Contract Driver

CommonSpirit Health•Elgin, TX

About The Position

Austin Pets Alive! (APA!) is a nonprofit animal welfare organization that rescues, treats, and adopts out homeless dogs and cats, supports partner communities, and shares its lifesaving model nationally. The Contract Driver supports APA!’s animal transport program by transporting animals from the Elgin Transport Hub to out-of-state rescue partners, and between the hub and APA!’s Austin facilities. The role requires driving long distances, including trips of 12 hours or more, and completing APA! driving training to use its vehicles. The driver provides care for animals throughout transport, assists with preparing the vehicle and loading and unloading animals, and keeps the vehicle clean and organized. The role also includes observing animals for possible medical concerns, communicating transport updates and concerns to the Transport Team, and reporting vehicle maintenance issues. As part of APA!’s volunteer-powered organization, the driver works alongside volunteers, supports their training and engagement, and helps foster an inclusive, welcoming, collaborative environment. This is an as-needed contract position. Shift availability and length depend on transport needs and the number of animals. Shifts may include weekends, holidays, evenings, late nights, and early mornings. The position reports to the Senior Transport Driver and works directly with the APA! Transport Team.

Requirements

Current driver’s license and clean driving record.
Excellent driving skills; experience driving transport vans and/or driving long distances is preferred.
Ability to drive long distances, including trips of 12 hours or more.
Ability to handle and care for animals during transport and work around animals that may be diseased, injured, or potentially aggressive.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including providing transport updates and communicating relevant information to destination shelters.
Ability to follow instructions and ask questions when tasks are unclear.
Effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to interpret rules, procedures, and instructional materials.
Self-starter with strong time-management skills and the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
Dependability, accountability, reasoning, good judgment, adaptability, attention to detail, and a calm, professional presence.
Commitment to APA!’s Core Values of Innovation, Respect, Drive, Resourcefulness, and Inclusion, and cultural values of Humble, Hungry, and Smart.
Commitment to APA!’s customer experience expectations and to supporting staff, volunteers, customers, and volunteer engagement.
Ability to work in a high-volume, fast-paced, high-stress environment and autonomously toward goals and deadlines.
Ability to work around loud noises, chlorine or other chemicals, and inclement weather.
Ability to interact with cats and dogs of varying health conditions, including animals with zoonotic diseases such as ringworm, scabies, and intestinal parasites.
Ability to walk large dogs that pull and jump.
Ability to visually observe people and animals from up to 150 feet away, and hear normal speech at close contact, shouting up to 150 feet away, and dog vocalizations.
Ability to sit in a vehicle for prolonged periods.
Ability to lift or carry up to 80 pounds; also able to lift or carry up to 30 pounds and push or pull up to 50 pounds for moving supplies and event setup.
Ability to stoop, bend, stretch, squat, kneel, grasp, grip, reach above and below shoulder level, repetitively use hands to operate computers, and flex and twist the neck and waist.
Must sign and follow the APA! Vehicle Use Agreement.

Nice To Haves

At least one year of animal-handling experience is preferred.
Experience driving transport vans and/or driving long distances is preferred.

Responsibilities

Safely and humanely transport animals between APA! and partner rescue organizations.
Care for animals throughout transport, including providing appropriate breaks for walks, food, and water.
Help prepare the transport van with the appropriate number and type of kennels and bedding.
Load and unload animals carefully at pickup and drop-off locations, working with the Transport Team.
Ensure animals and kennels are secured in the vehicle before and during transport.
Clean and organize the transport vehicle before and after each transport.
Observe animals for signs of medical concerns and report them to the Transport Coordinator.
Maintain regular communication with the Transport Team during transports, providing location updates and reporting concerns.
Report vehicle maintenance issues or concerns and review the vehicle checklist before departure.
Check vehicle keys in and out upon departure and arrival; report missing or broken checklist items to the Senior Transport Driver.
Follow safe-driving and animal-handling protocols, including the APA! Vehicle Use Agreement.
Partner with volunteers during shifts, share daily work collaboratively, explain tasks, provide hands-on guidance, and support volunteer engagement in an inclusive, welcoming environment.
Attend required training sessions and meetings, and maintain communication with the Program Manager or designee, supervisor, and colleagues.
Work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed, and perform other related duties as assigned.
Represent APA! professionally and respectfully, follow its procedures and protocols, and support a positive and inclusive organizational culture.