Agricultural Assistant

Ontario University Athletics; Guelph; On-site; CAD 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Guelph seeks an Animal Care Attendant to provide husbandry care for various large animals and support veterinary staff. This role involves working in a fast-paced environment, requires excellent communication skills, and offers the chance to engage with a variety of species. Candidates must possess a 2-year College Diploma in a related program, a valid Class G Driver’s license, and be flexible in scheduling. Join us in fostering a culture of inclusion and excellence.

Qualifications

• 1 year of related experience in a Small/Large Animal Clinic setting required.
• Animal Care Certificate preferred.
• Flexibility in scheduling availability is required.

Responsibilities

• Provide husbandry care of patient and teaching animals.
• Monitor changes in animal behavior and report concerns.
• Utilize equipment such as forklift, truck and trailer.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Customer service proficiency

Organizational skills

Education

2-year College Diploma in a related program

Tools

Forklift

Electronic monitoring equipment

Job description

Division: Health Sciences Centre

Department: Large Animal Hospital
Position covered by the Collective Agreement with USW Local 4120

General Purpose

Reporting to the Supervisor, Patient Care and Service Delivery the incumbent provides husbandry care of patient and teaching animals at the OVC HSC and supports the Clinicians, Registered Veterinary Technicians (RVTs) and students of the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program. The incumbent will be cross trained in other areas of the Health Sciences Centre as they may need to support other units in times of operational need. Animal Housing positions at OVC HSC include Animal Care Attendants (Companion Animal Wards) and Agricultural Assistants (Large Animal Clinic).

Duties and Responsibilities

• Ability to work in fast paced and high stress environment
• This is a client facing role requiring excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Interacting with students, interns, residents, faculty
• Working primarily with large animals including horses (mares with foals, stallions, yearlings) cows, goats, pigs, sheep, llamas, alpacas, and other species
• Tracking and recording patient intake/output and specialized feedings
• Walking animals, handling patients on IV fluids, CRI's and working with critical cases
• Patient restraint for procedures on large animals, loading and unloading of trailers
• Caring for our herd of dry cows and horses for teaching and research
• Providing animal care inclusive of cleaning, grooming, feeding and exercising patients
• Monitor changes in animal behavior/health and report concerns
• Inventory control and maintaining equipment logs
• Adhering to safety regulations, isolation protocols, and confidentiality
• This position requires heavy lifting, push/pull and working with high-stress animals
• Utilizing equipment such as forklift, truck and trailer, winches, hoists, and chute systems

Requirements

• 2-year College Diploma in a related program plus 1 year of related experience in a Small/Large Animal Clinic setting
• Animal Care Certificate or additional courses such as Equine Management or Large Animal Husbandry will be given preference
• Demonstrated proficiency in customer service as well as effective organizational and communication skills
• Basic knowledge of computers and electronic monitoring equipment would be a benefit
• Flexibility in scheduling availability is required. The incumbent will be required to work a variety of shifts including days, afternoons, nights and weekends
• A valid Class G Driver’s license is required

Proof of Rabies Titre Requirement

The successful applicant will be required to provide proof of rabies titre.

Employee Type: Regular
Position Number:10623042
Classification: USW, Local 4120 Salary:Band 4
USW Local 4120 Wage Grid

*Tentative evaluation; subject to final review.

At the University of Guelph, fostering aculture of inclusion is an institutional imperative. The University invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversification of our Institution.