Agricultural Assistant

at  University of Guelph

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

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