Animal Care & Transport Specialist

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. 

Animal Care & Transport Specialist

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.

Key Responsibilities:

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 workspaces and follow all 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.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• 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)

Compensation 

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

Employee Benefits and Perks
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. 

Benefits include: 

• 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. 
• Numerous employee discounts and discounts with partner organizations. 
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness qualified employer: To learn more about this Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, go to https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation. 

Paid Time Off (PTO)  

This position accrues PTO at a rate of 1.84 hours for every 40 hours worked.  

Additional Paid time includes: 

• Floating Holidays (full-time employees). 
• Bereavement leave 
• Pet bereavement leave 

Culture 

Vision: A community where everyone loves and cares for animals. 

Mission: Rescue. Return. Restore. Rehome. Reconnect. One animal at a time 

Values: Compassion. Collaboration. Excellence. Service. Integrity. 

The ultimate team player: 

• Displays interest, enthusiasm, and an affinity for working with people. 
• Demonstrates an attitude in being of-service, using good judgment, maintaining a positive outlook, and ideally, a sense of humor. 
• Works well in teams and demonstrates an attitude and commitment to collaboration with a sincere interest in helping others succeed. 
• Is committed to achieving excellence individually and as a part of the team. 
• Exhibits adaptability, curiosity, flexibility to change, open to new ideas, and encourages others to recognize changes in work tasks, situations, and environment as an opportunity for transformation. 
• Is committed to personal and professional development through life-long learning. 

How to Apply 

Does HSSW sound like the right place for you?  

Does this job sound like a great fit & do you meet the qualifications for this position? 

If so, then click the Apply button to begin your journey to join our team today. HSSW participates in E-Verify and due to the nature and responsibilities of the position, requires a Motor Vehicle Records release.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

This role involves standing, walking, stooping, lifting, crouching, and operating tools and machinery daily. Work occurs in shelter facilities, crematory areas, and vehicles, with exposure to live animals, deceased animals, cleaning chemicals, dust, allergens, and loud noise and potentially zoonotic diseases. Evening, weekends, holidays, or on-call work may be required. A reasonable accommodation may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.