Animal Caretaker I

Texas A&M University System • College Station, TX

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Animal Caretaker I position is responsible for providing daily animal care and husbandry support for research animals housed in a biocontainment facility. This position performs routine animal care and facility support tasks under established protocols and supervision while participating in structured training to build skills and experience for advanced animal care roles.

Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• No prior experience required.
• Required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Must be able to work rotationally on weekends and holidays.
• May be required to work occasionally or after normal working hours (5:00 PM).
• Individuals in this position are considered essential when the University declares an emergency, campus closure, class cancellation, etc.
• Must report to work and remain on duty unless relieved by the direct supervisor.
• The job has the potential for safety hazard exposures and infectious disease exposures.
• Maintenance of Biosafety Occupational Health Program clearance to enter biocontainment environments.
• Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others.
• Ability to utilize computer systems for trainings, communication, and recordkeeping.
• Ability to follow detailed safety protocols in regulated or compliance-driven settings.
• Requires mobility and agility to move quickly in a dangerous situation.
• Must be able to stand for long periods of time.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience working with livestock species.
• Previous experience in an animal research facility.
• Previous experience working in a team-based, regulated, or safety-focused environment.
• Basic recordkeeping or data entry experience.
• Completion of animal care, laboratory safety, or research compliance training (formal or informal).
• Experience following written protocols or standard operating procedures in a laboratory, farm, or animal care setting.
• Familiarity with basic animal welfare principles and biosecurity practices.
• Prior internship, volunteer, or student employment experience involving animal care or husbandry.

Responsibilities

• Performs routine daily animal care and husbandry duties including feeding, watering, cleaning, and environmental enrichment.
• Assists with animal handling, restraint, and transport under supervision.
• Conducts daily observations of animals and reports signs of illness, injury, or distress following established protocols.
• Records accurate daily observations regarding animal health.
• Cleans, sanitizes, and decontaminates animal rooms, enclosures, and equipment according to established procedures and schedules.
• Utilizes proper personal protective equipment and follows biosecurity protocols while conducting animal husbandry duties.
• Monitors and records environmental conditions and maintains room logs, census sheets, and other routine documentation.
• Assists with preparation of animal rooms, pens, and equipment prior to studies or animal movement.
• Stocks animal feed, cleaning supplies, and PPE; assists with facility laundry as needed.
• Supports disposal procedures and sanitation of shared spaces under supervision.
• Provides basic assistance and customer service to facility users and departmental staff.
• Works weekends and holidays on a rotating schedule as required.
• Participates in required facility-specific training and onboarding.
• Completes continuing education and training as required by GHRC, regulatory agencies, and accreditation standards.
• Attends meetings and training sessions to enhance skills and knowledge.

Benefits

• Medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life and AD&D, flexible spending accounts, and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M contributing to employee health and basic life premiums
• 12-15 days of annual paid holidays
• Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month
• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas
• Free exercise programs and release time
• All employees have access to free LinkedIn Learning training, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and more
• Educational release time and tuition assistance for completing a degree while a Texas A&M employee
• Living Well, a program at Texas A&M that has been built by employees, for employees

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED