Animal Technician I Large Animal Caretaker

Kansas State University; Manhattan (KS); On-site; USD 21,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

Kansas State University’s Veterinary Health Center in Manhattan, KS is seeking an Animal Technician I for the Large Animal team. This role provides routine care and nutrition for large animals, cleans and disinfects facilities, and assists clinicians, students, and staff with handling and transferring animals.

Work hours are Monday–Friday, 8am–5pm with weekend and holiday rotation. Minimum qualifications include a valid driver's license; preferred qualifications include three years of experience

Qualifications

• Valid driver’s license required.

Responsibilities

• Provide routine care and nutrition for Large Animals.
• Clean and disinfect patient facilities and feeding equipment.
• Assist clinicians, students, and staff with handling and transferring animals.

Skills

Valid driver's license

3+ years large animal care

Job description

Animal Technician I Large Animal Caretaker

Kansas State University

About This Role

The Veterinary Health Center (VHC) within the College of Veterinary Medicine is seeking an Animal Technician to join our dedicated Large Animal team to help facilitate exemplary patient care and quality customer service. This position provides routine care and nutrition for animals located in the Large Animal Section of the Veterinary Health Center at Kansas State University. Responsible for cleaning and disinfecting patient facilities and feeding equipment regularly. As needed, this position will assist clinicians, students, and other staff with handling and transferring of animals. Working hours for this position will include Monday-Friday, 8am‑5pm with participation in weekend and holiday rotational schedule.

About Us

The Veterinary Health Center is a teaching hospital that offers routine, emergency, and specialty care services. The VHC strives to provide exceptional care for patients from high-quality routine healthcare to state-of-the-art advanced therapy for seriously ill patients. The Veterinary Health Center is located in Manhattan, Kansas which is a vibrant college community with a population of over 55,000 in the Flint Hills. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes 24 vacation days plus other paid time off (holidays, sick, and discretionary), health insurance, life insurance, and retirement plans.

To See What Benefits Are Available, Please Visit

www.ksvhc.org/about/employment/recruitment.html

Worksite Description

This position is On-site.

All employees must reside in the United States when they begin working to comply with state law. K-State is unable to provide remote or hybrid work opportunities for residents of the state of Idaho.

What You'll Need to Succeed

Minimum Qualifications

• Valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prefer three years' experience in caring for large animals.

(especially veterinary hospital experience).

• Ability to write and interpret written instructions.
• Ability to communicate orally with professional and subordinate personnel.
• Ability to supervise work of students and volunteer employees.
• Ability to transport feed sacks, hay and/or wood shaving bales.
• Knowledge of animal nutrition and the procedures used in feeding, watering, housing, identifying and handling research, teaching and client food and pleasure animals.
• May also include infrequent exotic animal species.

Sponsorship Eligibility

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship.

Application Window

Applications close: October 1, 2026

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range

$15.50-$17.00 per hour