meetings.

• Perform related work as assigned and willingly follow instructions, including, but not limited to: transport sick or seriously injured dogs to the veterinarian as needed, run errands, deliver paperwork, and attend meetings from remote locations.  Drive to various sites to make deliveries and pick up supplies. May work flexible hours including weekends. Maintain inventory of shelter supplies such as, cleaning chemicals and equipment; personal protection equipment; and other supplies needed to operate the shelter and provide appropriate care for dogs.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

1. Graduation from high school, or equivalent; AND
2. One (1) year of experience in customer service, basic computer skills, and record keeping; AND
3. One (1) year of experience in an animal-related field such as veterinarian assistant, animal training facility or shelter work; OR
4. Any satisfactory combination of work, education, training, or experience relevant to the position, as determined by Marion County.

• Must possess a current driver's license in the applicant's state of residence and an acceptable driving history.  Marion County will obtain a copy of the driving record for all qualified applicants from Driver and Motor Vehicle Services and review the driving record according to the Marion County policy and procedure for Driving on County Business.  The policy can be found at:  http://apps.co.marion.or.us/APAP/.
• Must pass a criminal history background investigation; however, conviction of a crime may not necessarily disqualify an individual for this classification.
• Obtain Euthanasia Certification with the State of Oregon, or be able to obtain within 6 months of employment.
• This is a safety sensitive/special needs position. Final candidates selected for this position will be required to pass a pre-employment drug screen, including testing for marijuana. The Marion County Drug and Alcohol Use and Testing Policy can be found at: http://apps.co.marion.or.us/APAP/policy.aspx?p=policy&pid=518.
• This assignment is represented by a union.
• This is a full-time position which is eligible for overtime.
• Typical Work Schedule: 40 hours/week with a rotating schedule which could include weekends and holidays.

PUBLIC SERVICE LOAN FORGIVENESS
Marion County is a qualifying public employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.  Through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, full-time employees working at the County may qualify for forgiveness of the remaining balance on Direct Loans after 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan.  Questions about your loan eligibility should be directed to your loan servicer or the US Department of Education.

VETERANS’ PREFERENCE
Applicants are eligible to use Veterans’ Preference when applying with Marion County in accordance with ORS 408.225, 408.230, and 408.235 and OAR 105-040-0010 and 105-040-0015.  Preference will be awarded only if the applicant meets the minimum requirements of the position and attaches the required documentation at the time of application.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR VETERANS’ PREFERENCE

• One of the following:
  • MEMBER COPY 4 of the Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD Form 214 or 215); OR
  • Letter from the US Department of Veterans Affairs indicating receipt of a non-service connected pension; OR
  • Certification that discharge or release from active duty under honorable conditions will take place not later than 120 days after the submission of the certificate.

• In addition to one of the above documents, Disabled Veterans must also submit one of the following:
  • A copy of their Veterans disability preference letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs; OR
  • Certification that medical separation from active duty under honorable conditions will take place not later than 120 days after the submission of the certificate.

You can request copies of your military service record through the National Archives website at http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/

Marion County is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, Veteran and Disability employer committed to increasing the diversity of its workforce.