Animal Caretaker I

Iowa State University; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dedicated team at an established institution where you will play a vital role in animal care and support academic and research missions. As an Animal Caretaker I, you will ensure the well-being of laboratory animals while maintaining compliance with regulations. This position offers a dynamic work environment with opportunities for growth and development. Enjoy comprehensive health benefits and a supportive workplace culture that values work-life balance. If you are passionate about animal welfare and ready to make a difference, this role is perfect for you!

Benefits

Comprehensive Health Benefits

Generous Leave

Onsite Childcare

Employee Assistance Programs

Qualifications

• Ability to read, write, and follow instructions.
• Experience working with animals in a laboratory setting.

Responsibilities

• Feeds, waters, and cares for animals in compliance with regulations.
• Cleans and disinfects animal enclosures and equipment.

Skills

Animal Handling

Record Keeping

Physical Labor

Compliance with Regulations

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Tools

Autoclaves

Cage Washers

Ventilated Racks

Job description

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: Experience working with animals in a laboratory setting, handling and/or restraining animals, administering medications, maintaining and/or managing records.

Job Description:

Are you someone who thrives in a dynamic environment where every day brings new challenges? Do you seek a role that offers excellent work-life balance and the chance to work in a climate-controlled facility?

If so, Laboratory Animal Resources (LAR) with Iowa State University is currently seeking applicants for an Animal Caretaker I!

The LAR team plays a crucial role in upholding the university's critical academic and research missions by supporting the highest levels of humane animal care.

Under direct supervision, performs 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

1. Feeds and waters animals, including preparing feed for standard or special diets.
2. Weighs animals and maintains records on weights, feed, and animal data in coordination with the feeding program.
3. Grooms, handles, and restrains animals.
4. Checks newly purchased animals for conformance to order specifications.
5. Cleans and disinfects animal enclosures, isolation rooms, buildings, and equipment, adhering to policies for maintaining pathogen-free environments.
6. Operates mechanical equipment such as autoclaves, ventilated racks, and cage washers.
7. Checks for and reports failures in heating and ventilation systems.
8. Observes animals for signs of phenotype, illness, injury, or stress, and reports observations to supervisor.
9. Assists in routine veterinary treatments or restraint of animals for research purposes.
10. Maintains and performs minor repairs to animal equipment, enclosures, and facilities; reports major repairs or malfunctions.
11. Transports animals, equipment, and supplies using carts or motorized vehicles.
12. May use ventilated racks and biological safety cabinets for isolation and containment activities.
13. Under proper training, may euthanize animals and maintain breeding colonies.
14. Maintains records such as feed, animal inventory, veterinary treatments, health status, and environment observations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

1. Knowledge of standard operating procedures for laboratory or livestock care.
2. Ability to learn and apply relevant federal, state, and university regulations.
3. Ability to understand, communicate, and execute oral and written instructions.
4. Ability to keep accurate records.
5. Ability to recognize changes in animal and environment conditions, malfunctioning equipment, and unsafe conditions.
6. Ability to construct and maintain related equipment and facilities.
7. Ability to lift and/or move 50-100 pounds.
8. Ability to perform physical labor including restraining animals, loading/unloading supplies, and standing for long periods.
9. Ability to work around noise, dust, odors, fumes, and temperature extremes.

This position requires weekend and holiday hours, scheduled on a rotational basis. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.

Appointment Type: Regular

Number of Months Employed Per Year: 12

Work Time Type: Full time

Pay Grade: 7611a

Application Instructions:

To apply, click on Apply and complete the Employment Application. Prepare to submit:

1. Resume/CV
2. Letter of Application/Cover Letter

Questions? Email [e-mail] or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.

Why Choose ISU?

Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical, dental, retirement plans, generous leave, onsite childcare, life insurance, disability, flexible spending, voluntary benefits, employee assistance, and wellbeing programs.

Original Posting Date: May 1, 2025

Posting Close Date: May 11, 2025

Job Requisition Number: R16907