Animal Caretaker I
About The Position
The College of Veterinary Medicine at Iowa State University is seeking a Large Animal Caretaker to support daily operations at its large animal facilities. The role helps keep the facilities clean, safe, and supportive of teaching, research, and clinical activities. The caretaker works with horses, cattle, swine, and small ruminants, including sheep and goats. This is a full-time, on-site position with rotating overnight shifts. The schedule is four 10-hour days, from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m., with on-call duties and rotating weekends. Work involves caring for animals in varying weather conditions and physical environments. Training is provided for candidates eager to learn. Iowa State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine supports veterinary education, clinical care, and research, with a focus on animal health, student education, and scientific advancement.
Requirements
- Ability to read, write, and follow instructions.
- Possession of a valid state or commercial driver's license, as required.
- Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship; immigration sponsorship is not available.
Nice To Haves
- Experience handling large animals or livestock.
- Experience working in a research, educational, or veterinary setting.
- Experience or familiarity with cleaning and disinfecting animal housing areas and maintaining sanitary environments.
- Experience maintaining records related to animal care, feeding schedules, health monitoring, or inventory management.
Responsibilities
- Feed, water, groom, and monitor large animals through daily observation.
- Assist with veterinary procedures and restrain animals during clinical treatments and educational demonstrations.
- Keep animal enclosures, equipment, and environments clean and sanitary while following biosecurity protocols.
- Transport animals and supplies within the facility.
- Assist with facility upkeep and minor repairs.
- Monitor and report animal health status, including signs of illness, injury, or stress, to supervisors and veterinary staff.
Benefits
- Medical and dental benefits.
- Retirement benefits, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans.
- Vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans.
- Onsite childcare in Ames, Iowa.
- Life insurance and long-term disability.
- Flexible Spending Accounts.
- Various voluntary benefits and discounts.
- Employee Assistance Program.
- Wellbeing program.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
