Position Title:
Animal CaretakerJob Group:
MeritRequired Minimum Qualifications:
• Ability to read, write, and follow instructions. • Possession of a valid state or commercial driver's license, as required.Preferred Qualifications:
Experience working in a veterinary setting.Experience with restraint of large animals.
Experience working with large animals.
Experience cleaning and sanitizing in a veterinary clinic or related area.
Job Description:
The Large Animal Hospital at Iowa State is hiring for an Animal Caretaker. The Animal Caretaker u nder direct supervision, performs the work necessary in handling, feeding, and caring for animals and animal facilities in compliance with federal, state, and/or university regulations.
Shifts available:
1. 1st shift: 6am – 5pm, rotating monthly schedule with weekends, on call
2. 1st shift: 9:00am – 8:00pm, rotating monthly schedule with weekends, on call
3. 3rd Shift: 8:00pm – 7:00am rotating monthly schedule with weekends, on call
Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities
- Feeds and waters animals including the mixing and preparing of feed for standard or special diets.
- Weighs animals, keeping records on weights of feed and animal in coordination with the feeding program.
- Grooms, handles, and restrains animals.
- Checks newly purchased animals for conformance to order specifications.
- Cleans and disinfects animal enclosures, isolation rooms, buildings, and equipment, adhering to established policies for maintaining pathogen free environments and containment of animals exposed to infectious diseases.
- Operates mechanical equipment, such as autoclaves, ventilated racks, and cage washers.
- Checks for and reports failures in heating and ventilation systems to supervisor.
- Observes animals for signs of phenotype, illness, injury, or stress.
- Reports observations to supervisor.
- Assists in routine veterinary treatments or restraint of animals for experimental purposes.
- Maintains and performs minor repairs to animal equipment, enclosures, and animal facility.
- Reports major building repairs or malfunctions to facility supervisor.
- Transports animals, equipment, and supplies using carts or motorized vehicles.
- In agricultural setting, may operate farm machinery such as tractors, manure loaders and spreaders, feed grinders, and related equipment as required.
- In animal facility, may use ventilated racks and biological safety cabinets for isolation and containment activities.
- Under direction of properly trained personnel, may euthanize animals in accordance to standard procedures.
- Under direction of principal investigator and with adequate training may be responsible for maintaining breeding colonies.
- Maintains the following records: feed, animal inventory numbers, veterinary treatment, animal health status observations, animal room environment observations and other record keeping duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Knowledge of standard operating procedures for laboratory animal care or livestock care, as applicable.
- Ability to learn and apply federal, state, and/or university regulations regarding animal care and use in research and teaching.
- Ability to understand, communicate, and execute oral and written instructions.
- Ability to keep accurate records.
- Ability to recognize changes in conditions of animals and animal room environment, malfunctioning equipment, and unsafe conditions.
- Ability to construct and maintain related equipment and facilities.
- Ability to lift and/or move 50-100 pounds.
- Ability to perform physical labor such as restraining animals, loading and unloading supplies and animals, and standing for prolonged periods of time.
- Ability to work around noise, dust, odors, fumes, and extremes in temperature.
Appointment Type:
RegularNumber of Months Employed Per Year:
12 Month Work PeriodTime Type:
Full timePay Grade:
7611aApplication Instructions:
1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae
2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter
If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.
Why Choose ISU?
Iowa State University is committed to fostering a workplace of belonging, where diversity is celebrated and equity is a core value. Our Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:
- Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
- Generous vacation, holiday and sick time and leave plans
- Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
- Life insurance and long-term disability
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Various voluntary benefits and discounts
- Employee Assistance Program
- Wellbeing program
- This job may also be eligible for flexible work schedules and flexible workplace options that may include flexible working hours and a hybrid working environment.