Animal Care & Transport Specialist

Overview

The Humane Society for Southwest Washington is seeking two Animal Care & Transport Specialists to join our team. This is a full-time, FLSA nonexempt opportunity.

Since 1897, HSSW has cared for the animals of Southwest Washington with campuses in Vancouver and Longview. We help thousands of adoptable pets find shelter, care, and loving homes, and operate programs such as free pet food, emergency shelter, financial assistance, and medical care. In addition to our work to serve pets in need, we provide high-quality, subsidized care at the Community Veterinary Clinic (CVC) and support our ReTails Thrift Store to fund our mission.

We are committed to a diverse, healthy, and engaged team of employees and volunteers who strive for excellence, kindness, and compassionate care for the pets and people we serve.

The Animal Care & Transport Specialist provides compassionate aftercare services for animals and supports the safe, timely transport of live and deceased animals across HSSW operations and partner locations. This role involves respectful handling and cremation of animal remains, accurate recordkeeping, and reliable transportation, while adhering to safety, regulatory, and ethical standards. The position requires emotional intelligence, attention to detail, physical stamina, and professionalism.

Through careful care, regulatory compliance, and respectful communication, this role helps ensure animals are treated with dignity throughout their final journey and upholds HSSW’s commitment to humane, respectful service.

• Crematory Operations
• Handle and prepare animal remains with respect, ensuring accurate identification and secure containment.
• Operate and maintain crematory equipment safely according to guidelines.
• Maintain clean, safe work spaces and follow health, safety, and biohazard protocols.
• Ensure timely, accurate return of cremated remains and memorial items to clients or partners.

• Transportation & Logistics
• Safely transport live and deceased animals between shelter locations in company vehicles.
• Coordinate live animal transport with Operations leadership, including urgent or pre-scheduled transfers.
• Receive deceased animals from veterinary partners or shelters with empathy and professionalism.
• Load and unload cremation containers safely while adhering to hygiene protocols.
• Perform daily vehicle inspections, maintain cleanliness, and follow routing and safety procedures.

• Administration & Compliance
• Maintain detailed records for cremation services in compliance with legal and regulatory standards.
• Complete scheduling, invoicing, documentation, and data entry tasks as required.
• Follow HSSW, OSHA, and industry regulations for workplace safety and animal handling.

• Compassion, emotional intelligence, and professionalism when supporting grieving pet owners.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Familiarity with safety protocols, regulatory compliance, and ethical handling of remains.
• Basic computer proficiency (Microsoft Office or similar).
• Ability to perform physically demanding tasks, including lifting up to 50 lbs.
• Valid Washington or Oregon driver’s license with good driving record. (Motor Vehicle Record check required)

The hourly pay range for this position is $18.00 to $21.00 per hour with starting pay dependent upon experience.

In addition to serving in an organization with a compassionate and strategic purpose, eligible employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package and a variety of employee perks.

• Health insurance effective the first of the month following hire (full-time employees).
• Dental and vision insurance effective the first of the month following hire.
• Matching percentage 401(k) retirement plan beginning the first month after hire, with a 3-year graded vesting schedule and ROTH contribution option.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) available to all employees and household members.
• Section 125 FSA Cafeteria Plan for out-of-pocket health and/or dependent day care expenses.
• Access to affordable life, disability, and accidental supplemental insurance.
• Numer…