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.

Special Required Qualifications

Drivers License (Inactive)

Job Description:

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:

Are you someone who enjoys working with animals and takes pride in providing high quality care? Iowa State University is seeking a reliable and detail oriented Animal Caretaker I to support our Laboratory Animal Resources team. In this role, you will directly contribute to the health and well being of animals that support critical research and teaching across the university. This is a great opportunity for individuals interested in animal care, veterinary support, or research environments.

What you will do:

Provide daily husbandry including feeding, watering, cage cleaning, and enrichment for a variety of research animals.
Observe animals for signs of illness or distress and work closely with veterinary staff and supervisors to report concerns.
Maintain clean and compliant animal housing areas while following strict biosecurity and standard operating procedures.
Accurately record animal care activities using electronic systems and basic computer programs.
Assist veterinary and research staff with routine care tasks and support overall facility operations.
You will regularly interact with veterinary staff, researchers, supervisors, and fellow animal care team members.

Work details:

Full time position based on site in Ames, Iowa.
Typical schedule is 40 hours per week.
Shifts may include early mornings, weekends, and holidays due to daily animal care needs.
Work is performed within Laboratory Animal Resources facilities on the Iowa State University campus.
Opportunity to work with a variety of species including mice, rats, and agricultural animals such as swine, cattle, and sheep.

About Laboratory Animal Resources

Laboratory Animal Resources at Iowa State University supports the university’s research and teaching mission by providing high quality animal care and ensuring compliance with all regulatory standards. The team is committed to animal welfare, operational excellence, and supporting groundbreaking research that improves both animal and human health.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in an animal research, veterinary clinic, or agricultural animal care environment.
• Experience performing animal husbandry tasks such as feeding, cage cleaning, and sanitation
• Experience using electronic recordkeeping systems or databases for tracking animal care or inventory.
• Experience operating equipment such as cage washers, autoclaves, or other sanitation equipment.
• Experience working with large or small animals.

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 15, 2026

Posting Close Date:

May 25, 2026

Job Requisition Number:

R19198

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.