Certified Animal Rescue Responder

Job Description

Job Description American Humane Society (AHS) is seeking experienced Certified Animal Rescue Responders (CARR) to join the organization’s Rescue program. This position must be based at or near one of AHS Rescue program’s operating base in Valencia, California and reports directly to the Director, Rescue Operations. American Humane is committed to fostering a welcoming workplace. As we seek to fill this position, we highly encourage high-performing applicants from all backgrounds to apply For nearly 150 years, American Humane Society has led the way in protecting animals and strengthening the bonds between animals and people. We respond first when animals need rescue, shelter, or protection. Through our groundbreaking programs – from our “No Animals Were Harmed®” certification in Hollywood to our farm and conservation welfare standards – we set the highest level of care and compassion in animal protection. Working at American Humane Society means being part of something bigger. With offices in Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, and Palm Beach, we provide a supportive, professional environment where your work makes a real difference in animals’ lives. Position Summary: The Certified Animal Rescue Responder is a core member of the American Humane Society (AHS) Rescue team, responsible for planning and executing disaster response efforts for animals and providing mutual aid resources to law enforcement, national, tribal, state and local entities, with large-scale animal cruelty investigations. This critical role involves managing and deploying the fleet, equipment, and supplies to ensure readiness for rapid response, including overseeing logistical operations, leading special projects, acquiring necessary resources, and fostering partnerships through networking, training, presentations, and mutual aid responses. Responsibilities: Emergency Response & Field Operations Deploy during disasters and assist law enforcement in large-scale animal cruelty cases. Provide care to rescued animals and manage field logistics (travel, shelter, supplies). Lead and support Reserves (volunteers/contractors) before, during, and after responses. Coordinate with Incident Command and make timely decisions on personnel and resources. Track deployment resources and contribute to after-action reports. Support communications by capturing stories and visuals for fundraising and public awareness. Logistics & Operational Management Oversee logistics planning and execution, including fleet, equipment, and supply readiness. Ensure compliance with registration and licensing requirements (DOT/local/state). Maintain and inventory assets at national operating bases. Coordinate contract drivers and manage service contracts (roadside, fuel, inspections). Operate vehicles, trailers, clinics, and boats safely. Support procurement and resource planning for future deployments. Stakeholder Engagement & Relationship Management Build and maintain partnerships with regional and national agencies. Develop and maintain MOUs in key disaster-prone areas. Track cruelty cases and seek partnership opportunities for response efforts. Monitoring, Intelligence & Situational Awareness Monitor weather, public health, and cruelty reports. Share relevant alerts with the Rescue team to aid preparation and decision-making. Public Education, Outreach & Representation Deliver trainings and presentations to the public and partner agencies. Coordinate and promote training for Reserves, first responders, and volunteers. Keep training materials current and aligned with AHS branding and mission. Represent AHS at public events and actively recruit new volunteers. Additional Duties Provide regular updates and reports to leadership. Support internal communication and content development related to training and response. Reinforce the mission and values of American Humane Society in all public-facing efforts. Essential experience, knowledge, skills and abilities: Demonstrated expertise in managing logistics and providing resource support. 3 to 5 years of animal handling experience is strongly preferred; if not, a willingness and ability to complete an animal handling course within 90 days of hire is required. A high school diploma or equivalent is required; a bachelor’s degree, technical training, or equivalent experience – such as RVT, FEMA employee/reservist, or animal control/humane officer – is strongly preferred. Direct experience with vehicles, trailers, and heavy equipment, including inspecting equipment, hooking up or pulling a trailer, or a willingness and ability to learn. A Class A commercial driver’s license (CDL) is advantageous but not mandatory. At least 1 year of experience with emergency response situations is preferred. Has completed or is willing to complete Incident Command System 100, 200, 700, 800, ICS 300, and 400 within 90 days of hire. Field qualified for Animal Search and Rescue, or the willingness and ability to achieve Apply tot his job Apply To this Job