Animal Caretaker-Small Animal Clinic

Veterinary Teaching Hospital

Job Summary
The Animal Caretaker performs routine duties and responsibilities related to handling, feeding and general care of research, teaching, and privately owned client animals; may include small animal pets (such as dogs, cats, ferrets, rabbits, etc.), and large animals (such as horses, cattle, or other farm animals).
Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide basic care for animals used for teaching, research, or as patients under general care of the hospital. Receive animals as they arrive at the facility. Properly handle, transfer, and restrain animals. Assist with animal care procedures and treatments as requested. Feed, water, and bed animals. Administer special diets as directed. Dispose of animal carcasses or remains. Observe animals for overt signs of disease or irregularities and notify the appropriate staff or veterinarian. Maintain basic daily records and daily census.
• Maintain, clean, and sanitize facilities and equipment. Remove debris and excreta from cages/stalls. Clean and maintain sanitation in stalls/cages and related facility areas. Transport and load waste and other items such as animal remains for disposal. Maintain pest control and prevention programs. Assist with the servicing of equipment.
• Assist with the receiving, storing, and distribution of supplies, including food and bedding.
  
  • Operate a forklift.
  • Assist with unload supply shipments.
• Other duties as assigned.
  
  • Assist in acclimating new hourly employees or veterinary students to the facilities and demonstrate proper procedures as requested.
  • Assist in evacuation due to emergency or other urgent situations as needed.

Physical Demands

• Walking : Constantly

• Stairs : Occasionally

• Lifting/Carrying : Constantly

• Pushing/Pulling : Frequently

• Bending/Stooping : Frequently

• Grip/Dexterity : Constantly

• Talking : Frequently

• Hearing : Frequently

• Visual Acuity : Frequently

• Physical Exertion : Constantly

• Physical Restraining : Frequently

• Operating Heavy Machinery/Equipment : Frequently

Additional Physical Demands
The work schedule for this position may include evenings, nights, weekends, and/or holidays. Persons allergic to animal dander, dust, pollen, hay, etc. may experience discomfort in this position.
An environment of stress may be anticipated, hence, the person in this position must be capable of reliably functioning in such an area. Exposure to anesthetic agents may present a potential hazard. An ability to work in the presence of animal waste, fluids, or carcasses will be necessary. To some degree, unpleasantness may be experiences under such conditions. The handling of any animal presents some element of risk or injury. Work involving animals with various disease states may expose the individual to viral, bacterial, and fungal agents known to be transmissible to man. Exposure to chemicals and anesthetic waste gases may be potentially hazardous if mishandled or misused. Skill in performing tasks is required to operate equipment, administer medications, and restrain animals of various species for examination. Syringes, needles, and medications are potentially dangerous and must be used with care. The amount of physical exertion will vary with assignments. For example, the caretaker should be able to lift a 40lb. animal on and off an examination table. Some strength and considerable caution are required when working with a large animal (i.e. cattle and horses) during restraint and handling animals, and moving furniture or bulky equipment.
Working Conditions

• Hazards : Constantly

• Fumes/Particles/Allergens : Constantly

• Toxic, Caustic Chemicals : Occasionally

• Inclement Weather : Frequently

• Work Outdoors : Frequently

• Dangerous Machinery/Equipment : Frequently

The work schedule for this position may include evenings, nights, weekends, and/or holidays. Persons allergic to animal dander, dust, pollen, hay, etc. may experience discomfort in this position. An environment of stress may be anticipated, hence, the person in this position must be capable of reliably functioning in such an area. Exposure to anesthetic agents may present a potential hazard. An ability to work in the presence of animal waste, fluids, or carcasses will be necessary. To some degree, unpleasantness may be experiences under such conditions. The handling of any animal presents some element of risk or injury. Work involving animals with various disease states may expose the individual to viral, bacterial, and fungal agents known to be transmissible to man. Exposure to chemicals and anesthetic waste gases may be potentially hazardous if mishandled or misused. Skill in performing tasks is required to operate equipment, administer medications, and restrain animals of various species for examination. Syringes, needles, and medications are potentially dangerous and must be used with care. The amount of physical exertion will vary with assignments. For example, the caretaker should be able to lift a 40lb. animal on and off an examination table. Some strength and considerable caution are required when working with a large animal (i.e. cattle and horses) during restraint and handling animals, and moving furniture or bulky equipment.

Minimum Qualifications
High school diploma or equivalent

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to follow hospital policies/protocols regarding the handling of isolation patients to minimize transmission of contagious diseases to other animals and people.
• Skill in the operation of standard animal caretaking equipment.
• Able to adapt to new technologies, procedures, and equipment.
• Demonstrate adherence to strict protocols.
• Able to observe, record, compile, and assimilate data.
• Knowledge related to the care and handling of large animals.
• Able to multi-task, pay close attention to details and work calmly and professionally under pressure.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Courteous and polite.

Appointment Information
This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 0678 - Animal Caretaker position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 2/10/2023. Salary is commensurate with experience.
For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information
Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (CST) on March 8, 2023. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position, please contact Valerie Eaton veaton@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, COVID-19 vaccination requirement, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.

Requisition ID: 1015859
Job Category: Service Operations
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu