Position Title:Animal Caretaker II – Theriogenology
Job Group:Merit
Required Minimum Qualifications:- Ability to read, write, and follow instructions. – Two years experience and/or education in animal care work, or demonstrated ability in the required skills, or American Association of Laboratory Animal Science full certification as an Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician with a minimum of one year applicable work experience. – Possession of a valid state or commercial driver’s license, as required.
Preferred Qualifications:Previous experience with animal reproductive health.
Experience with animal restraint.
Experience working with small or large animals.
Experience working in a veterinary setting or clinic.
Experience with Biosecurity in an animal setting.
Job Description:
The Theriogenology department at Iowa State University is seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented individual to join our team as an Animal Caretaker II. This vital role ensures the smooth operation of our theriogenology department by supporting animal care, maintaining hospital biosecurity, managing inventory and equipment, and assisting with laboratory tasks. The ideal candidate will have a passion for animal care, strong organizational skills, and a commitment to excellence in a veterinary hospital setting.
Key Responsibilities:
Theriogenology Department Duties
+ Assist with medical procedures and diagnostic appointments, demonstrating proper restraint techniques.
+ Support patient intake, discharge, monitoring, and care, including administering medications under supervision.
+ Provide essential husbandry, such as feeding, watering, grooming, and milking mares.
+ Assist with surgical procedures, including setup, maintaining sterility, and cleanup.
+ Collaborate with clinicians and staff to ensure efficient daily operations.
+ Maintain accurate billing records and submit diagnostic samples.
+ Develop and update departmental policies and standard operating procedures.
Hospital Biosecurity and Basic Caretaker Duties
+ Clean and disinfect patient wards, common areas, and outside facilities following protocols.
+ Perform deep cleaning, using power washers and floor scrubbers as needed.
+ Follow biosecurity measures for ICU, isolation, and enteric patients.
+ Assist with unloading and distributing supplies like hay and shavings.
+ Train new staff and help maintain hospital cleaning records.
Inventory and Equipment Management
+ Clean, maintain, and organize theriogenology equipment, including ultrasounds and semen analysis tools.
+ Stock exam rooms, operating areas, and treatment spaces.
+ Manage department supplies, ensuring proper sterilization and organization.
Laboratory Skills
+ Assist with preparing, freezing, and shipping semen for insemination.
+ Maintain inventory and organization of reproductive materials.
What We’re Looking For
We’re seeking a proactive individual who excels at balancing multiple tasks, maintains high standards of animal care, and supports hospital efficiency. Your contributions will directly impact the well-being of animals and the success of our veterinary hospital.
If you’re passionate about animal care and looking for a rewarding opportunity, apply today!
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an on-going basis without sponsorship. .
Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities
– Performs all the duties and responsibilities of Animal Caretaker I.
– Performs or assists investigators in technical work of obtaining tissue, milk, blood, urine and stool samples.
– Performs treatments as directed by supervisor or veterinary staff.
– Euthanizes animals, as directed.
– Maintains breeding colonies, herds, or flocks including mating of animals and care of young.
– Follows approved SOP for processing incoming animals of each species.
– Maintains inventories and notifies supervisor of supply needs.
– Trains, instructs or supervises research staff, Animal Caretaker I’s, laborers, and students as directed.
– In agricultural setting, may milk, dehorn, implant, castrate and inseminate animals.
– May also maintain farm equipment.
– In animal facility, sets-up, uses, and maintains specialized laboratory equipment and/or completes USDA forms for procurement of animals as required.
– Prepare animals for shipping from the university, including shipping container preparation and record keeping.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
– Knowledge of standard operating procedures for laboratory animal care or livestock care, as applicable.
– Knowledge of federal, state, and/or university regulations regarding animal care and use in research and teaching.
– Knowledge of disease transmission, prevention, and control in animals.
– Knowledge of reproductive characteristics and behavior in the species.
– Skill in maintaining accurate records.
– Skill in administering medication and obtaining biological samples.
– Skill in construction and maintenance of related equipment and facilities.
– Ability to train and direct the work of other employees.
– Ability to understand, communicate, and execute oral and written instructions.
– Ability to recognize changes in conditions of animals and animal room environment, malfunctioning equipment, and unsafe conditions.
– 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:7612a
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 employment@iastate.edu 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: December 31, 2024
Posting Close Date:January 14, 2025
Job Requisition Number:R16179
By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State attracts students and faculty who want to make a difference. With a comprehensive?land-grant?mission of education, research, extension and outreach, we produce scholars whose ideas change the world. And through Innovate at Iowa State , we provide innovative and entrepreneurial opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Located just 30 minutes north of Des Moines, the city of Ames was recently named one of the Top 10 cities in the U.S. for campus life and career opportunities.
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All offers of employment, oral and written, are contingent upon the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by federal and state law, ISU policies/procedures, and may include the completion of a background check and/or a consumer credit check.
Iowa State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, marital status, disability, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against. Inquiries can be directed to the Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, 515 294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu .
If you have questions about the application process please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll-Free at 1-877-477-7485 . Iowa State University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should email employment@iastate.edu or call (515) 294-4800 or Toll-Free: (877) 477-7485 . TTY users are welcome to use the Iowa Relay Service number by dialing 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2942 .
General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources (https://www.hr.iastate.edu/careers/compensation) website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.
