Research Associate II: Bison Herd Manager

CSU Veterinary Health; Fort Collins (CO); On-site; USD 57,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

Colorado State University seeks a Research Associate II to manage a bison herd across CSU Foothills, Soapstone Prairie, and a northern Colorado ranch. responsibilities include daily herd care, facility upkeep, and coordinating with researchers and partners on care protocols and data recording.

The role may involve a slaughterhouse environment for material collection and occasional donor outreach or tours. Strong communication and record-keeping are essential.

Qualifications

• BS degree in animal science, veterinary science, biology, or closely related field.
• 3 years of 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: oversee twice daily feeding, medical care, and welfare in coordination with PI.
• Facilities management: oversee maintenance, care, repair, and scheduling of herd facilities and barns.
• Research management: supervise research animals, ensure nutrition and exercise per project protocols, manage data and compliance.
• Coordinate with PI, staff, students, and stakeholders on care, compliance, and data recording.
• Occasional work in a slaughterhouse to collect research materials.

Skills

Communication skills

Driver's license

Heavy machinery operation

Record keeping

Team coordination

Education

BS in animal science or related field

Tools

Skid steer loader

Job description

Research Associate II: Bison Herd Manager# Careers at CSU## Research Associate II: Bison Herd ManagerApply: Fort Collins, CO: Full time: Posted Yesterday: R2026107995# 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. **Full Consideration Date: please apply by Monday, 11/09/2026, 11:59pm (MT). Applicants should include a resume and detailed cover letter addressing their qualifications and work experience.** ## 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# Required Application DocumentsTo apply, please upload the following applicant documents. Ensure your materials fully address the required and preferred job qualifications of the position. Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.Cover Letter, Resume/CV# # Employee BenefitsColorado 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.# # EEOColorado 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.