Contract Driver

Austin Pets Alive•Elgin, TX

About The Position

Austin Pets Alive! is seeking reliable, safety-conscious per diem transport drivers to transport animals or supplies locally and nationally between APA!’s Elgin transport facility and source or destination shelters. Drivers support APA!’s lifesaving mission and partner shelters by safely transporting animals and providing care throughout each trip. The role requires completing driving training to use APA! vehicles and being comfortable handling animals and driving long distances, including trips of 12 or more hours within Texas and out of state. Drivers care for animals during transport, including providing breaks for walks, food, and water. They assist the Transport Coordinator with preparing the van and kennels, and with carefully loading and unloading animals at pickup and drop-off locations. Drivers secure animals and kennels, clean and organize the vehicle before and after each trip, observe animals for possible medical concerns, and report concerns or vehicle maintenance issues. They maintain regular communication with the Transport Coordinator during trips and follow safe driving practices. This is a contract, per diem role paid per mileage. Drivers must commit to at least two transports per month: either one local and one long-distance transport, or two long-distance transports. Scheduling and hours are flexible depending on availability.

Requirements

Excellent driving skills; experience driving transport vans and/or long distances is preferred.
Comfort driving long distances in varying weather conditions and helping load pets in and out of the van.
Strong communication and people skills, including consistent communication with the Transport Coordinator and conveying pertinent information to destination shelters.
Ability to follow instructions and ask questions when a task is unclear.
Clean driving record with no major infractions, verified through annual rescreening.
Agreement to a DMV report of driving history and a background check.
Comfort handling animals.
Completion of driving training to use APA! vehicles.

Nice To Haves

Experience driving transport vans.
Experience with long-distance driving.

Responsibilities

Safely and humanely transport animals between APA! and partner rescue organizations.
Care for animals throughout transports, including providing adequate breaks for walks, food, and water.
Assist the Transport Coordinator in preparing the transport van with the appropriate number and type of kennels and bedding.
Load and unload animals carefully at pickup and drop-off locations.
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 contact with the Transport Coordinator during transports, providing location updates and reporting concerns.
Report vehicle maintenance issues or concerns.
Follow safe driving practices, including avoiding texting while driving and loading or unloading near busy roadways.
Complete at least two transports per month: one local and one long-distance, or two long-distance transports.
Perform other duties as assigned.