Bison Herd & Research Facilities Lead

Colorado State University; Fort Collins (CO); On-site; USD 57,000 - 61,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee benefits

Job summary

Colorado State University in Fort Collins is seeking a knowledgeable RA II to manage the bison herd across CSU’s Foothills Campus, Soapstone Prairie Natural Area, and a northern Colorado ranch. You will ensure animal care aligns with IACUC standards and maintain facilities, equipment, and record-keeping while coordinating with staff and partners.

The role requires hands-on animal care, biosecurity, heavy equipment operation, and possible donor tours or fundraising activities; position may be 50%

Qualifications

• BS degree in animal science, veterinary science, biology, or closely related field.
• 3 years' relevant professional experience working with large animals.
• Experience handling bison and other large animals.
• Ability to drive a trailer hauling livestock.
• Ability to operate heavy machinery including a skid steer loader.
• Demonstrated experience in keeping accurate records.
• Demonstrated strong communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Bison herd management including: overseeing twice daily feeding of herd animals, managing medical care and maintenance, assessment of injury or illness in conjunction with PI, coordinating care protocols and compliance with IACUC.
• Facilities management: oversee maintenance, care, repair and scheduling of facilities and serve as building proctor for multiple herd use barns, buildings, and grounds where bison are kept, including outside of the CSU Foothills Campus.
• Research Management: oversee research animals, including managing nutrition and exercise in accordance with research and outreach project protocols. Coordinate with PI, staff, students and other stakeholders to manage research compliance and data recording.
• Occasional work in a slaughterhouse is required to collect research materials.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Record keeping

Trailer hauling livestock

Heavy machinery operation

Coordination and scheduling

IACUC compliance knowledge

Team leadership (not direct reports)

Education

BS degree in animal science, veterinary science, biology, or closely related field

Tools

Skid steer loader

Job description

Colorado State University in Fort Collins is seeking a knowledgeable RA II to manage the bison herd across CSU’s Foothills Campus, Soapstone Prairie Natural Area, and a northern Colorado ranch. You will ensure animal care aligns with IACUC standards and maintain facilities, equipment, and record-keeping while coordinating with staff and partners.

The role requires hands-on animal care, biosecurity, heavy equipment operation, and possible donor tours or fundraising activities; position may be 50%