SUMMARY: The barn assistant is responsible for ensuring the proper care of horses stabled in the clinic as well as maintenance of the barn and surrounding area. This is a position which benefits from organizational skills, horse knowledge, and good physical fitness. Interaction and exchange of ideas with veterinarians and staff are necessary for the barn to operate at a high standard. Additionally, interpersonal skills must include tact and respect of privacy when interacting with clients. This position oversees every aspect of horse care, including but not limited to administering treatments, stabling, monitoring and restocking supplies, and assisting veterinarians, technicians, and other support such as assisting farriers. This position is full time (minimum 40 hours/week) and may include evening, weekend, and/or holiday hours.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Cleaning stalls, barn area, holding areas, yard areas, and general housekeeping duties.
- Assist as needed and/or instructed with the care of patients housed at the clinic, including feeding/watering, applying treatments/medications, and handling/restraint during examinations and treatment.
- Loading and unloading of patients.
- Turning out horses to paddocks and returning them to their stalls.
- Walking hospitalized patients when requested by the primary doctor.
- Record/observe information such as feeding schedules, appearance, and behavior of hospitalized patients.
- Communication with clients and doctors.
- Maintaining inventory in the barn (feed, hay, and shavings).
- Inspect and clean field vehicles and equipment; report maintenance issues to Veterinarians and respond as directed.
OTHER FUNCTIONS: Regular attendance and punctuality is an essential job requirement. Performs other job related duties as directed by supervisors).
NOTE: The essential functions describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees holding this position. This is not intended to be a comprehensive listing of all duties and responsibilities required, nor are all duties listed necessarily performed by any one employee so classified.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
Knowledge of:
- Basic methods of equine handling and restraint;
- Equine health and well-being;
- Basic procedures of stall cleaning and maintenance;
- Ability to gain animal confidence when restraining, grooming, administering treatments, and handling;
- Ability to work independently on assigned tasks along with accepting direction on given assignments;
- Proper English usage and grammar.
Ability to:
- Handle horses safely and effectively;
- Operate a variety of equipment and related gear used for securing and restraining horses;
- Identify signs of horse illness and injury;
- Perform general cleaning tasks using a variety of chemical and detergent products;
- Perform moderate manual labor including lifting materials and loading/unloading horses into trailers;
- Perform various manual tasks for extended periods of time and in unfavorable weather conditions;
- Work a schedule which may include holidays;
- Demonstrate personal communication skills;
- Perform multiple tasks simultaneously in a timely manner;
- Conduct business with the public in a professional, courteous manner;
- Work independently in the absence of supervision;
- Work in a safety-conscious environment and to follow & promote good safety practices;
- Learn, understand, and apply pertinent rules and regulations;
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the job;
- Understand and follow verbal and written instructions;
- Communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.
Physical Demands:
Maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for making observations, operating assigned equipment, and communicating with others; must have visual abilities including close vision, distance vision, depth perception, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
Effectively handle a work environment and conditions which involve:
- Working with animals and exposure to animal waste and bodily fluids, exposure to loud noise, exposure to various weather conditions, working closely with others, working outside normal business hours and in hours of darkness; exposure to dust, dirt, fumes, grasses, weeds, and other vegetation, and exposure to airborne particles;
Maintain physical condition needed to accomplish the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities, which may include:
- Working around, securing, and restraining horses of all ages and temperaments; walking, sitting, stooping or standing for long periods of time; lifting and carrying heavy materials in excess of 50 pounds; climbing, crawling, squatting, kneeling, and running; working on uneven and/or slippery surfaces.
Maintain a safe driving record.
Maintain mental capacity sufficient to accomplish the performance of assigned duties and Responsibilities, which may include:
- Effective interaction and communication with others;
- Prepare clear and concise reports;
- Making sound decisions in a manner consistent with the essential job functions.
EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION, and LICENSING:
- Some knowledge and experience in handling, restraining, and caring for horses.
- High School graduation or its equivalent.
- Possession of a valid Texas or other U.S. State-issued driver's license.
At PetVet Care Centers, we're committed to a Culture of Care — for pets, for the people who love them, and for the team members who make it all possible. With more than 420 hospitals across the U.S. and a team of over 11,000 dedicated professionals, including 1700+ veterinarians, we offer a unique blend of local leadership and national support that helps our hospitals thrive.
Our model is built on partnership, collaboration, and local medical autonomy, empowering each hospital to deliver high-quality care while benefiting from shared resources and a strong professional community. Whether you're providing care in a hospital or supporting operations behind the scenes, PetVet is a place where you can grow your career, stay connected to your purpose, and make a meaningful impact.
You care for pets. We care for you.
PetVet is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, religion, citizenship, national origin/ancestry, physical/mental disabilities, military status or any other basis prohibited by law. EOE, M/F/D/V
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