ARDEC Livestock Unit Assistant

Colorado State University; Colorado; On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Colorado State University in Fort Collins, CO, seeks a reliable team member to assist with livestock feeding, health checks, and husbandry at ARDEC. You will support cattle herd movements on the irrigated pivot and operate heavy equipment as part of daily duties on the unit.

The role requires readiness for minor repairs and a collaborative, safety‑minded approach within a diverse team. Strong organizational skills and integrity are essential to meet multiple objectives of the livestock

Qualifications

• Self-disciplined and reliable.
• Able to follow instructions and willingness to learn.
• Self-starter and team player.
• Good organizational skills.
• Provide personal integrity and accountability.

Responsibilities

• Assist with daily livestock feeding, health checks, medical treatments, as well as with livestock husbandry at ARDEC.
• Assist with cattle herd movements on the irrigated pivot.
• Heavy equipment operation (loaders, feed trucks, and a skid steer).
• Minor facility repairs and maintenance.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Self-discipline

Follow instructions

Team player

Organizational skills

Integrity & accountability

Tools

Heavy equipment operation

Job description

Job Description Position Summary

This position is responsible for assisting with livestock husbandry duties at the Agriculture, Research, Development, Education Center (ARDEC) in Fort Collins, CO. The ARDEC livestock unit is operated by the Colorado Agricultural Experiment Station (AES) and is the closest in proximity to the main CSU Fort Collins campus. The livestock component of ARDEC was opened in 1999-2000. The livestock enterprises at ARDEC consist of 100 purebred (registered) Hereford seedstock cows and a 500-hd small-pens (10-head pens) research feedlot, along with a feed intake unit to measure individual animal feed intake and a metabolomic research facility. The facility serves multiple purposes including research, education, extension, and outreach. The employee will be expected to provide leadership and positive interaction in a dynamic team environment. The successful candidate will be expected to support the role of the livestock operations in meeting multiple objectives.

Full Consideration Date

August 31, 2026

Brief Work Unit Description

The Department of Animal Sciences has the unique mission of serving Colorado’s large and diverse livestock industries. Research, teaching and extension outreach activities in the Department of Animal Sciences focus on developing industry leaders and improving profitable production of horses and food animals through the application of science and technology, resource management and food product enhancement, with emphasis on addressing societal issues concerning food safety, product quality and value, animal care and management, and environmental impacts of animal agriculture.

Essential Job Duties

• Assist with daily livestock feeding, health checks, any necessary medical treatments, as well as with livestock husbandry at ARDEC.
• Assist with cattle herd movements on the irrigated pivot.
• Heavy equipment operation (loaders, feed trucks, and a skid steer).
• Minor facility repairs and maintenance.
• Other duties as assigned.

Conditions of Employment

Pre-employment background check (required for new hires), Valid Driver's License.

Minimum Qualifications

• Self-disciplined and reliable.
• Able to follow instructions and willingness to learn.
• Self-starter and team player.
• Good organizational skills.
• Provide personal integrity and accountability.

Preferred Qualifications

• Livestock and/or heavy equipment operation experience.
• Able to lift and move 50lbs (feed bags, etc.).

Salary Range

$18.50

Employee Benefits

Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact. Review our detailed benefits information here. Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here. For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator. Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in!

Background Check Policy Statement

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

EEO

Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Inspired by its land-grant heritage, Colorado State University is committed to excellence and engagement, setting the standard for public research universities in teaching, research, service and extension for the benefit of the citizens of Colorado, the United States, and the world.