Animal Care & Transport Specialist

Description

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

Since 1897, the Humane Society for Southwest Washington (HSSW) has been caring for the animals of Southwest Washington. Today, we are the largest animal welfare agency in Southwest Washington with campuses in Vancouver and Longview, where we help thousands of adoptable pets find shelter, TLC, and loving homes. And through programs like free pet food, emergency shelter, financial assistance, and medical care, we provide critical support that helps pets in need stay home with the families they love.

Thanks to our hardworking staff and volunteers, we serve more than 10,000 pets each year. At our Community Veterinary Clinic (CVC), we provide high-quality, subsidized care to the pets of income-qualified families in our community. The CVC expands access to preventative care and spay/neuter, provides care for treatable conditions, and offers essential support to keep pets happy and healthy. And at ReTails Thrift Store, our team of staff and volunteers help hundreds of thousands of items find a second life, providing vital funding for our work with animals.

Thanks to our hardworking staff and volunteers, we served more than 10,000 pets in our community - helping them find new homes or providing the support they need to stay with the family who loves them.

Our mission is to rescue, return, restore, rehome, and reconnect one animal at a time. That work is possible thanks to the dedicated teams of staff and volunteers who are here for the animals every day. We are committed to a diverse, healthy, and engaged team of employees and volunteers who strive for excellence, treat one another with kindness, and provide quality and compassionate care for the pets and people we serve.

The Animal Care & Transport Specialist plays a critical role in providing compassionate, dignified aftercare services for animals while supporting the safe and timely transport of live and deceased animals across Humane Society for Southwest Washington (HSSW) operations and partner locations. This position is responsible for the respectful handling and cremation of animal remains, accurate recordkeeping, and reliable transportation services, all while adhering to strict safety, regulatory, and ethical standards.

Serving as both a technical operator and a compassionate representative of HSSW, the Animal Care & Transport Specialist frequently interacts with veterinary partners, shelter staff, and, at times, grieving pet owners. The role requires a high level of emotional intelligence, attention to detail, physical stamina, and professionalism. Through meticulous care, regulatory compliance, and respectful communication, this position helps ensure that animals are treated with dignity throughout their final journey and that HSSW’s commitment to humane, respectful service is upheld at every stage.

• 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 all health, safety, and biohazard protocols.
• Ensure timely, accurate return of cremated remains and memorial items to clients or partners.

• 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.

• 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…