The Whiskers Rescue, Inc Spay/Neuter Transportation program driver will provide transport of feral and owned cats between veterinary clinics and designated, public pick-up and drop off locations in Bayonne, Elizabeth, Passaic and Paterson, New Jersey. The driver will be responsible for meeting feline caregivers at designated locations, securely loading the cats into the transport van and getting them to their destination safely and in a timely manner and then bringing the cats into the clinic to be checked in for their surgery appointments. Later that same day, the driver will pick up the cats from the clinic along with their accompanying medical documentation and transport them back to the original meeting place where their caretakers will retrieve them. This is a front-facing position, which requires exceptional customer service skills and a genuine desire to make a positive impact in the community. This position reports to the nonprofit director.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The following statements reflect the general duties and responsibilities of this position but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing. Incumbents may also perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or to meet current workload needs.
- Requires a flexible schedule, which may include working early mornings, late evenings, and/or weekends.
- Responsible for the transport of cats between veterinary clinics and caregivers, coordinates pick up and drop off cats in 4 cities, performs check in at vet clinics including completing relevant paperwork, and picking up relevant supplies.
- Models and promotes a diverse and inclusive staff culture that is friendly and outgoing, collaborative, and free of judgment.
- Operates nonprofit’s owned, dedicated transport vehicle in carrying out program duties, observes the nonprofit’s, cities’ and state’s safety policies and nonprofit’s insurance policy requirements, as well as drives defensively with care and caution, observes the speed limit and state driving laws for safe operation of a vehicle, and ensures vehicle is properly maintained and service schedule is adhered to. The vehicle’s home base location has yet to be determined.
- Promptly reports all accidents and any citizen issues having to do with discharge of the animal(s) to the appropriate person(s).
- Follows all Whiskers Rescue Inc. policies and procedures.
- Punctual for pick-ups and drop offs—if unavoidably late, advises the caretakers location of the pick up by phone and communicates issues to President once pickup/drop off is complete.
- Promptly communicates any vehicle maintenance needs to the appropriate staff contact.
- Promptly communicates any cat medical needs immediately once identified.
- Uses careful and gentle handling of cats in loading and unloading them from the transport vehicle to the clinic, including any appropriate equipment for proper care and handling of cats related to the position.
- Must be comfortable working with cats of all sizes and dispositions—including fearful or aggressive feral cats in traps.
- Ensures cats are properly secured in their carrier or trap in the vehicle.
- Provides excellent customer service with feline caretakers, veterinarian partners, volunteers, and community members at all locations.
- Uses safe, proper, and efficient loading and unloading methods of all supplies into vehicle.
- Keeps an accurate record of daily activity, include all stops and public contacts, via the vehicle log.
- Ensures the safekeeping of all paperwork provided for cats being transported. Maintains communication with supervisor at all times regarding successful completion of transports and/or any delays.
- Cleans and sanitizes vehicle, interior and exterior, after each transport. Refills necessary supplies to replenish vehicle supplies.
- Maintains transport vehicle in a safe and sanitary manner and oversees regular vehicle maintenance.
- May lift heavy cats, carriers, traps, supplies and/or equipment, and cat-related bodily waste.
- Works with supervisor to implement industry best practices in animal transportation that keeps Whiskers Rescue, Inc. as a leader within the animal welfare community, such as Standards of Care, Capacity for Care, Fear Free for Shelters, etc.
- May perform other duties and special projects as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Must be 21 years of age or older.
- Must have a high school diploma or GED.
- Must pass a thorough background investigation.
- Strong animal handling skills are preferred.
- Must have a valid New Jersey State driver license and have a clean driving record.
- Must have consistent, reliable access to a cellphone and able to respond to phone calls and text messages quickly. Must also be willing and able to consistently check voicemail and text messages.
- Must have consistent reliable access to email and be willing to read and reply to messages quickly.
- Must maintain a level of physical and mental fitness necessary to perform the essential functions of the position.
- Verification of identity and United States work authorization must be complete as required by the Immigration Reform and Control Act.
- Must be able to drive a cargo van type vehicle.
- Be self-directed as well as a collaborative team player.
- Be confident and capable in prioritizing a large number of tasks.
- Excellent customer service skills.
- Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds with assistance repeatedly throughout day.
- Must have strong interest in animal welfare.
- Bending, kneeling, crouching, and reaching above the waist (such as to file documents) and crawling (to capture an animal).
PHYSICAL ABILITIES
- Hearing, speaking, or otherwise communicating to exchange information in person or on the phone.
- Ability to legally drive a vehicle by oneself.
- Ability to inspect, detect, and identify animals to perform the duties of the position.
- Operating a computer keyboard and other office equipment, ability to grasp and hold and effectively use assigned personal protective equipment, and equipment and tools for the position (nets, cages, etc.).
- Sitting or otherwise remaining stationary for extended periods of time.
- Lifting, pushing, pulling, and carrying objects up to fifty (50) lbs. Some assistance is available to mitigate the heaviest lifting.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
- Internal and external office environment, driving nonprofit’s transport vehicle to travel from site to site.
- Constant interruptions.
- Working on even and uneven terrain.
- May be occasionally exposed to outside and inclement weather conditions.
- May occasionally be exposed to emergency or disaster worksites.
- Exposure to sick, feral, distressed, aggressive cats that may display unpredictable and/or aggressive behavior, bite and/or claw.
- Potential exposure to zoonotic diseases, sick cats, and animal infestations such as fleas, mites, ticks, etc.
- Exposure to upset, distressed, and/or angry members of the public.
- Potential exposure to bee stings, plants, and/or pollen.
- Working with strong cat odors and cat bodily odors, including feces and urine, and/or working with a deceased cat.
- Loud and/or constant noises from vocal cats.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
- Ability to follow all safety rules, wear appropriate PPE for the position, and follow all local, state, and federal rules and regulations related to the position.
- Knowledge of cats to include behaviors, body language, health, and care.
- Ability and willingness to learn about and understand wild and domesticated cats.
- Ability to work with cats of unknown disposition and cats who may exhibit medical and/or other problems, including aggressive tendencies.
- Working knowledge of, or the ability to learn, the geography of New Jersey from Sayreville north.
- Adequate knowledge of safety practices concerning the handling of cats.
- Ability to use the equipment and physical means necessary for the purpose of capturing and caring for cats.
- Ability to maintain accurate records concerning daily activities.
- Must be knowledgeable of animal transport best practices or willingness to learn.
- Preference for candidates who also fluently speak Spanish.
Benefits
Whiskers Rescue, Inc. is offering $170.00 per diem compensation.
For more information or to apply, please contact [email protected]
Pay: $170.00 per day
Work Location: On the road
