Stable Hand

University of Guelph; Guelph; On-site; CAD 36,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

University of Guelph is seeking a Stable Hand for the Large Animal Hospital on a temporary part-time basis (11/02/2026–04/30/2027). The role supports animal welfare, housing, grooming, feeding and safe transport within the OVC Health Sciences Centre.

It is a less than 24 hours per week position. Requirements include Grade 12 or equivalent with about 6 months' experience; Animal Care Certificate asset; experience with large animals; a valid G driver’s license and forklift training.

Qualifications

• Grade 12 completion or equivalent with ~6 months' experience.
• Animal Care Certificate asset; Large Animal handling experience preferred.
• Ability to perform tasks safely and efficiently.
• Experience with large animals (horses, cows, pigs) required.
• Flexibility to work varied shifts including nights and weekends.
• Valid G class driver's license; forklift training required.

Responsibilities

• Clean and disinfect stalls, turnout facilities and common areas.
• Provide animal care including grooming, feeding and transport.
• Record abnormalities and daily census; communicate findings to health team.
• Assist with transporting patients/animals; operate forklift for inventory.

Skills

Animal handling

Safety protocols

Teamwork

Education

Grade 12 completion

Animal Care Certificate asset

Tools

Forklift operation

WHMIS

Job description

Department:Large Animal Hospital
Temporary part-time from 11/02/2026to04/30/2027
(Less than 24 hours a week)

General Purpose

Reporting to the Manager, Patient Care and Service Delivery, the Stable Hand focuses on animal welfare by maintaining safe and clean animal housing areas, stocking supplies, and providing animal care, including grooming, feeding and transporting the patient within and between multiple areas of the OVC Health Sciences Centre (HSC). Other duties include inventory control and maintenance of supply use records, as well as monitoring and recording animal care responses and behaviours. The Stable Hand works alongside the Animal Care Attendants in the Large Animal Hospital area within the HSC where there is significant direct interaction with clients, students and animals.

This position will be primarily assigned to Large Animal Housing but may be required to support other units in times of operational need.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Clean and disinfect stalls, turnout facilities, and common areas using appropriate cleaning and husbandry protocols to minimize cross contamination or infection of patients and people.
• Employ appropriate animal hygiene practices that include safe and effective use of chemical disinfectants and cleaning products according to WHMIS and Occupational Health and Safety criteria.
• Practice safe, effective and efficient methods of handling patient and resident animals.
• Establish and achieve appropriate standards for meeting the husbandry and nutritional needs of animals under care.
• Perform basic patient care procedures (including but not limited to cold hosing, bathing, hand-walking, and grooming).
• Assist the Animal Care Attendants in transporting patients/animals to and from service areas when requested.
• Operate the truck/trailer for disposal and/or transport animals from outside sources and maintain appropriate records.
• Operate forklift to unload inventory items such as shavings and hay for delivery.
• Inventory feed, equipment and supplies to ensure adequate stocks are readily available on hand.
• Ensure spaces are stocked with the supplies and equipment (furniture, etc.) required for their use.
• Record any abnormalities with patient regarding fecal and urine outputs, appetite, behaviour or attitude and communicate findings to health team.
• Conduct daily patient census.

Requirements

• Equivalent to full secondary school. Typically, equivalent to Grade 12 completion combined with minimum 6 months' working experience.
• Animal Care Certificate and/or Large Animal Husbandry course is considered an asset.
• Ability to physically perform all job-related tasks safely and efficiently.
• Experience working with large animals (horses, cows, pigs, etc.) is required.
• Equivalent relevant experience will be considered.
• Flexibility in scheduling availability is required.
• The incumbent will be required to work a variety of shifts including days, afternoons, nights, weekends and on-call shifts.
• A valid class G Driver’s License is required. Forklift Training with yearly safety orientation required.

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

Employee Type: Temporary
Hourly rate: $26.23 - $29.29 per hour (level 1 & Level 3 on excluded grid)

At the University of Guelph, fostering a culture 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.

Posting Date:10/31/2026
Close Date:11/28/2026