Position Title:

Animal Caretaker I

Job Group:

Merit

Required Minimum Qualifications:

• Ability to read, write, and follow instructions. • Possession of a valid state or commercial driver's license, as required.

Job Description:

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:

Come join our team as an Animal Caretaker!

At Iowa State University Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center (LVMC), you will collaborate with a team of experts and make a meaningful impact on the future of veterinary medicine. Under direct supervision, the Animal Caretaker I in the Small Animal Emergency and Critical Care Service (ECC) is responsible for ensuring the proper handling, feeding, and care of animals, as well as maintaining the cleanliness and functionality of animal facilities in compliance with federal, state, and university regulations. This role supports animal health and welfare while assisting veterinary technicians in daily operations.

Key Responsibilities:

Clean and disinfect animal enclosures, isolation rooms, and equipment following strict protocols to ensure pathogen-free environments and containment of infectious agents.
Handle, restrain, and care for animals, providing support during veterinary treatments and procedures.
Feed and water patients based upon instruction from clinical staff.
Observe and report animal health status, including any signs of illness, injury, or stress, to the clinical staff.
Maintain patient cleanliness by keeping bedding clean and dry and perform bathing as instructed by clinical staff.
Assist in facility upkeep by performing minor repairs and reporting significant malfunctions to the supervisor.
Transport animals while adhering to safety protocols.

Animal Caretaker shift openings:

1. Swing Shift: 11:30AM - 10:00PM, rotating shift, no on call.

2. Overnight: 8:30PM -7:00am, rotating shift, no on call.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience working with small animals.
Experience restraining animals in a clinical veterinary setting.
Experience with compliance and enforcement of biosecurity protocols.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.

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:

Resume/Curriculum Vitae

Letter of Application/Cover Letter

Why Choose Iowa State University?
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.

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.

Appointment Type:

Regular

Number of Months Employed Per Year:

12 Month Work Period

Time Type:

Full time

Pay Grade:

7611a

Original Posting Date:

May 1, 2026

Posting Close Date:

May 15, 2026

Job Requisition Number:

R19137

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu.

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.