Large Animal Caretaker I

Iowa State University; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking passionate Large Animal Caretakers to join their dynamic team. In this full-time role, you will provide essential care to livestock, ensuring their health and well-being in a supportive educational environment. You will be involved in various tasks, including feeding, grooming, and assisting with veterinary procedures while maintaining clean facilities. This position offers rotating shifts, allowing you to work closely with horses, cattle, and other large animals. If you are dedicated to animal welfare and thrive in a hands-on role, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

Comprehensive Health Benefits

Retirement Benefits

Generous Vacation and Sick Leave

Onsite Childcare

Flexible Spending Accounts

Employee Assistance Program

Wellbeing Program

Qualifications

• Ability to read, write, and follow instructions.
• Experience handling large animals preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide care for large animals including feeding and monitoring health.
• Assist with veterinary procedures and maintain animal facilities.

Skills

Animal Care

Livestock Handling

Veterinary Assistance

Record Keeping

Physical Labor

Education

High School Diploma

Job description

Position Title: Large Animal Caretaker I

Job Group: Merit Required Minimum Qualifications: Ability to read, write, and follow instructions. Possession of a valid state or commercial driver's license, as required. Preferred Qualifications: Experience handling large animals such as horses, cattle, or sheep.
Experience working in a veterinary setting.
Experience cleaning in a clinical setting. Job Description:

Are you passionate about animal care and working hands-on with livestock?

Iowa State Universitys College of Veterinary Medicine is seeking Large Animal Caretakers to join our team and are hiring for multiple shifts. By applying to this role, you will be considered for multiple openings. If you love working with horses, cattle, swine, and other livestock, and youre committed to ensuring the health and well-being of animals in an educational environment, we want you on our team!

What Youll Do:

• Provide care for large animals , including feeding, watering, grooming, and monitoring health through daily observation.

• Assist with veterinary procedures and animal restraint during clinical treatments and educational demonstrations.

• Maintain animal facilities , ensuring enclosures, equipment, and environments are clean and sanitary while following biosecurity protocols.

• Transport animals and supplies within the facility and assist with facility upkeep and minor repairs.

• Monitor and report on animal health status, including any signs of illness, injury, or stress, to supervisors and veterinary staff.

What You Should Know:

• Full-time position with rotating shifts. Youll work on-site, caring for animals in various weather conditions and physical environments.

• Shifts Available:

  • Float Shift: 9:00 AM 8:00 PM, 4 days a week, on call, rotating weekends

  • Swing Shift: 2:00 PM 1:00 AM, 4 days a week, on call, rotating weekends

  • Overnight Shift: 8:00 PM 7:00 AM, 4 days a week, on call, rotating weekends

• Experience with livestock handling and biosecurity practices is preferred, but not required. Training will be provided as needed.

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

About the College of Veterinary Medicine:

The Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine is at the forefront of veterinary education, clinical care, and research. As part of our team, youll work in a cutting-edge environment where animal health, student education, and scientific advancements are prioritized. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the welfare of animals and the future of veterinary medicine.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of standard operating procedures for laboratory animal care or livestock care, as applicable.

Ability to learn and apply federal, state, and/or university regulations regarding animal care and use in research and teaching.

Ability to understand, communicate, and execute oral and written instructions.

Ability to keep accurate records.

Ability to recognize changes in conditions of animals and animal room environment, malfunctioning equipment, and unsafe conditions.

Ability to construct and maintain related equipment and facilities.

Ability to lift and/or move 50-100 pounds.

Ability to perform physical labor such as restraining animals, loading and unloading supplies and animals, and standing for prolonged periods of time.

Ability to work around noise, dust, odors, fumes, and extremes in temperature.

Appointment Type: Regular Number of Months Employed Per Year: 12 Month Work Period Time Type: Full time Pay Grade: 7611a Application Instructions:

To apply for this position, please click on Apply and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:

1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae
2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email [e-mail] or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.

Why Choose ISU?

Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:
Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
Generous vacation, holiday and sick time and leave plans
Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
Life insurance and long-term disability
Flexible Spending Accounts
Various voluntary benefits and discounts
Employee Assistance Program
Wellbeing program
Iowa State offers WorkFlex options for some positions. WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work. For more information, please speak with the Hiring Manager.

Original Posting Date: May 1, 2025 Posting Close Date: May 14, 2025 Job Requisition Number: R16958