Research Associate II: Bison Herd Manager

Colorado State University•Fort Collins, CO

1d•$57,000 - $61,000•Onsite

About The Position

This position manages bison and related facilities to support research, teaching, and outreach. The role coordinates the daily care and operations of the bison herd at the CSU Foothills Campus, Soapstone Prairie Natural Area, and a ranch in northern Colorado. It maintains the general IACUC animal-care protocol and ensures compliance with standards for ongoing research protocols. The position oversees herd facilities and equipment, supports general operations, and maintains cleanliness and safety across all facilities. Ensuring animals are healthy and available for research and other needs requires communication, coordination, and accurate record keeping. The role coordinates facility maintenance and repairs, which may involve working with facilities teams, operating heavy equipment, or coordinating hourly staff. It coordinates animal shipments and related state inspection, vaccination, and health-certification requirements, and works with partner organizations on animal care and management, including procuring hay as needed. The position may give tours to donors or visitors and participate in fundraising. It may also involve occasional work in a slaughterhouse to collect research materials. The position is available at 50% time or up to full-time, based on candidate availability and preference.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree in animal science, veterinary science, biology, or a closely related field.
At least 3 years of relevant professional experience working with large animals.
Experience handling bison and other large animals.
Ability to drive a trailer hauling livestock.
Ability to operate heavy machinery, including a skid steer loader.
Demonstrated experience keeping accurate records.
Demonstrated strong communication skills.
Valid driver's license.
Ability to work in slaughterhouse conditions for procurement of research tissue.
Ability to coordinate animal-care coverage on holidays and weekends.

Responsibilities

Manage the bison herd, including overseeing twice-daily feeding and coordinating medical care and maintenance.
Assess animal injury or illness in conjunction with the principal investigator (PI), coordinate care protocols, and ensure IACUC compliance.
Oversee maintenance, care, repair, and scheduling of herd facilities; serve as building proctor for multiple barns, buildings, and grounds, including locations outside the CSU Foothills Campus.
Oversee research animals and manage nutrition and exercise according to research and outreach project protocols.
Coordinate with the PI, staff, students, and other stakeholders on research compliance and data recording.
Coordinate animal shipments and ensure required state inspections, vaccinations, and health certifications.
Coordinate with partner organizations on animal management and care, including procurement of hay when needed.
Coordinate facility work, which may include working with facilities teams, operating heavy equipment, or coordinating hourly staff.
Schedule animal-care coverage across the calendar year, including holidays and weekends, and serve as team lead for student and non-student hourly workers and volunteers.
Occasionally work in a slaughterhouse to collect research materials.
May give tours to donors or visitors and participate in fundraising.