Veterinary Assistant -Large Animal Horse Handler

Since our founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has operated as Georgia's oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education ( https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 235 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University's main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,000 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University's enrollment exceeds 40,000 students including over 30,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 18 schools and colleges, as well as a medical partnership with Augusta University housed on the UGA Health Sciences Campus in Athens.

General schedule M-F, 8-5. Hours may vary due to business needs.

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, genetic information, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Experience with equine handling within a large animal hospital setting.

Handling/restraint of large animals. (Primarily horses/cows, but may include sheep, pigs, goats and camelids). The handler will safely handle all temperaments of horses. This includes handling for lameness exams (jogging/lunging), procedures, standing surgeries, radiology/bone scan, neuro exams and stallion collection. Other duties include assisting RVT's/Clinicians/Students/Client Support Coordinator in any capacity as needed for patient care, general housekeeping/stocking/stall maintenance, animal/sample transport, anesthetic induction/recovery, and to readily utilize Vetview/Cubex.

Ability to properly handle and restrain various species of animals. Effectively communicate. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while demonstrating excellent customer service, high degree of confidentiality, openness to teaching and providing consultation to a variety of stakeholders. Knowledge of general animal anatomy and ability to recognize signs of distress.

-lift and carry up to 75 pounds.
-sit, stand, stoop, bend and walk intermittently during the day on hard floor surfaces.
-dealing with stressful situations.
-manual dexterity sufficient to accurately work with small, delicate pieces of equipment or large heavy objects/containers/machinery.
-wear all protective gear including mask, gloves, gown, hairnet, safety goggles etc.
-work for long periods of time with arms extended.
-Work within an environment that has high levels of animal sounds, bodily fluids that need disposal, along with open wound management and storage of deceased animals.

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Handling/restraint of large animals. (Primarily horses/cows, but may include sheep, pigs, goats and camelids). The handler is expected to be able to safely handle all temperaments of horses. This includes handling for lameness exams (jogging/lunging), procedures, standing surgeries, radiology/bone scan, neuro exams and stallion collection. It is important that the handler keeps not only the animal safe but also those working in close proximity. Other duties include assisting RVT's/Clinicians/Students/Client Support Coordinator in any capacity as needed for patient care, general housekeeping/stocking/stall maintenance, animal/sample transport, anesthetic induction/recovery, and readily utilize Vetview/Cubex.

Stock supplies of cleaning products and patient care equipment. Ensure facility cleanliness with the use of mop, broom, chemical cleaning supplies to sanitize cages and the floors. Maintain cleanliness and order of Performance arena, including exam rooms, with tractor and broom to maintain arena footing and cleaning supplies to disinfect floors in exam rooms after use. Driving responsibility to pick up hay, and horse trailers when needed.

Assist in disposal of deceased animals, transport necropsy cases to main campus for processing for burial.
Input/retrieve information from Vetview for instructions on patient care.