Research Associate II: Bison Herd Manager

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

Position Summary

This position will manage bison and facilities to support research, teaching, and outreach. Primary responsibilities are to manage and coordinate daily care of and operations for the bison herd on the Foothills Campus of CSU, at Soapstone Prairie Natural Area, and a ranch in northern Colorado. This person will be required to maintain the general Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) protocol for animal care as well as enforce IACUC accepted standards for ongoing research protocols. The RA II will oversee and maintain facilities and equipment related to the herd, contribute to the general operations and maintain high standards of cleanliness in all facilities. Specifically, this position must ensure the animals are healthy and available when needed, which requires good communication, coordination and record keeping. Additionally, this position will be responsible for making sure all facilities are safe and in good repair. This may require coordinating work with facilities, operating heavy equipment to do the work, or coordinate the hourly staff to accomplish the work. The RA II will also be required to coordinate animal shipments including meeting all state requirements for inspection, vaccination, and certifications of health. Additionally, this person will be required to coordinate with partner organizations on animal management and care, including procurement of hay when needed. This person may also be required to give tours to donors or visitors to CSU or other properties where bison are located, and participate in fundraising. This position is available starting at 50% time and can be up to full-time based upon candidate availability and preference.

Essential Job Duties

• 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.

Supervision

This position does not directly supervises students workers, non-student hourly workers, and volunteers. They will be responsible for scheduling coverage for animal care across the calendar year including holidays and weekends. but will be team lead for student and non-student hourly workers.

Conditions of Employment

• A valid Drivers' license is required.
• Pre-employment background check is required for new hires.
• Ability to work in slaughterhouse conditions for procurement of research tissue.

Minimum Education

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

Minimum Experience

• 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.

Salary Range

$57,000 - $61,000

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.

Background Check Policy Statement

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students.