Agricultural Assistant, Courtice

Requisition ID:

2360

Department:

Large Animal Hospital

Temporary part-time from 05/04/2026 to 11/03/2026 (Less than 24 hours a week)

Note:

If you are a current employee of the University of Guelph you must apply on the internal Career Page in order to be considered as an internal applicant.

General Purpose 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 needed to support other units during operational demand. Animal Housing positions at OVC HSC include Animal Care Attendants (Companion Animal Wards) and Agricultural Assistants (Large Animal Clinic).

Duties and Responsibilities

Ability to work in a fast-paced and high-stress environment.

Client-facing role requiring excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Interacting with students, interns, residents, faculty.

Working primarily with large animals including horses (mares with foals, stallions, yearlings), cows, goats, pigs, sheep, llamas, alpacas, and other species.

Tracking and recording patient intake/output and specialized feedings.

Walking animals, handling patients on IV fluids, CRIs and working with critical cases.

Patient restraint for procedures on large animals; loading and unloading of trailers.

Caring for the herd of dry cows, horses, and sheep for teaching and research.

Providing animal care inclusive of cleaning, grooming, feeding, and exercising patients.

Monitoring changes in animal behavior/health and reporting concerns.

Inventory control and maintaining equipment logs.

Adhering to safety regulations, isolation protocols, and confidentiality.

Tasks carried out in both interior and exterior locations, in all weather conditions.

Heavy lifting, push/pull, and working with high-stress animals.

Handling and transport of deadstock.

Utilizing equipment such as forklift, truck and trailer, winches, hoists, and chute systems.

Requirements

2-year College Diploma in a related program plus 1 year of related experience in a small/large animal clinic setting.

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

Demonstrated proficiency in customer service as well as effective organizational and communication skills.

Basic knowledge of computers and electronic monitoring equipment is a benefit.

Flexibility in scheduling availability is required. The incumbent will work a variety of shifts including days, afternoons, nights, and weekends.

A valid Class G Driver’s license is required.

The successful applicant must provide proof of rabies titre.

Employee Type:

Temporary Hourly rate:

$27.69 - $30.94 per hour

At the University of Guelph, fostering a culture of inclusion is an institutional imperative. The University invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including those from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversification of our Institution.

Posting Date: 04/16/2026 Close Date: 05/07/2026

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