Overview:
The Louisiana SPCA (LASPCA) is seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Transport, Rescue, and Event Specialist to manage animal transport logistics, develop and maintain partnerships with local and national animal welfare organizations, and oversees the coordination of offsite events. The ideal candidate will be highly organized, compassionate, and have a strong commitment to animal welfare. 

Key Responsibilities:

Animal Placement & Local Rescue Coordination  

• Plan and execute strategic, ongoing transports of LASPCA animals in partnership with LASPCA teams (including Behavior, Medical, and Shelter staff)  
• Work closely with local rescue partners to identify animals who are ready for outbound transfer, ensuring animals are appropriately prepared for placement. 
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with local animal rescue groups and shelters, creating a seamless process for identifying animals in need and coordinating transport logistics. 
• Proactively track and create placement materials for animals, maintaining real-time, accurate records of all animals under transfer consideration. 
• Create and share comprehensive bios for LASPCA animals, coordinating animal selection with local and national placement partners. 
• Ensure all transfer documentation is current, compliant with legal and medical standards, and meets LASPCA’s policies. 
• Ensure animals are prepared for transport with the necessary health certificates, vaccinations, medications, and enrichment. 
• Participate in Medical, Behavior, and Sheltering Rounds to ensure that appropriate animals are identified and prepped for transport efficiently. 

Animal Transport Logistics  

• Serve as the primary driver for LASPCA transport activities, coordinating and leading outgoing transfers to local and national rescue partners. 
• Manage transport logistics, including the scheduling of transport times, secure vehicles, and arrange for appropriate drivers and handlers. 
• Prepare all necessary materials and supplies for transport, including medications, food, enrichment, and transport crates. 
• Coordinate effectively with internal teams (Adoption Center, Medical, Behavior) and external stakeholders (rescue groups, destination shelters, and partners) to ensure smooth and timely transports. 
• Maintain consistent and accurate records for all transport activities and ensure compliance with state importation and health requirements. 
• Use low-stress handling techniques and provide a safe and compassionate environment for animals during transport. 
• Liaise with LASPCA Facilities teams to ensure that vehicles meet organizational safety and operational standards. 
• Complete expense reports related to transport activities, ensuring accurate tracking of transport costs and fleet maintenance. 
• Oversee and coordinate transport to local partner shelters, medical transports, and LASPCA adoption and foster placements. 

Partnership Relations  

• Develop and nurture ongoing relationships with local animal rescue organizations, shelters, and other stakeholders involved in rescue operations. 
• Act as the main point of contact for local rescue organizations, coordinating with them on animal placements and transport needs. 
• Provide clear, proactive communication with local partners to ensure smooth coordination of transport and placement activities, identifying potential gaps and working to resolve them efficiently. 
• Regularly update and maintain a network of local partners, ensuring LASPCA is well-integrated into the community of animal welfare organizations. 

Cost Tracking & Reporting  

• Track and manage expenses related to animal transport, supplies, and offsite adoption events, ensuring adherence to budget constraints. 
• Provide regular reports to management on transport and placement expenses, identifying any cost-saving opportunities without compromising animal welfare. 
• Maintain accurate documentation of all costs related to animal transfers and transport logistics.  

Schedule & Execute Offsite Adoption Events  

• Plan, coordinate, and execute offsite events, ensuring that LASPCA animals are showcased in high-visibility areas to increase adoptions. 
• Manage logistics and staffing for offsite adoption events, including scheduling transport for animals, coordinating with volunteers, and handling event materials. 
• Engage with the public at events, providing information about adoptable animals, educating potential adopters on humane pet ownership, and representing LASPCA’s services and mission. 

Volunteer Training & Support  

• Train and support volunteers who assist with animal transport, rescue and events activities, ensuring they understand best practices for animal handling, transport safety, and compliance with LASPCA protocols. 
• Provide ongoing coaching, guidance, and feedback to volunteers, fostering a positive and productive working environment. 

Qualifications: 

• Must uphold the Louisiana SPCA’s core values: Compassionate towards people and pets; adaptable; creative problem solver; emotionally intelligent; diverse-equitable-inclusive; and humbly confident.  
• Must be able to pass a criminal background check and pre-employment substance screening 
• Must have (or be able to obtain) a valid State of Louisiana driver’s license 
• Excellent organizational and collaborative skills, with ability to multitask and must be detail oriented 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and other data management tools. 
• Strong communicator both verbally and written, with an analytical mind to prepare, analyze and evaluate outcomes and results.   
• Expected to work extended hours as needed as this position is part of the core team in Storm & Emergency Response situations. This requires the ability to work weekends and maintains a 24 hr. on-call status. 
• Demonstrates exceptional client services skills; solution-focused problem-solver 
• Demonstrate ability to meet deadlines, juggle multiple and competing priorities, and maintain a positive, engaging atmosphere 
• Ability to quickly, calmly, and efficiently adjust to changes in direction and re-prioritize work, with a customer orientated mindset and the ability to adapt/respond to different types of situations.  
• Excellent time management skills with the ability to prioritize multiple projects and be responsive to requests 
• Supports teamwork and possesses an optimistic attitude by being cooperative, flexible, and helpful with all departments.  
• Treats all animals humanely, properly, and with compassion at all times; regardless of the situation or circumstance. Promotes a humane and caring attitude towards all animals. 
• Maintains confidentiality at all times. 
• Performs all other duties as necessary and required. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Experience in animal rescue, logistics, event coordination, or a related field. 
• Knowledge of animal care, transport protocols, and shelter medicine. 
• Ability to train, lead, and supervise volunteers. 
• Some animal handling skills preferred 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT 

• Must be able to lift at least 50 pounds; push and pull heavy objects; bend, twist, reach; perform strenuous physical activities including frequent walking and running, standing, bending and stooping.  
• Should not be allergic to animals or nuts; must be able to work around all animals and nut products. 
• Must be able to work with industrial strength cleaners and disinfectants. 
• Works in an area with a high noise level.  
• Potentially subject to animal bites and scratches. 
• Attend all training and animal handling classes. 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE 

• High school diploma or equivalent required 
• Bachelor’s degree or some college preferred 

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS 

• Pay Rate: $18-$20 
• This is a full-time, hourly, non-exempt position. 
• Full-time employment includes a menu of benefits including but not limited to: PTO; Insurance (Medical Dental, Vision, Group Life); Long-Term and Short-Term Disability, and a 401(k) Plan.  
• All Louisiana SPCA key policies, benefits, and expectations are detailed in the Employee Handbook.