Animal Caretaker I

Michigan State University; East Lansing (MI); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

Michigan State University is seeking a temporary worker to assist in routine care of dairy cattle and related livestock activities on a farm. The role includes feeding, watering, and handling animals, with a focus on safety and accuracy. Work is performed in a farm setting requiring long hours and attention to detail.

Shifts are 12 hours (5 on, 5 off, 2 on, 2 off in a 2 week pay period). The candidate will follow university and farm-specific regulations while supporting daily operations and

Qualifications

• Knowledge from coursework in animal science.
• Preference for 2+ combined years of education and/or experience working at a livestock farm.
• Experience moving cattle.

Responsibilities

• Feed, water, handle and transport animals.
• Observe animals for signs of disease and report symptoms.
• Move supplies, materials, tools, and equipment as needed.
• Assist with movement, loading, transportation and unloading of livestock.
• Operate tractors with agricultural equipment.
• Clean barns, sheds, pens and related facilities.
• Comply with safety and regulatory trainings.
• Maintain high attention to detail.
• Perform miscellaneous duties as assigned.

Skills

Basic math

Moving cattle

Education

Animal science coursework

2+ years education/experience

Job description

Position Summary (Basic Job Function)

This is a temporary position.

Assists in the routine care of clinical and biomedical research animals by performing such duties as feeding, watering, cleaning, handling, and transporting animals.

Unit Position Summary

• Assist in routine feeding, watering, and handling of dairy cattle
• Observe animals for signs of disease and reports symptoms to supervisor
• Move supplies, materials, tools, and equipment as needed
• Assist with the movement, loading, transportation and unloading of livestock
• Operate tractors with agricultural equipment
• Clean barns, sheds, pens and related agricultural facilities and equipment
• Comply with University, State, Federal, AAALAC, IACUC, and species specific rules and regulations at each farm and stay up-to-date with mandatory safety and farm specific trainings
• Requires a high level of attention to detail
• Miscellaneous duties as assigned

Desired Qualifications

• Knowledge acquired from coursework from secondary school, technical, vocational, trade school and/or college in the field of animal science. Preference for 2+ combined years of education and/or experience working at a livestock farm.
• Experience working with moving cattle.
• Basic math skills

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Application Materials

Submit a resume please

Work Hours

12 hour shifts (5 on, 5 off, 2 on, 2 off in a 2 week pay period)

Website

HTTPS://WWW.CANR.MSU.EDU/SCAF/DAIRY_TEACHING_RESEARCH_CENTER

Summary of Health Risks

• Work in an environment with dust and animal dander
• Subject to Michigan weather conditions
• Risk of zoonotic disease exposure

Summary of Physical Demands

• Ability to work long hours on feet
• Ability to lift 50-75 pounds