Animal Attendant, Veterinary Medical Centre

University of Saskatchewan; Saskatoon; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional educational institution is seeking an Animal Attendant to provide 24-hour assistance ensuring the basic daily requirements of all animals are maintained in the Veterinary Medical Centre. This role requires handling animals, cleanliness of hospital facilities, and assisting in patient care. The ideal candidate will have relevant experience, a valid driver’s license, and strong interpersonal skills. This is a full-time position with competitive pay and a supportive work environment.

Qualifications

• Must possess and maintain a valid Saskatchewan driver’s license.
• At least two years of related and practical experience in a hospital setting.
• Ability to adapt to the needs of a hospital environment.

Responsibilities

• Provides assistance to clinicians, students, and vet technicians for animal care.
• Cleans and disinfects hospital facilities according to protocols.
• Observes animals and reports observations.

Skills

Animal husbandry knowledge

Ability to perform heavy manual labour

Experience with large and small animals

Interpersonal and communication skills

Organizational and time-management skills

Education

Completion of Grade 12

Tools

Animal handling equipment

Job description

Animal Attendant, Veterinary Medical Centre

Primary Purpose: To provide 24‑hour assistance to ensure basic daily requirements of all animals are maintained in the Veterinary Medical Centre. The VMC is focused on patient and client care, learning and discovery. Our animal attendants are essential for our team to provide the highest standards of care for patients, clients, staff and students. This position will float throughout the hospital.

Nature of Work: Reporting to the Manager, Operations, this position works independently with support and direction from clinicians and registered veterinary technologists. Heavy repetitive manual tasks include lifting, moving, crouching, kneeling, movement of cadavers and cleaning of equipment and facilities, e.g., cans/bags of feed, bales of feed, and restraint of animals. This position works in an animal facility with large animals and small animals, which exposes employees to animal dander, waste, and unpredictability. It is subject to unpleasant odors, dress code, and traffic pattern restrictions. It is subject to rotating varying shifts, including evenings and weekends. Hours will vary, including days, evenings, nights, weekends and STAT holidays.

Typical Duties or Accountabilities:

• Provides assistance to clinicians, students and vet technicians essential to animal care;
• Cleans and disinfects hospital facilities, including kennels, stalls, surgery suites, etc., according to hospital protocols;
• Observes animals and reports observations;
• Feeds, milks, exercises, and provides bedding for all animals in the care of the Large and Small Animal Clinic;
• Walks, moves, handles and restrains animals;
• Plucks up, organizes and stocks/maintains supplies (and cadavers);
• Maintains and repairs equipment;
• Operates VMC vehicles (truck, van, skid steer) and other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education: Completion of Grade 12. Must possess and maintain a valid Saskatchewan driver’s license and an acceptable driving record.

Experience: At least two years of related and practical experience, preferably in a hospital setting. Experience in handling and care of large and small animals, including exotics.

Skills: Ability to adapt to and understand the needs of a hospital environment; a sound background and knowledge of animal husbandry for various species such as small mammals, rabbits, reptiles, amphibians, ferrets, birds, wildlife, and large mammals including bovine, equine, ovine, caprine, porcine, and some exotics (alpacas, llamas). Ability to perform heavy manual labour associated with cleaning activities and the operation of related animal handling equipment. Ability to work in varying and unpredictable conditions, both indoors and outdoors. Comfortable with restraining and assisting with bovine and equine patients, including bulls and stallions. Familiarity with low‑stress cattle handling and fear‑free equine procedures is an asset. Demonstrated interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Demonstrated effective organizational and time‑management skills.

Department and Employment Details

Department: Veterinary Medical Centre
Status: Term 12 months with the possibility of extension
Employment Group: CUPE 1975
Shift: Monday to Friday, 9am‑6pm
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
Salary: $21.55 – $25.13 per hour (based on 1.0 FTE), starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience
Salary Family: Applied Scientific Services
Salary Phase/Band: Phase 3
Posted Date: 11/19/2025
Closing Date: 12/30/2025 at 6:00 pm CST
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: On Campus

Verification Requirements

• Criminal Record Check: Yes
• Driver's License and Abstract Check: Not Applicable
• Education/Credential Verification: Not Applicable
• Vulnerable Sector Check: Not Applicable

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

The University of Saskatchewan aspires to be what the world needs and embraces equity, diversity and inclusion as foundational to excellence and innovation. We actively seek to create a welcoming environment where all individuals feel empowered to thrive, contribute, and grow. Applications from equity‑deserving groups are encouraged as part of our ongoing efforts to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve: EDI Framework for Action. We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapwewin: Indigenous Truth policy and the Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Successful candidates that assert Indigenous membership/citizenship will be asked to complete the verification process of Indigenous membership/citizenship with documentation. The University of Saskatchewan provides an accessible and inclusive workplace. Should you require support through any stage of the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources for assistance.