Job Details

Posting Number: S15326P

Working Title: Animal Caretaker

Department: VetMed-VTH Large Animal Hosp

Position Summary: This work involves the cleaning and maintenance of patient facilities in the Vet Teaching Hospital. This includes removing manure and soiled shavings/bedding in patient stalls and kennels. Discharged patient stalls are also cleaned and disinfected. In specific areas of the hospital, floors are swept vacuumed and hosed clean. New patient stalls are prepared as directed by Lead Caretaker or Supervisor. Various other facilities of the hospital in both large and small animal are also cleaned and maintained on a regular basis. Assistance is also given to DVM’s, Technicians, and Students where appropriate and requested.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies:

• Be comfortable in handling, upkeep, and working in close proximity with large and small animals.
• Ability to maintain sanitation/disinfection techniques for large animals and small ruminants.
• Ability to stand for long periods and to work well interpersonally with a variety of staff, students, and doctors.

Physical Demands:

1. Lift and carry up to 75 pounds.
2. Sit, stand, stoop, bend, and walk intermittently during the day on hard floor surfaces.
3. Manual dexterity to work with small, delicate pieces of equipment or large heavy objects/containers/machinery.
4. Work for long periods with arms extended.
5. Work with cleaning equipment and chemicals.
6. Work within an environment with potential exposure to zoological diseases and has high levels of animal sounds, bodily fluids that need disposal, and open wound management.
7. Drive a UGA or State vehicle to complete job tasks.

Duties/Responsibilities: Each A.M. and P.M., thoroughly clean all patient stalls/kennels. Remove manure and soiled shavings/bedding and replace with clean bedding material. Clean and disinfect discharged patient stalls/kennels, as patients leave the hospital. Clean all accumulated food and water containers, and some equipment/supplies. Sweep, vacuum, and hose down floors and aisles in Hospital. Clean client parking lot and client areas as necessary. (70%)

Clean and maintain other facilities as necessary (bovine area, field service vehicle area, dog walk, and treatment rooms). (20%)

Assist DVM’s, Techs, and students, where appropriate, in preparing patient stalls and restraining patients for minor procedures. Drive to campus necropsy to either drop off animals or pickup ashes. (10%)