Transport Specialist

Location: 901 Pinemont Drive; Houston, TX 77018

Hiring Range: This position's hiring range is anticipated to be $18.00 to $20.00 hourly, depending on experience, plus great benefits!

Shift: Tuesday - Saturday, flexibility to handle early morning load-ups several times a month is a must (3am-6am).

Manager interviews will occur weekly until the position is filled (recruiter phone screens will occur before a manager interview).

Position Summary: Transport Specialists are responsible for preparing and executing animal transport, including safe and compassionate handling of animals, vehicle preparation, and ongoing monitoring of animals in transit. This position works closely with the Transport Coordinator and the Shelter Partnerships team to ensure animals are transported safely and efficiently. This position requires attention to detail, strong animal handling skills and ability to drive long distances and larger cargo vehicles. This position will be based onsite and requires regular travel of short and long distances; this is not a remote opportunity.

Culture Statement and Responsibility: We believe in treating everyone with kindness and compassion, building trust through authenticity and following through on commitments. We prioritize well-being alongside our mission, fostering strong relationships through open communication and transparent feedback. Diversity and inclusion are integral to our culture, enriching team dynamics by valuing diverse perspectives. Each team member is responsible for creating an inclusive environment where all voices are respected and contributing to a workplace that embodies our shared values and commitment to progress

Key Responsibilities:

Transport Logistics & Safety

• Provide both long-distance and short distance transport of animals, which may include travel to and from animal shelters, veterinary clinics, foster/adoptive homes, boarding facilities and events using both the organizations vehicles and rental vehicles when necessary; clean and restock vehicles following organizational disinfection policies and procedures to ensure animal health is maintained with volume of animals supported.

• Lead all aspects of physical transport logistics including preparing all necessary equipment for each transport and leading post-transport reset activities. These tasks include loading of kennels, food, water, cleaning materials and safety equipment and proper sanitation, kennel breakdown, and inventory organization.

• Inspect transport vehicles and work with location leadership team to coordinate appropriate vehicle maintenance appointments as needed; follow all traffic laws and regulations in accordance with domestic animal transport.

• Responsible for maintaining a safe workplace, valuing, and modeling safe work practices, adhering to organizational safety practices and rules, and communicating about unsafe practices and conditions.

Animal Care

• Lead load-up and unloading of animals following animal handling and safety protocols; monitor animals for signs of stress or illness during loading/unloading, stops and breaks and intervene as necessary for the health and wellbeing of the animal; Follow all transport policies and procedures, including regular verification of animal identification against manifest and kennel inventory

• Support basic care such as feeding, cleaning, and walking animals housed or transported within Best Friends' vehicles, buildings, or facilities; follow all policies and local standard operating procedures when completing daily functions to ensure health and safety standards are upheld.

Collaboration & Communication

• Work directly with and support volunteers on all aspects and protocols of lifesaving care and outcome programs, including but not limited to program protocols, cleaning protocols, animal handling, transportation requirements and procedures, data entry, and communications.

• Work collaboratively with and assist Best Friends' team members in all areas of operations to develop, evolve, and implement efficient processes to achieve lifesaving goals; follow policies, procedures, and task lists,including accurate and timely communications, work completion, data entry, and recordkeeping.

Required Skills and Experience:

• High School Diploma or GED or experience in animal welfare or animal transport preferred.

• Comfort driving large sized vehicles and driving longer distances, during the day and night required.

• Bi-lingual or multi-lingual skills preferred but not required.

• Willingness and ability to work alongside and collaborate with visitors, volunteers, and colleagues.

• Ability to work with or learn to work with, leash, kennel, walk, and handle cats and dogs, including those with health and/
• or behavior conditions/concerns.

• Strong interpersonal skills, a team player, personable, professional, and able to get along with people from different backgrounds, as well as the ability to handle sensitive and confidential situations.

• Abilityto work in a fast-paced environment withwell-developedorganization skillsto juggle multiple competing tasks and demands.

• Resourceful, get-it-done attitude; initiative to assist in any area or process; problem solving, seeking answers independently and enthusiastically; flexibility to persist until goals are achieved.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and other Office programs; familiarity with shelter software/animal management software,or desire to learn.

Physical & Other Requirements:

Must be able to:

• Routinely lift 50 pounds and perform daily strenuous activity including, but not limited to lifting, carrying, reaching, stooping, squatting, cleaning, and bending.

• Work indoors and outdoors in a variety of weather conditions including extreme heat and cold for prolonged periods

• Exposure to dogs, cats and other animals of all sizes, temperaments, and medical status.

• Valid driver's license for at least 3 years, meeting Best Friends Animal Society's driver qualification standards; ability to travel, including overnight stays, when needed.

• Daily hours and days of the week may vary according to the needs of the department schedule; position includes weekends, nights, and holiday work.

• Long-distance travel for this position may be up to 30% of the work.