Research Associate II: Bison Herd Manager

Colorado State University•Fort Collins, CO

13d•Onsite

About The Position

The Research Associate II will manage bison and related facilities to support research, teaching, and outreach. The role coordinates daily herd care and operations at the CSU Foothills Campus, Soapstone Prairie Natural Area, and a ranch in northern Colorado. The position maintains the general IACUC animal-care protocol and ensures compliance with accepted standards for research protocols. It also oversees herd-related facilities and equipment, maintains cleanliness, and helps ensure animals are healthy and available when needed through communication, coordination, and accurate record keeping. The role is responsible for facility safety and upkeep, including coordinating with facilities staff, operating heavy equipment, or coordinating hourly staff to complete work. It coordinates animal shipments and associated state inspection, vaccination, and health-certification requirements, and works with partner organizations on animal care and management, including hay procurement. The position may give tours to donors or visitors and participate in fundraising. It oversees research animals’ nutrition and exercise under project protocols, coordinates research compliance and data recording, and occasionally works in a slaughterhouse to collect research materials. The position is available at 50% time and may be up to full-time, depending on the candidate’s availability and preference. It schedules animal-care coverage throughout the year, including weekends and holidays, and serves as team lead for student and non-student hourly workers. A valid driver’s license and pre-employment background check are required; the role also requires the ability to work in slaughterhouse conditions for research-tissue procurement.

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.
Applicants must submit a cover letter and resume/CV; the cover letter should address qualifications and work experience.

Responsibilities

Manage and coordinate daily care and operations of bison herds at the CSU Foothills Campus, Soapstone Prairie Natural Area, and a ranch in northern Colorado.
Oversee twice-daily feeding and manage animal medical care and maintenance; assess injuries or illness in conjunction with the principal investigator.
Coordinate care protocols and ensure compliance with IACUC requirements and research protocols.
Oversee maintenance, care, repair, and scheduling for facilities; serve as building proctor for multiple barns, buildings, and grounds where bison are kept.
Oversee research animals, including nutrition and exercise in accordance with research and outreach project protocols.
Coordinate with the principal investigator, staff, students, and other stakeholders on research compliance and data recording.
Coordinate animal shipments and meet state requirements for inspection, vaccination, and health certifications.
Coordinate with partner organizations on animal management and care, including hay procurement when needed.
Maintain herd-related facilities and equipment, cleanliness, and safe, well-repaired facilities; coordinate work with facilities staff or hourly staff and operate heavy equipment as needed.
Schedule animal-care coverage across the calendar year, including weekends and holidays, and serve as team lead for student and non-student hourly workers.
Occasionally work in a slaughterhouse to collect research materials.
May give tours to donors or visitors and participate in fundraising.