Mobile Adoption Van Driver (Dog rescue)

Job Summary

Hearts & Bones Rescue (“HBR”) is seeking a responsible part-time driver with a deep love for animals capable of driving our new mobile adoption van in and around NYC and the Tri-State area for weekend adoption events. Working with dogs is physically demanding, sometimes unpredictable, challenging, and most of all – rewarding!

The mobile adoption van driver is primarily responsible for the safe and timely transportation of canines to adoption events in the greater Tri-State area, including in NYC. This position requires a valid driver’s license in good standing and the ability to drive a large van (26 feet) and care for the animals onboard. This job requires the ability to load and unload dogs as they depart and arrive.

Responsibilities:

• Ensure that animals are provided with a comfortable, safe transport between locations, in a clean, secure vehicle while adhering to best practices for companion animal transports
• Clean out and organize the van before, during, and after events
• Provide all animals on board with their needs, including but not limited to water, food, or medications, and safely walk dogs during relief breaks throughout the trip, as needed.
• Efficiently communicate with staff while on the road and during events, ensure and communicate any escalation issues that may arise immediately.
• Support pre-planning process of assigning dogs to kennels, and other ongoing logistics involved in animal transport.
• Maintain a clean and orderly interior and exterior of the vehicle, including keeping the exterior of the vehicle clean and presentable.
• Communicate immediately with HBR staff on any vehicle issues, concerns, or incidents.
• As needed, coordinate with other staff members to get the van serviced, including trips to conduct maintenance and repair

​Requirements:

• Must have a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record (no moving violations and no at-fault accidents, as verified by background check); previous professional driving experience is preferred.
• Previous experience with animal handling is a must as this position will be handling pets of a variety of temperaments and sizes. Knowledge of dog behavior and body language is helpful, and a passion for animals and animal advocacy is a requirement.
• Must be detail oriented and able to follow set processes and procedures.
• Must collaborate well with a wide variety of people (staff, volunteers, potential adopters, representatives of partner organizations)
• The ability to excel in a fast-paced, often high stress environment.
• This job requires physical labor and will involve cleaning. Work is performed on the road and outdoors, and will require working weekends and potentially holidays
• Must be at least 25 years old with some prior work experience.
• Must be eligible to work in the US.
• Must live within an hour of New York City.
• Must be available on Saturdays and Sundays.
• We are a smoke and drug-free workplace. This includes vaping and cannabis in any form.
• References and background checks will be conducted.

Work Conditions

• While performing the duties of the job, the employee should be prepared to be able to physically lift 50 lbs and drive as needed.
• Must be available on weekends (2-4 days per month)
• This position will involve travel throughout the city to various partners, adoption events, and transport arrivals.
• This job description does not necessarily cover every task or duty that might be assigned.

There may be additional responsibilities assigned as necessary.