Veterinary Assistant - Small Animal Clinic Environmental Services

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign•Urbana, IL

19h•Onsite

About The Position

The Veterinary Assistant - Small Animal Clinic Environmental Services at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital is responsible for providing routine animal husbandry and environmental services support. This role involves maintaining cleanliness and sanitation of animal housing and hospital facilities, feeding, handling, and transporting animals, stocking supplies, maintaining inventories, assisting with operational recordkeeping, and supporting the safe and efficient operation of the hospital. The position may also require assisting in other areas of the hospital as needed.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Knowledge of general care and handling of companion species of animals (dogs, cats, birds, exotics).
Working knowledge of infection control protocols and hospital standards.
Ability to move larger animals such as large dogs.
Knowledge of operating computers and hospital information systems.
Able to adapt to new technologies, procedures, and equipment.
Demonstrate adherence to strict protocols.
Able to recognize abnormalities in vital signs of patients and report to veterinary staff.
Capable of working in an animal hospital environment, which typically involves sick and injured animals, diseases transmissible to humans, and animal products and wastes, including feces, urine, blood, and other bodily fluids.
Ability to handle and/or transport deceased animals and/or parts and collect and transfer bio-hazard waste.
Able to multitask, always pay close attention to details.
Work calmly and professionally under pressure.
A reasonable amount of efficiency is necessary.
Courteous and polite.
This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization.

Nice To Haves

May be asked to assist in other areas of the hospital as needed.

Responsibilities

Maintain a clean, safe, and sanitary environment throughout animal care and hospital facilities by cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing animal cages, kennels, stalls, rooms, treatment areas, and support spaces.
Remove waste, soiled bedding, and debris while maintaining established sanitation standards.
Replace bedding, replenish water, and assist with feeding animals according to established protocols.
Transport animals between housing, treatment, and designated facility areas using approved handling procedures.
Clean and maintain animal care equipment, transport carriers, and work areas.
Follow infection prevention, biosecurity, and isolation protocols.
Observe and report facility, environmental, or animal welfare concerns to supervisory staff.
Assist with maintaining pest prevention and control measures.
Perform daily, weekly, and periodic cleaning assignments throughout clinical and non-clinical areas.
Clean, disinfect, and prepare rooms and animal housing areas for occupancy.
Clean and sterilize equipment, instruments, and reusable supplies according to established procedures.
Transport and dispose of biohazardous, medical, and general waste in accordance with regulations.
Ensure proper storage and handling of cleaning agents and facility supplies.
Maintain cleanliness of common areas, storage rooms, hallways, and support spaces.
Report maintenance, safety, or equipment concerns to appropriate personnel.
Maintain inventory and stock supplies, feed, bedding, PPE, and cleaning materials.
Receive, unload, organize, and distribute deliveries and shipments.
Assist with animal intake, transfers, and movement throughout the facility.
Maintain departmental logs, inventory records, and other operational documentation.
Operate department equipment, including forklifts and carts, as authorized.
Transport supplies, equipment, animal remains, and regulated waste materials.
Assist with orientation and training of new employees and student workers on cleaning and operational procedures.
Troubleshoot and report equipment malfunctions or facility concerns.
Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned in support of departmental operations.