Position Summary:
The Animal Blood Collection Driver is responsible for safely collecting, handling, and transporting bovine and porcine whole blood from approved slaughterhouse facilities to the processing site. This role supports the production of IVD-grade and downstream biological materials by ensuring accurate collection, biosecurity, temperature control, and complete documentation. The position requires strict adherence to safety, biohazard, and quality standards, along with frequent travel to collection sites and hands-on work in active slaughterhouse environments.
Key Responsibilities:
Slaughterhouse Collection & Operations
- Drive company vehicle to designated slaughterhouse locations multiple times per week.
- Gear up with required PPE (bodysuit, ear and eye protection) prior to collection activities.
- Set up sterile, labeled collection containers, anticoagulant systems, hoses, and related equipment.
- Collect bovine and porcine blood at the kill line following approved procedures and SOPs.
- Follow animals along conveyor lines as needed to maximize collection efficiency.
- Ensure proper mixing of blood with anticoagulant to prevent clot formation.
- Inspect collected blood for contamination, clots, container integrity, and proper fill levels.
Transport & Logistics
- Safely handle, load, and transport collected biological materials using approved containers and vehicles.
- Maintain specified transport conditions (e.g., ambient temperature or per specification).
- Ensure timely delivery of collected blood to the processing facility.
Quality, Compliance & Documentation
- Accurately complete collection records, batch logs, volume logs, and chain-of-custody documentation.
- Follow all company SOPs, GMP principles, biohazard handling standards, and data integrity requirements.
- Report deviations, spills, equipment failures, or abnormal findings promptly.
- Comply with all biohazard, bloodborne pathogen, sanitation, and PPE requirements.
- Handle spills, leaks, or damaged containers using approved safety procedures.
- Maintain cleanliness of collection equipment, tools, and transport vehicles.
- Perform daily inspection, cleaning, and basic maintenance of collection equipment and vehicles.
- Report equipment issues, malfunctions, or supply shortages.
- Communicate effectively with slaughterhouse personnel and internal operations teams.
- Coordinate collection schedules with internal scheduling or operations staff.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives related to collection efficiency, safety, and logistics flow.
- Additional duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
Education and Experience:
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record required.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Knowledge of or ability to learn biohazard safety protocols and sanitation standards.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to follow written procedures.
- Ability to work independently and manage time effectively.
- Ability to lift and carry 40–80 lbs and push or maneuver heavy containers and carts (250+ lbs).
- Comfortable working with animal blood and biological materials.
- Ability to work in extreme temperatures (above 100°F in summer, below 0°F in winter).
Working Conditions:
- Exposure to temperature extremes and biohazards including blood, urine, feces, raw milk, bile.
- Onsite work required at slaughterhouse facilities and processing locations.
- Regular exposure to biohazards including blood, urine, feces, raw milk, and bile.
- Work hours typically align with early morning slaughter schedules (e.g., 3:30 AM – 11:30 AM), including travel time (up to 2–3 hours round trip).
- Frequent travel to collection sites required.
Physical Requirements:
- Lifting 40-60 lbs
- Pushing carts over 250 lbs
- Extended periods of standing and walking.