Hoffman Center Large Animal Attendant (Stallion Handler)

University of Pennsylvania•Kennett Square, PA

3d•$18 - $27•Onsite

About The Position

The Large Animal Attendant at the Hofmann Center for Reproduction provides daily care for Hofmann Center and client-owned animals, supports reproductive procedures, safely handles stallions, maintains facilities and grounds, assists with herd health activities, and supports educational programs. Stallion handling is a key part of the role, including handling teaching and client-owned horses during semen collection. Some stallions may be inexperienced and require training and conditioning, so the role calls for confidence, patience, sound horsemanship, and appropriate handling techniques for animals with varied experience levels and temperaments. Daily care includes feeding Hofmann Center animals; cleaning and maintaining run-in sheds, stalls, and outdoor waterers; and caring for client-owned animals through feeding, stall cleaning and disinfection, medication administration as directed, and turnout for exercise. The attendant conducts daily health and welfare checks, promptly identifies and reports potential concerns, and inspects enclosures and facilities to help maintain a safe environment. The position also assists with the Hofmann Center herd health program, including vaccinations, deworming, hoof trimming coordination or assistance, and other routine animal health activities under appropriate supervision. Other duties include supporting veterinary procedures, participating in instructional activities and research projects, preparing and cleaning teaching laboratories, and maintaining the reproduction center and surrounding grounds through mowing, weed trimming, gardening, and general cleanup.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED and 2 to 3 years of experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, for the Large Animal Attendant B level.
Previous experience working with horses or other large animals in a professional, educational, agricultural, veterinary, or animal-care setting.
Demonstrated ability to safely handle, restrain, and care for large animals, including horses and stallions.
Ability to recognize signs of illness, injury, or changes in animal behavior and promptly report concerns.
Ability to follow animal-care, sanitation, medication, and safety protocols.
Ability to administer medications and assist with routine animal health-care procedures as directed.
Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate records related to animal care and daily activities.
Ability to work independently and effectively as part of a team.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills to interact professionally with clients, students, faculty, staff, and other personnel.
Ability to perform physically demanding tasks, including lifting, carrying, bending, standing, walking, and cleaning animal areas, and to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
Ability and willingness to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, holidays, or other non-traditional hours as required for animal care.
Valid driver's license or ability to meet applicable institutional requirements, if required for the position.

Responsibilities

Provide daily feeding and care for Hofmann Center animals.
Clean and maintain run-in sheds, stalls, and outdoor waterers.
Inspect animal enclosures, fencing, and facilities to ensure they are secure, functional, and safe.
Conduct daily health and welfare checks, identify signs of illness or injury, and report concerns.
Feed and care for client-owned animals, clean and disinfect their stalls, administer medications as directed, and turn them out for exercise.
Safely handle stallions during semen collection and handle client-owned animals during reproductive and other veterinary procedures.
Assist with the herd health program, including vaccinations, deworming, hoof trimming, and other routine health-care activities.
Maintain the cleanliness, organization, and appearance of the reproduction center and surrounding grounds.
Perform grounds maintenance, including mowing, weed trimming, gardening, and general outdoor maintenance.
Participate in instructional activities, horse- and stallion-handling/semen-collection laboratories, and research projects.
Prepare, set up, break down, and clean teaching laboratories and support related educational activities.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits.
Flexible spending accounts for eligible health-care and dependent-care expenses.
Tuition assistance for employees, spouses, and dependent children at Penn; dependent children may also receive assistance at other institutions.
Basic, matching, and supplemental retirement plans, with investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.
Substantial time away from work during the year.
Long-term care insurance.
Wellness and work-life programs and resources.
Professional and personal development resources.
Access to University resources, cultural and recreational activities, libraries, and athletic facilities.
Discounts and special services, including arts, entertainment, transportation, and other goods and services.
Flexible work options and hours.
Forgivable homeownership loan for eligible employees buying a home or residing in West Philadelphia.
Adoption assistance for eligible expenses, for up to two adoptions in the household.