Animal Caretaker - Veterinary Teaching Hospital
University of Illinois

Animal Caretaker - Veterinary Teaching Hospital

Veterinary Teaching Hospital

In 2024 Forbes ranked the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign as #13 among all US public colleges, on the basis of return on investment, student success, student debt, and alumni leadership and influence. Only one other campus featuring a veterinary college ranked above U. of I.

Job Summary
To perform routine duties and responsibilities related to clean and maintain sanitation in animal handling areas, handling, feeding and general care of animals; may include small animal pets such as dogs, cats, ferrets, rabbits or large animals such as horses, cattle or other farm animals.

Duties & Responsibilities

• To clean, sanitize and maintain animal handling areas. ◦ Remove debris, excreta and maintain sanitation in rooms, stalls and/or cages and in related areas ◦ Clean and sterilize as necessary ◦ Maintain records relating to supply inventory levels and daily patient census
• To maintain care, bathing, handling of animals, some unusual, used for teaching or as patients under general care of the hospital.
  ◦ Receive animals
  ◦ Observation and notification of animal status of any irregularities
  ◦ Prepare special diets as directed
  ◦ Feed, water and bed animals
  ◦ Restrain animals
  ◦ Occasionally administer medications and treatments as instructed by clinicians
  ◦ Transfer animals about the hospital as needed
  ◦ Maintain pest control and prevention programs
• Miscellaneous duties performed
  ◦ Operate forklifts
  ◦ Assist as needed in unloading shipments of feed and bedding
  ◦ Transport and/or dispose of animal carcasses or remains
  ◦ Assist in training new Lab Animal Caretakers or student employees as needed
  ◦ Assist in evacuation due to emergency or other urgent situations as needed
• Perform other duties as assigned

Additional Physical Demands
The handling of any animal always will present some element of risk or injury. Persons allergic to animal dander may experience discomfort in this position. The handling of anesthetic waste gases and other biological materials will be required and may present risk if protocols are not properly applied. Physical requirements necessitate the ability to restrain and handle animals.

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Able to adapt to new technologies, procedure and equipment
• Able to adhere to strict protocols
• Able to multi-task, always pay close attention to details
• Work calmly and professionally under pressure
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Courteous and polite
• Ability to move larger animals such as large dogs, restrain large animals such as cattle and horses, load and unload bags and bales of feed and bedding.
• A minimum degree of complexity should be expected.
• Generalized work methods may need to be varied depending on Illness or Injury of the animal and events scheduled such as examinations, treatments and surgery.
• Ability to function as a necessary part of the animal care team.
• A reasonable amount of efficiency is necessary.
• Capable of working in an animal hospital environment which typically involves sick and injured animals, diseases transmittable to humans and animal products and wastes including feces, urine, blood and other bodily fluids.
• Ability to handle and/or transport deceased animals and/or parts and collect and transfer bio-hazard waste.

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. The collective bargaining agreement sets a wage of $20.83. Final salary offered will be determined by a thorough assessment of available market data, internal salary equity, candidate experience and qualifications, collective bargaining agreements, and budget constraints. Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position.

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 (Central Time) on January 23, 2025. 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 Jake Bough (jbough@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, 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. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. 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: 1028664
Job Category: Service and Food Operations
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu

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