Animal Technician I - Large Animal Caretaker (Temp)

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

Job summary

Kansas State University in Manhattan, KS seeks an Animal Technician I for the Veterinary Health Center's Large Animal Section. This on-site, temporary role focuses on stall cleaning, facility disinfecting, and training students in care procedures, with morning hours and some weekends/holidays. It is a 999-hour appointment and not benefits-eligible.

Must possess a valid driver’s license. Prior large animal experience is preferred; lifting up to 75 pounds may be required.

Qualifications

• No minimum education requirements; some roles may specify training/certification.
• Valid driver's license required.

Responsibilities

• Provide routine care in the Large Animal Section including stall cleaning and feeding equipment upkeep.
• Disinfect facilities and train students on cleaning and care procedures.
• Note: this is a facility maintenance role, not a hands-on clinical position; hours are mornings with some weekends/holidays.

Skills

Driver's license

Team supervision

Oral communication

Written instructions

Heavy lifting (75 lbs)

Job description

Animal Technician I - Large Animal Caretaker (Temp)

Kansas State University

About This Role

The Veterinary Health Center (VHC) within the College of Veterinary Medicine is seeking an Animal Technician I to join our dedicated team to help facilitate exemplary patient care and quality service. This position provides routine care for animals located in the Large Animal Section. The individual will be responsible for stall cleaning, disinfecting patient facilities and feeding equipment regularly, as well as training students on cleaning and care procedures. This is primarily a facility maintenance position, not a hands‑on clinical position. Hours will primarily be morning hours including weekdays, weekends, and holidays. This position is classified as a temporary 999 appointment and is not benefits‑eligible. The hours worked may not exceed 999 hours in a year beginning from the date of initial appointment and ending the following year on that date.

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.

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

• No minimum requirements. Some positions may require additional education (or relevant experience) that will be specified on the position description. Various training and/or certification may be required.
• Valid driver\'s license.

Preferred Qualifications

• Three years of experience in caring for large animals such as equine or livestock (especially veterinary hospital experience).
• Knowledge of large animal behavior and ability to identify signs of discomfort or health & safety concerns.
• Ability to write and interpret written instructions.
• Ability to communicate orally with professional and subordinate personnel. Ability to supervise work of students.
• Physically able to lift at least 75 pounds in order to transport feed sacks, hay and/or wood shaving bales.

Additional Role Information

• Must possess and keep a valid driver\'s license once employed.

Sponsorship Eligibility

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

Application Window

Applications close: September 28, 2026

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range

$15.50 - 16.50 per hour