Puppy Truck Driver

Guide Dogs for the Blind, Inc.; San Rafael (CA); On-site; USD 37,000 - 41,000; Part time

Job summary

Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB) seeks a dependable Puppy Truck Driver for on-call transportation of puppies and adult dogs to puppy raisers across nine western states. You will drive GDB vehicles, perform pre-trip inspections, care for the animals, and maintain logs while reporting any concerns to the Puppy Logistics Supervisor.

You must have a valid driver's license, an excellent driving record, and the ability to obtain DOT medical certification.

Qualifications

• Excellent customer service, patient and professional with staff, volunteers, and the public.
• Valid driver's license with excellent driving record and insurability.
• Ability to obtain DOT medical certification and DMV checks.
• Experience or ability to safely handle large-breed dogs up to 90 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Transport puppies and dogs using GDB vehicles, including large vans and trailers.
• Complete single- and multi-day trips with proper care for dogs.
• Perform pre-trip inspections and prepare supplies.
• Care for dogs during trips: feeding, exercise, medications, and clean-up.
• Document issues and report to the Puppy Logistics Supervisor.
• Provide information to puppy raisers about the program.
• Complete vehicle inspections and logs on time.
• Follow DOT requirements and company safety policies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Customer service

Driving record

DOT certification

Dog handling

Vehicle maneuvering

Flexibility

Job description

Please note that this is an on-call role, not a full-time position.

Help our puppies travel safely toward a life-changing future.

At Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB), we raise and train puppies to become guide dogs for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. We are seeking a dependable, compassionate Puppy Truck Driver to safely transport and care for puppies and adult dogs traveling to and from puppy raisers throughout nine western states. Using a variety of GDB vehicles, you will complete single-day and multi-day trips while attending to each dog’s feeding, exercise, medication, and care needs. You will also serve as an ambassador for GDB, building positive relationships with puppy raisers, volunteers, staff, clients, and members of the public along the way.

What you’ll do:

• Transport puppies and adult dogs using GDB vehicles, including fifth-wheel trucks and trailers, large vans, and other fleet vehicles
• Complete single-day and multi-day trips, including airport transportation, occasional trips to local veterinary services, and transportation support for other departments as needed
• Perform pre-trip vehicle inspections and prepare supplies based on the length of the trip, number of dogs traveling, and hot- or cold-weather conditions
• Care for dogs throughout each trip, including feeding, exercising, administering medications, and cleaning
• Monitor dogs for behavioral or health concerns and document and report any issues to the Puppy Logistics Supervisor
• Provide puppy raisers with basic information about their puppy, the Puppy Raising program, and GDB
• Complete required vehicle inspections, daily logs, and other puppy-truck reports in a timely manner
• Follow Department of Transportation requirements, including maintaining driver logs, tracking hours worked, and taking adequate breaks
• Follow GDB safety policies and promptly report incidents and accidents according to campus procedures
• Perform other duties as assigned

What you’ll love:

• Helping puppies move forward on their journey to becoming guide dogs
• Providing attentive, hands-on care for puppies and adult dogs while traveling
• Building relationships with the dedicated puppy raisers, volunteers, and staff who support GDB’s mission
• Representing an organization with a strong mission that harnesses the power of partnerships – connecting people, dogs, and communities – to transform lives

The qualifications you’ll need:

• Excellent customer service skills and the ability to interact positively, with patience, respect and professionalism with staff, volunteers, and members of the public
• Valid driver’s license with an excellent driving record and the ability to be insured at regular risk rates
• Ability to maintain eligibility to transport dogs and people, complete regular DMV record checks, and obtain DOT medical certification
• Ability to safely maneuver large vehicles and successfully complete GDB’s job-specific vehicle training
• Ability to work a combination of day, night, weekend, and some holiday shifts as needed
• Ability to complete multi-day trips averaging three to four consecutive days, with workdays lasting 11–14 hours
• Ability to safely handle large-breed dogs weighing up to 90 pounds with varying levels of strength and manageability
• Ability to safely transfer up to 40 pounds and seek assistance when moving dogs or objects weighing more than 40 pounds
• Ability to successfully complete a dog-handling evaluation
• Previous experience working with dogs preferred; annual safety education and dog-handling training are provided

Guide Dogs for the Blind

At Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB), we believe that everyone deserves to move through the world safely and confidently – to live the life they want to live. As the largest guide dog school in North America, we have graduated more than 16,000 guide dog teams from across the U.S. and Canada since our founding in 1942. GDB not only improves mobility for our clients, we further inclusion. Join our team of more than 300 employees and share your passion for our mission.

At Guide Dogs for the Blind, we respect, value, and appreciate all differences. We welcome all qualified candidates irrespective of your race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. Individuals with disabilities, especially those who are blind or visually impaired, are encouraged to apply. If you have a disability and need assistance and/or accommodation with applying for a job, please feel free to contact our Human Resources department.

Pay Range:

$27 - $30 / hour

This is a non-exempt, on-call position requiring day, night, weekend and some holiday shifts. This is not a full-time role, monthly hours are variable.