Agricultural Assistant

University of Guelph•Guelph, ON

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Reporting to the Manager, 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). This is a temporary full-time position from 06/15/2026 to 11/30/2026, covering a temporary absence of the regular incumbent.

Requirements

2-year College Diploma in a related program.
1 year of related experience in a Small/Large Animal Clinic setting.
Demonstrated proficiency in customer service.
Effective organizational and communication skills.
Flexibility in scheduling availability, including days, afternoons, nights, and weekends.
A valid Class G Driver’s license.
Ability to work in fast paced and high stress environment.
Client facing role requiring excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Basic knowledge of computers and electronic monitoring equipment.
Proof of rabies titre.

Nice To Haves

Animal Care Certificate or additional courses such as Equine Management or Large Animal Husbandry.

Responsibilities

Provide husbandry care of patient and teaching animals.
Support Clinicians, Registered Veterinary Technicians (RVTs) and students.
Be cross-trained in other areas of the Health Sciences Centre to support other units in times of operational need.
Work in a fast-paced and high-stress environment.
Interact with students, interns, residents, and faculty.
Work primarily with large animals including horses, cows, goats, pigs, sheep, llamas, alpacas, and other species.
Track and record patient intake/output and specialized feedings.
Walk animals, handle patients on IV fluids, CRIs and work with critical cases.
Perform patient restraint for procedures on large animals; load and unload trailers.
Care for herds of dry cows, horses, and sheep for teaching and research.
Provide animal care including cleaning, grooming, feeding, and exercising patients.
Monitor changes in animal behavior/health and report concerns.
Manage inventory and maintain equipment logs.
Adhere to safety regulations, isolation protocols, and confidentiality.
Carry out tasks in both interior and exterior locations, in all weather conditions.
Perform heavy lifting, pushing, pulling, and work with high-stress animals.
Handle and transport deadstock.
Utilize equipment such as forklift, truck and trailer, winches, hoists, and chute systems.