Animal Caretaker I - 24/7 Small Animal ECC

Iowa State University - College of Design; Ames, Northern (IA, KY); Hybrid; USD 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Iowa State University Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center in Ames, IA is seeking an Animal Caretaker I to provide daily care for hospitalized small animals and maintain clean facilities. You will support veterinary staff in a fast-paced, 24/7 Emergency and Critical Care setting.

Shifts include swing and overnight coverage, with collaboration among veterinarians, residents, interns, and technicians to ensure exceptional patient welfare and safety. Prior animal-care experience is preferred.

Qualifications

• Ability to read, write, and follow instructions.
• Possession of a valid state or commercial driver's license, as required.
• Experience working with small animals preferred.
• Experience cleaning and/or disinfecting animal care areas, equipment, or housing spaces.

Responsibilities

• Provide daily care for hospitalized small animal patients, including feeding, watering, bathing, and maintaining clean, comfortable living spaces.
• Clean and disinfect kennels, isolation areas, equipment, and treatment spaces following biosecurity protocols.
• Safely handle and restrain animals of varying sizes to support treatments and patient care activities.
• Monitor patients and communicate changes in behavior, appetite, mobility, or condition to veterinary staff.
• Transport patients throughout the hospital while maintaining safety and animal welfare standards.
• Support care of animals recovering from illness, injury, trauma, or surgery in the ECC environment.
• Collaborate with veterinarians, residents, interns, technicians, and staff to provide high-quality care.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized hospital environment and assist with routine facility upkeep.

Skills

Reading

Writing

Following instructions

Driver's license

Job description

Iowa State University Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center in Ames, IA is seeking an Animal Caretaker I to provide daily care for hospitalized small animals and maintain clean facilities. You will support veterinary staff in a fast-paced, 24/7 Emergency and Critical Care setting.

Shifts include swing and overnight coverage, with collaboration among veterinarians, residents, interns, and technicians to ensure exceptional patient welfare and safety. Prior animal-care experience is preferred.