What are the responsibilities and job description for the Animal Caretaker position at Inside Higher Ed?
Posting Number:
G/R32995P
Working Title:
Animal Caretaker
Department:
VetMed-VTH Large Animal Hosp
About The University Of Georgia:
Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state’s flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.
About The College/Unit/Department:
The University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, founded in 1946, is dedicated to training future veterinarians, providing services to animal owners and veterinarians, and conducting investigations to improve the health of animals as well as people. The college benefits pets and their owners, food-producing animals, and wildlife by offering the highest quality hospital and diagnostic laboratory services. Equipped with the most technologically advanced facilities located on a university campus, the college is dedicated to safeguarding public health by studying emerging infectious diseases that affect both animal and human health.
The College of Veterinary Medicine values all members of the university community, recognizing that differences in experience and culture can only lead to a more well-rounded, accepting academic environment as embodied in our Principles of Community (http://vet.uga.edu/principles-of-community/” target=“_blank”>http://vet.uga.edu/principles-of-community/)
College/Unit/Department Website:
https://vet.uga.edu/hospital-and-primary-care/hospital/
Employment Type:
Employee
Additional Schedule Information:
Varied hours that support the unit. The hospital is a 24/7/365 operations. Weekend and holiday shifts expected.
Advertised Salary:
12.75 per hour
Anticipated Start Date:
05/24/2026
Posting Date:
04/30/2026
Open Until Filled:
Yes
Location of Vacancy:
Athens Area
EOO Statement:
The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).
USG Core Values Statement:
The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 08.02.18.01.02.
Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.
Duties/Responsibilities:
Removing manure and soiled shavings/bedding in patient stalls and kennels. Clean and disinfect discharged patient stalls. Prepare new patient stalls as directed by Supervisor.
Percentage Of Time:
75
Duties/Responsibilities:
Clean and maintain large animal areas on a regular basis by sweeping, vacuuming and hose clean.
Percentage Of Time:
15
Duties/Responsibilities:
Assists DVM’s, Technicians and Students when appropriate and requested.
Percentage Of Time:
10
Classification Title:
Student Assistant
FLSA:
Non-Exempt
FTE:
This work involves the cleaning and maintenance of patient facilities in the Vet Teaching Hospital. This includes:
Comfortable in handling, cleaning and working in close proximity with small and large animals.
Physical Demands:
Yes
Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? :
No
Does this position require a P-Card? :
No
Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? :
No
Is driving a requirement of this position?:
No
Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care?:
No
Does This Position Have Security Access (e.g., Public Safety, IT Security, Personnel Records, Patient Records, Or Access To Chemicals And Medications):
Yes
Background Investigation Policy:
Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.
Contact Details:
For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.
Recruitment Contact Name:
Drew Clements
Recruitment Contact Email:
Drew.clements2@uga.edu
Recruitment Contact Phone:
7065424459
G/R32995P
Working Title:
Animal Caretaker
Department:
VetMed-VTH Large Animal Hosp
About The University Of Georgia:
Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state’s flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.
About The College/Unit/Department:
The University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, founded in 1946, is dedicated to training future veterinarians, providing services to animal owners and veterinarians, and conducting investigations to improve the health of animals as well as people. The college benefits pets and their owners, food-producing animals, and wildlife by offering the highest quality hospital and diagnostic laboratory services. Equipped with the most technologically advanced facilities located on a university campus, the college is dedicated to safeguarding public health by studying emerging infectious diseases that affect both animal and human health.
The College of Veterinary Medicine values all members of the university community, recognizing that differences in experience and culture can only lead to a more well-rounded, accepting academic environment as embodied in our Principles of Community (http://vet.uga.edu/principles-of-community/” target=“_blank”>http://vet.uga.edu/principles-of-community/)
College/Unit/Department Website:
https://vet.uga.edu/hospital-and-primary-care/hospital/
Employment Type:
Employee
Additional Schedule Information:
Varied hours that support the unit. The hospital is a 24/7/365 operations. Weekend and holiday shifts expected.
Advertised Salary:
12.75 per hour
Anticipated Start Date:
05/24/2026
Posting Date:
04/30/2026
Open Until Filled:
Yes
Location of Vacancy:
Athens Area
EOO Statement:
The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).
USG Core Values Statement:
The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 08.02.18.01.02.
Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.
Duties/Responsibilities:
Removing manure and soiled shavings/bedding in patient stalls and kennels. Clean and disinfect discharged patient stalls. Prepare new patient stalls as directed by Supervisor.
Percentage Of Time:
75
Duties/Responsibilities:
Clean and maintain large animal areas on a regular basis by sweeping, vacuuming and hose clean.
Percentage Of Time:
15
Duties/Responsibilities:
Assists DVM’s, Technicians and Students when appropriate and requested.
Percentage Of Time:
10
Classification Title:
Student Assistant
FLSA:
Non-Exempt
FTE:
- 49
This work involves the cleaning and maintenance of patient facilities in the Vet Teaching Hospital. This includes:
- Removing manure and soiled shavings/bedding in patient stalls and kennels.
- Cleaning and disinfecting discharged patient stalls.
- In specific areas of the hospital, floors are swept, vacuumed and hosed clean.
- New patient stalls are prepared as directed by Lead Caretaker or Supervisor.
- Various other facilities of the hospital in both large and small animal are also cleaned and maintained on a regular basis.
- Assistance is also given to DVM’s, Technicians and Students where appropriate and requested.
- Preferred experience working around large animals, manure, and medical equipment
Comfortable in handling, cleaning and working in close proximity with small and large animals.
Physical Demands:
- Lift and carry up to 75 pounds.
- Sit, stand, stoop, bend intermittently during the day on hard floor surfaces.
- Work for long periods of time with arms extended.
- Work with cleaning solutions and strong animal odors.
- Wear of protective gear including mask, gloves, gown, hairnet, safety goggles, etc.
Yes
Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? :
No
Does this position require a P-Card? :
No
Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? :
No
Is driving a requirement of this position?:
No
Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care?:
No
Does This Position Have Security Access (e.g., Public Safety, IT Security, Personnel Records, Patient Records, Or Access To Chemicals And Medications):
Yes
Background Investigation Policy:
Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.
Contact Details:
For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.
Recruitment Contact Name:
Drew Clements
Recruitment Contact Email:
Drew.clements2@uga.edu
Recruitment Contact Phone:
7065424459