Animal Caretaker

University of Georgia; Kentucky; On-site; USD 14,490 - 20,638; Full time

Job summary

The University of Georgia in Kentucky is seeking an Animal Caretaker to support diverse duties including cleaning stalls and assisting veterinary staff. The ideal candidate has preferred experience with large animals and is comfortable handling them. This position requires the ability to lift 75 pounds and continuous movement between tasks. The role supports 24/7 operations and offers a starting salary of $12.75 per hour.

Qualifications

• Preferred experience working around large animals, manure, and medical equipment.
• Comfortable handling, cleaning, and working in close proximity with small and large animals.

Responsibilities

• Remove manure and soiled shavings in patient stalls and kennels.
• Assist DVMs, technicians, and students when appropriate.
• Clean and maintain large animal areas.

Skills

Handling large animals

Cleaning and disinfecting

Ability to lift 75 pounds

Job description

Animal Caretaker

Position Details: Posting Number: G/R32995P; Working Title: Animal Caretaker; Department: VetMed-VTH Large Animal Hosp.

Employment Type: Employee. Schedule: Varied hours to support 24/7/365 operations. Salary: 12.75 per hour. Start Date: 05/24/2026. Closing: Open until filled.

Duties / Responsibilities

• Remove manure and soiled shavings/bedding in patient stalls and kennels (75%).
• Clean and disinfect discharged patient stalls (15%).
• Assist DVMs, technicians and students when appropriate (10%).
• Clean and maintain large animal areas by sweeping, vacuuming and hosing clean.
• Prepare new patient stalls as directed by Lead Caretaker or Supervisor.
• Clean and maintain various hospital facilities for large and small animals.

Eligibility & Qualifications

Preferred experience working around large animals, manure, and medical equipment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Comfortable 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 with arms extended.
• Work with cleaning solutions and strong animal odors.
• Wear protective gear including mask, gloves, gown, hairnet, safety goggles, etc.

Security and Trust

Position of Trust: Yes. No operation, access or control of financial resources. No P-card requirement. Driving not required. No direct interaction with children. Security access to chemicals and medications: Yes.

Background Investigation Policy

Employment offers contingent upon background investigation, including criminal background check, reference checks and credit check; admission may also involve pre-employment drug test for high-risk positions. For more details, consult UGA Background Check website.

Contact Information

Name: Drew Clements; Email: [e-mail]; Phone: [phone].

Equal Opportunity

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, veteran status, or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations for accessibility of materials related to this search should contact Central HR ([e-mail]).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter
• List of References with Contact Information

Optional Documents

• N/A