Community Outreach Volunteer
Goal for this position:
As an Outreach Driver, your role will provide hands-on support to our community outreach programs through activities such as transferring animals between animal centres to find loving families, delivering food to food banks, and or delivering supplies to various community partners' locations.
This role will have access to our fleet vehicles when needed, however, some trips will require the volunteer to have access to a vehicle that is roadworthy, insured, reliable, and suitable to transport animals.
Transportation is a critical step that has an enormous impact on the lives of animals in our centres every single day.
Volunteer Role:
- Always follow Ontario SPCA animal transport protocols.
- Clean and disinfect vehicle if required by protocols
- Ensure proper restraints are used appropriately such as seat belts and perform safety checks of the vehicle along the way
Skill Requirements:
- 18 years of age or older with a valid Full G Ontario Driver's License
- 3 years experience driving
- A, AZ or D license would be an asset
- Clear driver record
- Experience driving a large truck with a trailer, or a large van is an asset
- Comfortable driving on the 400 series highways
- Animal handling experience with dogs is an asset
- Comfortable with flexible timelines
- Ability to follow Ontario SPCA transportation best practices guidelines.
- Ability to lift 30 lbs
Working Conditions:
- Travel might be required during inclement weather conditions on rural remote roads.
- May be exposed to diseases or infections carried by animals.
- Bending, lifting, or reaching will be required when loading and unloading animals and food, along with occasional heavy lifting.
Personal Benefits:
- Directly impact our ability to further extend our resources for animals in need.
- Learn about best practices in animal handling and transport.
- Make like-minded friends, non-furry and furry!
- Behind-the-scenes access to our animal centres.
- Access to our knowledgeable staff and wellness resources.
- Ability to customize your schedule, choose your assignments, and update your profile, through our online community.
Time Commitment:
We recognize your time contribution to being a volunteer. Therefore, we support a customized approach to your schedule to best suit your availability.
During our onboarding process, we will capture your time preferences and availability.
We are always looking for individuals who are dependable and responsible.
This role is flexible and can operate daily depending on the need. As part of the driving team, you can select the transportation appointments you want to take based on your schedule.
Orientation and Training
Before you start your journey with us, our organization will provide you with the following training:
- Infection Control
- How to access our online community
- Fear Free concepts
- Animal transportation processes and best practices
- AODA
We will indicate which training will be required prior to your commencement, and which training we encourage you to participate in at your earliest convenience.
Supervision and Support
As a volunteer, you will be supported by the Community Outreach Department staff. This staff partner will provide you with training for your specific role, your schedule, and any required feedback or updates.
The Volunteer Development Team will always be available to offer support and guidance.
You will also have direct access to our online community, where you can find organizational updates, posted information, and contact information for your staff partners.