We’re a small local veterinary practice exclusively focused on end-of-life pet care. Some say it is a calling, and everyone who works for us is here because this line of work is also incredibly rewarding. We meet an important need during a very difficult time in people’s lives, and with the right intention, we can make their experience just a little easier.
That’s our mission: Ease. By easing pets into a peaceful transition, supporting our clients through that difficult time, and simplifying work for our colleagues, we help others overcome obstacles big and small.
We deliver on this mission by living our three core values:
- Clear the path — We do this through resourcefulness, thinking steps ahead, and paving the way forward to make a better experience for our teammates and the families we serve.
- Walk beside — We offer calm and steady guidance and approach every relationship with empathy and expertise. We show our care by listening well and treating each pet and family with respect.
- Stay connected — We know that our success lies in our ability to connect the small details to the big picture. Our thoughtfulness shows in the way we consider each other and the impact of our words and actions.
If that resonates with you, we’d love for you to keep reading and consider applying by following these steps:
- Thoroughly read our company information and the job description/requirements below.
- Include a REQUIRED COVER LETTER explaining why you may be a good fit for our company, this specific role, and why you are interested in death care. Resumes submitted without the required cover letter will NOT be considered. Generic resumes/cover letters will NOT be considered.
- Apply with your cover letter and resume.
You might be a good fit for our team if you:
- Are able to work a full-time schedule of 40 hrs per week, during daytime hours, including some holidays. This position has a required 5-day/week schedule Friday - Tuesday (Weds/Thurs off).
- Have a love for pets and a desire to help families through the uniquely heartbreaking experience of losing a beloved companion
- Show a high level of empathy and emotional intelligence, and find it rewarding to help others in emotional and challenging situations
- Are an excellent communicator, both written and verbally, with both clients and teammates
- Enjoy methodical, process-driven work with strict adherence to established and detailed protocols
- Are exceptionally detail-oriented and self-organized
- Enjoy working both independently and collaboratively
- Are adaptable, resilient, resourceful and enjoy collaborative problem-solving
- Thrive in a culture of accountability, where all team members participate in feedback and support each other to achieve excellence
- Are routinely able to lift 50 lbs. unassisted
Job description – Administrative and Cremation Assistant
Our cremations are performed using Aquamation, a water-based process which is cleaner and more environmentally sustainable than typical flame-based cremation.
As an Administrative and Cremation Assistant at Compassionate Care’s Cremation Center, you’ll be primarily focused on client care, while assisting with some aspects of the cremation process. The special person we are looking for will be exceptionally detail-oriented, efficient, and highly organized. They will also be emotionally mature and self-motivated, enjoy working both independently as well as collaboratively with others. Experience in the veterinary, animal, medical and/or end-of-life care fields is a plus. This position also usually appeals to candidates with an artistic background. A high level of compassion for both the pet family members in our care, as well as their families is essential. Our employees are typically drawn to work for us because of their love for animals, a desire to help people and pets at end-of-life, and because preparing memorials can provide a creative/artistic outlet.
In this role, we’ll ask you to:
- Professionally, empathetically, and responsively communicate with grieving families over the phone and by email
- Respectfully and sensitively guide clients through aftercare appointments and entrusting their pet to our care
- Greet and assist families that are picking up their pet’s memorials
- Carefully and respectfully handle deceased pets while creating paw prints and other memorial items
- Meticulously package and label memorial items and cremains
- Support clients with urn and memorial orders
- Carefully track and process financial transactions
- Learn and assist with some steps in the cremation process
- Manage supply inventory
About Us
In-home euthanasia — In 2009, our founder Dr. Lori Gibson started Compassionate Care and began offering in-home pet euthanasia in response to an unmet need in the pet community. This in-home alternative to the clinic experience is better for the pet and better for the families — and today, it has become the new standard of care at end of life. As painful as it can be to lose a pet, we know our customers sincerely appreciate the service we provide (see what they say in our reviews).
Eco-friendly cremation — In 2015, the opportunity arose to provide cremation in-house and also to use a more environmentally friendly process known as aquamation. Now with our own water-based cremation facility, we can reduce the negative climate impacts of the industry while ensuring customers that their pets remain in our care.
A different kind of job — Another key reason why we exist: to create a better experience for the people doing this difficult work. Animal care and veterinary professionals have a high burnout rate and may struggle with compassion fatigue. Our aim is to create a work environment that allows for a healthier, more sustainable career, and we know that genuine care for our people translates to customer satisfaction and company resilience. We’re building a culture where our team feels seen, heard, and supported one person at a time.
Who we are — Today we are a team of 40+ veterinarians, care specialists, aquamation technicians, and administrative staff. We are a 100% locally, woman-, and minority-owned business, led by a forward-thinking leadership team — who are also all women and the majority are veterinarians.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $20.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Referral program
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Do you understand that a thoughtful cover letter is REQUIRED for consideration for this position?
- Are you able to work a 40hr/week schedule Friday-Tuesday (Weds/Thurs off)?
Ability to Commute:
- Portland, OR 97211 (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
