What are the responsibilities and job description for the Dog Playgroup Attendant position at Opportunity Barks?
Opportunity Barks is a trainer-led dog daycare, boarding, and training facility in Pleasant Hill, Oregon, and we’re looking for a long-term, dependable, hardworking, safety-minded person (18 only, please!) to join our pack.
Working with dogs is incredibly rewarding, but as much as we would love to spend all day just cuddling puppies, a job like this is more intense than you might think!
It’s active, messy, physically demanding, sometimes loud, and often fast-paced. You’re responsible for the well-being of living creatures who depend on you to make good decisions.
We’re looking for someone who takes that responsibility seriously, enjoys being part of a team, and can stay calm and focused when things get chaotic (and also, of course, really loves dogs!)
What makes someone a great fit?
Strong work ethic: shows up ready to work, takes initiative, and understands that every task matters (including the messy ones!)
Situational awareness: ability to pay attention to what’s happening around you
Calm under pressure: can think clearly, follow procedures, and make thoughtful decisions in a busy environment
Team mentality: communicate respectfully, support coworkers, and understand that safety for both humans and dogs is everyone’s responsibility!
A genuine love for dogs: enjoy working with dogs of different personalities, sizes, and needs, and able to respect their individual boundaries
The responsibilities of the position:
· Supervise off-leash playgroups with dogs of different sizes, temperaments, and play styles
· Learn to recognize canine body language and signals
· Follow established safety procedures
· Support dogs who need extra patience, space, or individualized care
· Dressing dogs up in Halloween costumes, getting slobbered on, playing fetch, avoid stepping in poop…this job is all about balancing cuteness and chaos!
· Pick up poop…like, a lot of it! Dogs are amazing and cute, and they also poop constantly, and that is just what comes with being a dog lover
· Mop, vacuum, sanitize, wash dishes, clean suites, and keep outdoor play areas maintained
· Clean muddy dogs, wash bedding, and help maintain a safe, welcoming facility
· Greet clients during drop-off and pickup, including over the phone
· Assist with feeding, medications according to instructions, enrichment activities, and boarding routines
This is an active position with lots of time spent outdoors in all kinds of Oregon weather, so anyone interested needs to be prepared to hang out with dogs outside when it’s raining and cold!
The job involves prolonged standing and walking, repeated bending and crouching, moving supplies weighing up to 50 pounds, and safely handling dogs weighing up to 150 pounds.
Scheduling: — please read carefully!
Our current shifts are:
Morning: 7:00 AM–12:00 PM
Afternoon: 3:00 PM–7:00 PM
Applicants must be available to work at least two split-shift days per week, meaning both the morning and afternoon shift on the same day, with a three-hour break between shifts.
Weekend and holiday availability is required. But we rotate holiday coverage, so the responsibility is shared among the team!
Our team works together to provide thoughtful, individualized care, and we prioritize safety, continuing education, teamwork, and meeting each dog where they are!
Benefits include:
· Paid vacation and sick time
· Paid training and opportunities for professional development
· Opportunities to grow within the business
· Friends and family discounts!
· Complimentary dog daycare and boarding for staff dogs (dogs must pass our orientation process and prove they are a good fit for the facility)
Experience:
Previous professional dog-handling experience is a plus, but it’s not required. We’re looking for someone who brings reliability, curiosity, accountability, and a willingness to learn!
Our hiring process:
Interested applicants who meet all of the requirements will be invited to an initial interview, then qualified candidates move on to a shadow shift, where they come out for a couple of hours to experience our environment and see if it’s a good fit for everyone.
This is not a seasonal or temporary position, we are looking for someone who would like to stick around and dedicate themselves to the dogs long-term!
Before applying, please consider your availability and your commute!
Opportunity Barks is located in Pleasant Hill, Oregon, approximately 15–30 minutes from many surrounding communities. Please make sure the commute and split-shift schedule work for you.
If you’d like to learn more about us, please check us out at opportunitybarks.com.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Please answer all application screening questions, incomplete applications may not be considered.
Please apply through Indeed only, no drop-ins.
Pay: From $15.55 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- On-the-job training
- Opportunities for advancement
- Paid time off
- Paid training
- Professional development assistance
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Application Question(s):
- Our shifts are 7 AM–12 PM and 3 PM–7 PM. Can you reliably work at least two split-shift days per week, plus rotating holidays and one weekend shift? If yes, please write “yes,” and if not, please list any restrictions.
- This job requires a lot of bending, crouching, heavy lifting, and being on your feet for up to 5 hours at a time. Are you capable of meeting the physical requirements listed here?
- Tell us a bit about yourself and why you’re interested in the job!
Work Location: In person