Small Animal Clinic (SAC) Veterinary Assistant
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Urbana, IL, USA
Small Animal Clinic (SAC) Veterinary Assistant
Veterinary Teaching Hospital
Job Summary
To provide routine animal care and maintain sanitation in animal-handling areas while supporting patient care in the Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Responsibilities include handling, feeding, restraining, and transporting animals; maintaining medical records; stocking supplies; and ensuring the cleanliness of facilities. May be asked to assist in other areas of the hospital.Duties & Responsibilities
Animal Care, Patient Care, and Monitoring
• Provide routine and clinical care for animals in a professional and courteous manner:
• Clean and sanitize cages, stalls, rooms, and clinical spaces
• Feed, water, bed, exercise, and bathe animals as directed
• Restrain animals using appropriate techniques
• Receive, transport, and transfer animals throughout hospital areas
• Monitor hospitalized and recovering patients under supervision
• Observe and report abnormalities (respiratory distress, mentation changes, shock, etc.)
• Recognize and report emergency conditions, including cardiopulmonary arrest
• Prepare special diets and administer medications/treatments as directed
Cleaning, Sanitation, and Facilities Maintenance
• Maintain hospital cleanliness and infection control standards:
• Remove waste (feces, urine, blood, debris) and maintain sanitary conditions
• Clean and sterilize instruments and equipment
• Follow infection control protocols, especially in isolation areas
• Complete daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning assignments
• Maintain pest control and prevention programs
Clinical and Operational Support
• Maintain inventory and stock supplies, feed, and bedding
• Maintain patient logs and census records
• Assist with unloading shipments and transporting supplies
• Assist with the intake of animals for teaching and research labs
• Troubleshoot and report equipment issues
• Administer medications and treatments as instructed by clinicians
• Operate equipment such as forklifts
• Transport and dispose of animal remains and biohazard waste
• Train new employees or student workers
Other duties as assigned
Additional Physical Demands
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 4079 - Veterinary Assistant position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible. The budgeted salary range for the position is $18.97. 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.
For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx.
Application Procedures & Deadline Information
Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on June 11, 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 https://jobs.illinois.edu 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 jbough@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.
At 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.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.
This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or accessibility@illinois.edu.
Requisition ID: 1036489
Job Category: Technical
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu