Animal Caretaker I

Iowa State; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)

Job summary

Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine is hiring a Large Animal Caretaker to support our large animal facilities. The role involves feeding, grooming, monitoring health, and assisting with procedures for horses, cattle, swine, and small ruminants in a teaching and research environment.

The position offers overnight shifts (8pm–7am, 4 days) with on-call and rotating weekends, indoors and outdoors. Training is provided for new staff, with a focus on animal welfare and biosecurity.

Qualifications

• Ability to read, write, and follow instructions.
• Possession of a valid state or commercial driver's license, as required.
• Experience handling large animals/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

• Provide care for large animals, including feeding, watering, grooming, and monitoring health.
• Assist with veterinary procedures and animal restraint during clinical treatments and educational demonstrations.
• Maintain animal facilities, ensuring enclosures and equipment are clean and sanitary.
• Transport animals and supplies within the facility and assist with facility upkeep and minor repairs.
• Monitor and report on animal health status to supervisors and veterinary staff.

Skills

Read/write/follow instructions

Job description

## Animal Caretaker IApply: Ames, IA: Full time: Posted Yesterday: R20160## 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.## Job Description:**Job Profile Description:**The College of Veterinary Medicine at Iowa State University is seeking a **Large Animal Caretaker** to support the daily operations of our large animal facilities. This position is key to ensuring our facilities remain clean, safe, and fully supportive of teaching, research, and clinical activities. You will work with a variety of large animals, including **horses, cattle, swine, and small ruminants such as sheep and goats**. **What You’ll Do:*** **Provide care for large animals**, including feeding, watering, grooming, and monitoring health through daily observation.* **Assist with veterinary procedures** and animal restraint during clinical treatments and educational demonstrations.* **Maintain animal facilities**, ensuring enclosures, equipment, and environments are clean and sanitary while following biosecurity protocols.* **Transport animals and supplies** within the facility and assist with facility upkeep and minor repairs.* **Monitor and report** on animal health status, including any signs of illness, injury, or stress, to supervisors and veterinary staff. **Work Environment & Schedule*** **Full-time position** with rotating shifts. You’ll work on-site, caring for animals in various weather conditions and physical environments.* **Shift:** Overnight: 4, 10-hour days (8pm-7am) \\* On call and rotating weekends **Why Join Us*** Be part of a team supporting teaching, research, and clinical care in veterinary medicine* Gain hands-on experience working with large animals* Contribute to a mission focused on animal health, safety, and welfare* Training provided for candidates eager to learn **About the College of Veterinary Medicine:**The **Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine** is at the forefront of veterinary education, clinical care, and research. As part of our team, you’ll work in a cutting-edge environment where animal health, student education, and scientific advancements are prioritized. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the welfare of animals and the future of veterinary medicine.**Preferred Qualifications:*** Experience handling large animals/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.**Department Unit/Website:** https://vetmed.iastate.edu/vmc/large-animal/Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position. **Application Instructions:** To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:* Resume/Curriculum Vitae* Letter of Application/Cover Letter **Why Choose Iowa State University?** Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as:* Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans* Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans* Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)* Life insurance and long-term disability* Flexible Spending Accounts* Various voluntary benefits and discounts* Employee Assistance Program* Wellbeing programIf you have questions regarding this application process, please email [e-mail], or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.## Appointment Type:Regular## Number of Months Employed Per Year:12 Month Work Period## Time Type:Full time## Pay Grade:7611a## Original Posting Date:October 30, 2026## Posting Close Date:November 13, 2026## Job Requisition Number:R20160Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. [phone], email [e-mail] ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.