Animal Caretaker I

Position Title:

Animal Caretaker I

Job Group:

Merit

Required Minimum Qualifications:

• Ability to read, write, and follow instructions. • Possession of a valid state or commercial driver's license, as required.

Preferred Qualifications:

Small animal handling experience, including restraint, feeding and providing basic care
Experience cleaning and disinfecting animal cages
Experience in a clinical veterinary setting

Job Description:

Under 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.

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:

Regular

Number of Months Employed Per Year:

12 Month Work Period

Time Type:

Full time

Pay Grade:

7611a

Application Instructions:

To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following: 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.

Original Posting Date:

July 18, 2023

Posting Close Date:

July 27, 2023

Job Requisition Number:

R12453