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Job description
Animal Caretaker I - Small Animal Clinic Veterinary Teaching HospitalTo provide routine animal husbandry and environmental services support within the Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Responsibilities include maintaining cleanliness and sanitation of animal housing and hospital facilities; feeding, handling, and transporting animals; stocking supplies and maintaining inventories; assisting with operational recordkeeping; and supporting the safe and efficient operation of the hospital. May be asked to assist in other areas of the hospital as needed.Environmental Services and Animal Housing Maintenance - Maintain a clean, safe, and sanitary environment throughout animal care and hospital facilities:Clean, disinfect, and sanitize animal cages, kennels, stalls, rooms, treatment areas, and support spacesRemove waste, soiled bedding, and debris while maintaining established sanitation standardsReplace bedding, replenish water, and assist with feeding animals according to established protocolsTransport animals between housing, treatment, and designated facility areas using approved handling proceduresClean and maintain animal care equipment, transport carriers, and work areasFollow infection prevention, biosecurity, and isolation protocolsObserve and report facility, environmental, or animal welfare concerns to supervisory staffAssist with maintaining pest prevention and control measuresCleaning, Sanitation, and Facilities Operations - Support hospital operations through environmental maintenance and regulatory compliance:Perform daily, weekly, and periodic cleaning assignments throughout clinical and non-clinical areasClean, disinfect, and prepare rooms and animal housing areas for occupancyClean and sterilize equipment, instruments, and reusable supplies according to established proceduresTransport and dispose of biohazardous, medical, and general waste in accordance with regulationsEnsure proper storage and handling of cleaning agents and facility suppliesMaintain cleanliness of common areas, storage rooms, hallways, and support spacesReport maintenance, safety, or equipment concerns to appropriate personnelOperational and Logistics Support - Provide logistical and departmental support to ensure efficient facility operations:Maintain inventory and stock supplies, feed, bedding, PPE, and cleaning materialsReceive, unload, organize, and distribute deliveries and shipmentsAssist with animal intake, transfers, and movement throughout the facilityMaintain departmental logs, inventory records, and other operational documentationOperate department equipment, including forklifts and carts, as authorizedTransport supplies, equipment, animal remains, and regulated waste materialsAssist with orientation and training of new employees and student workers on cleaning and operational proceduresTroubleshoot and report equipment malfunctions or facility concernsOther Duties as Assigned - Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned in support of departmental operationsWork Schedule The schedule for this position will be Monday–Friday, 9:30 a.m.–6 p.m. with rotating weekends and holidays.Physical Demands and Working Conditions An environment of stress may be anticipated. The person in this position must be capable of reliably functioning in such an area. The amount of physical exertion will vary with assignments. For example, the assistant may be lifting a 40lb. dog on and off an examination table. The handling of any animal presents some element of risk or injury. Some strength and considerable caution are required when working with animals during diagnostic or surgical procedures. To some degree, unpleasantness may be experienced under such conditions. This position entails operating equipment, administering medications, and restraining animals of various species for examination. Exposure to anesthetic agents may present a potential hazard. An ability to work in the presence of animal waste and fluids, syringes, needles, and medications are potentially dangerous and must be used with care. Persons allergic to animal dander, dust, pollen, hay, etc., may experience discomfort in this position. Work involving animals with various disease states may expose the individual to viral, bacterial, and fungal agents known to be transmissible to man. Exposure to chemicals and anesthetic waste gases may be potentially hazardous if mishandled or misused.Minimum Qualifications 1. High school diploma or equivalent. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Knowledge of general care and handling of companion species of animals (dogs, cats, birds, exotics). Working knowledge 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.Appointment Information This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 0678 - Animal Caretaker 1 position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible. The collective bargaining agreement sets a wage of $22.55 per hour. Final salary offered will be determined by a thorough assessment of available market data, internal salary equity, candidate experience and qualifications, collective bargaining agreements, and budget constraints. This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization.Application Procedures & Deadline Information Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on October 7, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through will not be considered. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position, please contact Jacob Bough at For questions regarding the application process, please contact .The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — the state's flagship public university and one of the world's leading research institutions — every staff member helps shape what's next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you're empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence — where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.
Worksite address
urbana, IL, 61801, US
Who can apply
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