Animal Caretaker II

Job Title

Animal Caretaker II

Agency

Texas A&M University

Department

Dean Of Veterinary Medicine

Proposed Minimum Salary

$14.50 hourly

Job Location

College Station, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

Our Commitment

Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment by promoting a culture that respects all perspectives, talents & identities.  Embracing varying opinions and perspectives strengthens our core values which are: Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Selfless Service.

Who we are

The Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (CVM) is an institution that represents 100 years of growth from a small school of veterinary medicine in 1916 to its present role as a major veterinary educational, medical, and research center. Today, we are one of the largest colleges of veterinary medicine in the United States, training nearly 600 Doctor of Veterinary Medicine students each year. We support collaboration and teamwork that turns today's discoveries into proactive solutions for animals, humans, and the environment. Together, we strive to support the goals of the faculty, staff and students in teaching, research and outreach programs.  To learn more, please visit our website https://vetmed.tamu.edu/

What we want

The Animal Caretaker II, under supervision, provides animals and facilities care including handling and restraint of research animals; operates mechanical equipment; performs minor maintenance repair; and provides occasional student worker supervision.

What you need to know

Salary: $14.50/hr

COVID-19 information:  Texas A&M University monitors local, state and federally mandated health guidelines to keep students, employees, prospective employees, and visitors as safe as possible. For the latest information regarding Texas A&M’s COVID-19 response, please visit the University’s COVID-19 website . For COVID-19 employment-related information, please visit the Division of Human Resources and Organizational Effectiveness’ COVID-19 website .

As a Healthcare facility, The Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital COVID-19 guidelines may vary from those located on the Division of Human Resources and Organizational Effectiveness’ website.

Required Education:

• High school graduate or GED.

Required Experience:

• Two years of experience in animal care and handling.

Required Licenses and Certifications:

• Valid driver’s license and good driving record. Must be able to obtain State of Texas class “C” vehicle operator’s license within 30 days of employment.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others. Obtain and maintain Rabies prophylaxis, Aseptic Technique certification, TAMU required training.

Preferred Experience:

• More than two years’ experience in animal handling and care in TAMU System. Degree in animal science or related, Certified Veterinary Assistant, AAALAC / AALAS certification.

Preferred Licenses and Certifications:

• Forklift certification or ability to obtain.

Responsibilities:

• Cleaning and Sanitation: Cleans and disinfects animal, surgical, anesthesia, and teaching areas to include indoor and outdoor facilities per SOP. Cleans floors, walls, bedding, sinks, corridors, windows, ceilings and cabinets. May require working above ground level. Cleans and disinfects corridors after animals are dismissed. Empties manure cans and trash receptacles daily, which includes scrubbing and disinfecting. Transports animals and supplies, operating a forklift, university vehicle, and other related equipment as directed. Maintains care and service of equipment. Launders and folds bedding, surgical items, or other items as directed.

• Animal Husbandry: Provides feed, water and care to animals in stalls and cage or moves heavy loads. Stocks bedding and feeding areas. Assists, under the direct supervision of faculty or technicians, during the transportation and positioning of animals for teaching labs or surgical procedures or while patient is recovering after and monitors behavior, problems or conditions that develop with animals under care and report to appropriate medical staff or supervisor. Feeds and cares for animal as directed. Transports animal feed from storage area. Handles, restrains, and transports animals for teaching labs to include dogs, cats, goats, rats, horses, and cattle. Brushes, bathes, dries, and exercises animals as directed.

• Transportation: Transports tissue to and from biowaste facility as needed / directed. Assists with necropsy procedures.

• Teaching model care: Takes care of various teaching models used in the curriculum to include intensive SynDaver care following department standard operating procedures and schedule.  

• Student instruction setup and breakdown: Assists with setup of various teaching labs not limited to preparation of models, animals, and various supplies. Assists with breakdown upon lab completion. Instructs students on animal handling skills. Assists with surgical pack preparation; to include washing instruments, sorting and packing instruments, pack wrapping, and autoclave use. Performs other duties as assigned.

Instructions to Applicants: Applications received by Texas A&M University must either have all job application data entered or a resume attached. Failure to provide all job application data or a complete resume could result in an invalid submission and a rejected application. We encourage all applicants to upload a resume or use a LinkedIn profile to pre-populate the online application.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer.