Research Associate II: Bison Herd Manager

Colorado State University; United States; On-site; USD 57,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

Colorado State University is seeking a Research Animal II to manage the bison herd, facilities, and related operations across the Foothills Campus, Soapstone Prairie, and northern Colorado ranches. The role ensures IACUC-aligned animal care, maintains facilities, and coordinates shipments and partnerships with donors and researchers.

The position can start at 50% time and may scale to full-time based on candidate availability and preference, with a focus on safety, record keeping, and

Qualifications

• BS degree in animal science, veterinary science, biology, or closely related field.
• At least 3 years of professional experience 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 twice-daily feeding, medical care, and welfare assessments.
• Facilities management: maintenance, care, repair, and scheduling for herd facilities.
• Research management: oversee research animals, nutrition, and data recording; coordinate with PI and staff.
• Supervision: schedule coverage for animal care; lead student and hourly workers.

Skills

Large animal handling

Record keeping

Communication

Trailer driving

Heavy equipment operation

Education

BS degree in animal science or related field

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 supervise 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. 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.

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