Jobs and Careers

Veterinary Assistant - Small Animal Clinic Environmental Services

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 12 Aug 2026

💰 $38,000/yr

About the role

Veterinary Assistant - Small Animal Clinic Environmental Services

Veterinary Teaching Hospital

Job Summary

To 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.

Duties & Responsibilities

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 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

Cleaning, 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 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

Operational and Logistics Support

Provide logistical and departmental support to ensure efficient facility operations:
- 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

Other Duties as Assigned

Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned in support of departmental operations

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.