Transport Coordinator
The Transportation Coordinator plays a pivotal role in supporting the research objectives of The University of Pittsburgh’s animal research facilities. This position is responsible for the safe, compliant, and efficient transport of live animals, research equipment, supplies, and regulated waste between multiple laboratory locations. The coordinator will ensure adherence to all institutional, local, national, and international regulations regarding animal welfare, biosecurity, and hazardous materials. This role requires a blend of logistical expertise, regulatory acumen, and hands-on driving and transport skills.
The Division of Laboratory Animal Resources (DLAR), Animal Care Transport Coordinator, will:
- Develop, maintain, and optimize daily, weekly, and long-term transportation schedules in coordination with research and DLAR staff: receive and schedule transport requests to relocate animals, equipment, and waste between multiple DLAR facilities, ensure that transfer requests fulfill research needs and support customer service goals, track and reconcile equipment relocation using the DLAR’s database, liaise with multiple DLAR facility supervisors and the University’s metal shop, to schedule caging repair and ensure timely return, and coordinate biohazard and pathological waste pick up with external vendors.
- Provide direction, instruction, and oversight of task assignment and completion, to transport technicians,
- Ensure proper temperature, ventilation, and environmental controls are maintained for animal and hazardous material transport, and that all regulations are followed (e.g., IACUC, AAALAC, USDA, OLAW).
- Implement and oversee compliance to biosecurity and safety protocols during all phases of transfer, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and decontamination procedures.
- Initiate and oversee routine and emergent vehicle repairs, liaise with repair shops and the University’s Fleet Services, and ensure timely return of vehicles.
- Ensure correct labeling, segregation, and containment of waste during transport, with special attention to infectious or hazardous materials. Coordinate with Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) personnel and licensed waste contractors as needed.
- Safely and efficiently operate a variety of vehicles (including vans and box trucks (no CDL required)) to transport laboratory animals, equipment, supplies.
- Identify opportunities for operational improvements,
- Prepare billing data for completed transports and other administrative tasks as required, and
Perform other duties as assigned (ex: facility support tasks equipment and caging assembly and repair, cleaning, and cage preparation tasks).
Prompt and effective communication is essential to this position. The candidate will liaise with transport technicians, research staff, facility managers, veterinarians, and external vendors to schedule and confirm transport requirements, and must promptly and professionally communicate delays, incidents, or changes in transport plans. The candidate must also be willing and able to work within any DLAR facility, as assigned. Must have a high school diploma, plus a minimum of one year experience in related job duties (ex: logistics, transportation, animal science, etc). Three years’ experience or greater, is preferred. The candidate must have proficiency in route planning, scheduling, record keeping, and Microsoft Office applications, a strong commitment to animal welfare, safety, and regulatory compliance, and excellent interpersonal, organizational, and problem-solving skills. Experience with biosecurity protocols and PPE use strongly preferred.
Must have a valid PA driver’s license, a clean driving record, be available to work evenings, weekends and holidays, be able to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and stand for extended periods of time, lift 50 pounds, and push/pull heavy equipment. Vaccinations and/or TB testing may be required.
Job Summary
Facilitates billing operations and process coordination logistics for unit. Prepares, tracks, and reviews invoices and maintains records. Coordinates, negotiates, and resolves issues. Analyzes data, prepares reports, and performs administrative duties.
Essential Functions
- read, understand, and follow DLAR and other institutional guidance documents (SOPs, policies), when applicable
- demonstrate sufficient motor skill to safely operate vehicles,
- follow written and verbal instructions and clearly communicate instructions to others
- demonstrate sufficient fine motor skills to negotiate vehicles and transport equipment safely and within small or narrow areas, manipulate animals and equipment, and move between rooms and workspaces,
- have sufficient visual acuity to and operate and maintain facility equipment,
- have sufficient audible acuity to hear equipment alarms and other warnings,
- wear facility specific Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required by the job duties based on risk assessment from EH&S,
- work directly with live or dead animals and clean or soiled bedding and caging with reasonable accommodations if necessary,
- accurately and legibly document written information in English in a timely manner, including electronic formats and applications,
- effective written and verbal communication in English, including the use of email,
- receive vaccinations and health assessments, including TB testing, required to work in some animal holding or procedure areas in accordance with DLAR and/or EH&S policies and practices,
- successfully enroll in University of Pittsburgh Animal Exposure Surveillance Program (AESP) and other medical surveillance/immunization programs as dictated by current research activities.
Physical Effort
The employee must be able to:
• stand for extended periods of time throughout the majority of the workday,
• sit for extended periods of time, including but not limited to, during the operation of motor vehicles,
• lift and move objects weighing up to 50 pounds including but not limited to caging and equipment, bags or boxes of animal diet and animal bedding, and operate flatbed hand trucks or pallet jacks to move heavier objects or weights exceeding 50 pounds,
• perform repetitive motion tasks that involve pushing, pulling, reaching, and/or bending,
• negotiate and navigate around animal facility caging, equipment, and the physical plant.
Assignment Category: Full-time regular
Job Classification: Staff.Logistics Coordinator
Job Family: Campus Operations
Job Sub Family: Inventory Management
Campus: Pittsburgh
Minimum Education Level Required: High School Diploma/GED
Minimum Years of Experience Required: 1
Will this position accept substitution in lieu of education or experience: Combination of education and relevant experience will be considered in lieu of education and/ or experience requirement.
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7am-4pm, some weekends and holidays. Occasional requirement to work early AM or evening.
Work Arrangement: Monday-Friday, 7am-4pm, some weekends and holidays. Occasional requirement to work early AM or evening.
Hiring Range: Est. $25-$30/hr
Relocation_Offered: No
Visa Sponsorship Provided: No
Background Check: For position finalists, employment with the University will require successful completion of a background check
Child Protection Clearances: The following PA Act 153 clearances and background checks are required prior to commencement of employment and as a condition of continued employment: PA State Police Criminal Record Check, FBI Criminal Record Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance.
Required Documents: Resume
Optional Documents: Not Applicable
Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.
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