Seasonal Animal Care

About the role

The Transport Care Technician is responsible for ensuring all dogs and cats in the Transport program at APA! have a clean living environment, are fed, watered, and have all their needs met. This position works closely with the Transport Coordinators in assisting with unloading and loading animals on and off transports, kennel preparation, and van preparation. This role will work closely with a team of volunteers to complete daily tasks.

Responsibilities

• Actively contribute to a volunteer-powered culture by partnering with volunteers during every shift and helping create an inclusive, welcoming environment
• Work alongside volunteers to complete daily tasks, ensuring the work is shared and collaborative—not siloed
• Support the recruitment and onboarding process by welcoming new volunteers and helping them get oriented to the program
• Help retain volunteers by offering encouragement, guidance, and feedback during shared work
• Recommend strong volunteers for deeper involvement or specialized roles to your supervisor or volunteer manager
• Contribute to a positive culture by recognizing volunteer contributions through appreciation, gratitude, and shoutouts
• Help set volunteers up for success by clearly explaining tasks, providing hands-on guidance, and offering in-the-moment support
• Perform basic observations and report the general behavior and health of animals in all departments of the program
• Adhere to strict sanitation protocols specific to each program
• Perform deep clean tasks on a regularly scheduled basis
• Sweep and mop floors daily
• Empty trash in all assigned areas
• Wash and sanitize dirty litter boxes
• Wash and sanitize dirty food and water bowls
• Wash dirty laundry
• Restock essential supplies
• Maintain special feeding protocols for certain animals
• Work collaborative and in a positive manner with all volunteers and staff
• Walk dogs as needed and rotate into play yards
• Set up dog and cat kennels, with fresh water, food, and bedding
• Meet transporters bringing dogs and cats to APA and assist with loading/unloading
• Customer service and help potential adopters, volunteers, and visitors
• Walk dogs and take cats to their appropriate kennels, and ensure they have kennel cards
• Aid in transport load-ups, for both vans and flights
• Occasionally able to transport animals safely and humanely between locations in APA! Transport vehicle
• Aid Veterinarians with holding dogs/cats for physical exams, and other treatments as necessary for transport animals

Qualifications, Skills & Expectations

• Committed to embodying APA!’s Core Values: Innovation, Respect, Drive, Resourcefulness, and Inclusion and cultural values: Humble, Hungry, Smart
• Commitment to APA!'s customer experience expectations
• Passion for working well with staff, volunteers, and customers—helping all individuals feel successful, appreciated, and connected to APA!’s mission
• Strong commitment to volunteer engagement and support; dedicated to working well with volunteers across all roles
• Effective written and verbal communication skills; able to interpret rules, procedures, and instructional materials
• Self-starter with strong time management; able to work independently and collaboratively
• Excellent interpersonal skills; maintains a calm and professional presence in all situations
• Strong attention to detail and high standards for quality
• Adaptable to change and able to perform related duties as needed
• Dedicated to delivering an exceptional and inclusive customer experience
• Must be able to handle all animals with kindness at all times without exception
• Work efficiently with minimal oversight to complete all duties and responsibilities
• Safely work with and around animals of varying temperaments
• Able to bend and use your arms in a repetitive manner
• Attention to detail, able to follow directions
• Timely and good attendance
• Effectively communicate with others in person, on the phone, and through email
• Basic experience in animal handling and care
• Basic knowledge of common animal health conditions
• Basic knowledge of animal behavior
• Desire to engage in regular networking and partnership building
• Solution oriented, positive attitude when encountering challenges or barriers
• Interest in growing and expanding a program on a state and national level
• Must have a valid driver's license and insurance