Job Details

Small Animal Caretaker
Go to our website »

Position Number: 5975671
Location: Amarillo, TX
Position Type: Agriculture - Veterinary Medicine

Small Animal Caretaker
Amarillo
40063BR
Veterinary Medicine

Position Description
Help to care for, monitor, and coordinate use of animals/patients involved in the curriculum of the Texas Tech University School of Medicine (TTU SVM). They will engage in all aspects of animal husbandry and handling including grooming, feeding and general care. Monitor the condition of the animal housing units, exercise yards, and husbandry equipment.

Major/Essential Functions
The staff member will help to care for, monitor, and coordinate use of animals/patients involved in the curriculum of the Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine (TTU SVM). They will engage in all aspects of animal husbandry and handling. In addition, the staff member will monitor the condition of the animal housing units, exercise yards, and husbandry equipment; and intervene when necessary to perform or schedule maintenance. They will be responsible for reporting and/or ordering caretaking supplies and will assist in the set up and break down of animal-use laboratories, working to assist veterinary technicians as needed. The Small Animal Husbandry Caretaker will work with veterinary faculty, staff, and students to encourage education and emphasize safety, proper handling, and good animal health. The staff member will need to closely monitor animal health, behavior, general well-being. All aspects of grooming, feeding, and general care will be this individual's responsibility. They will work closely with local shelters to facilitate a spay/neuter program.

Successful candidates will be expected to foster a values-based environment within the School and to develop collegial relationships with faculty, staff, and students at TTU and the TTUHSC and other institutions as appropriate. Adaptability, persistence, and resilience are important attributes for success in the evolving dynamics that are characteristic of a developing program.

Annual evaluation includes review of both performance and contribution to the School's core values. The core values of the School are:

Community
Integrity
Kindheartedness
Grit
Inspiration

Assist veterinary faculty and staff in developing and constructing methods of handling and care of hospitalized and resident patients
Monitor and facilitate feeding of patients and develop feeding protocols
Monitor the condition of patients, report concerns as needed, and treat animals as instructed
Maintain animal quarters, equipment, and facilities in a clean and organized manner
Assist with animal-based educational research
Order supplies and manage inventory for animal husbandry
Optimize efficiency in animal care, housing, and handling
Maintain patient records in a practice management software
Innovatively coordinate patient use for instruction, medical care, and housing
Assist in clinical and professional skills laboratories involving animal use
Routinely lift 50 pounds or less independently
Work closely with veterinary students in the care and housing of animals
Supervise others in animal use, such as students, student workers, or other staff regarding use of equipment and safety procedures
Integrate animal exchange with local shelters
Clean and disinfect cages, pens, and yards used by animals
Bathe, groom, and monitor cleanliness of animals
Exercise animals as needed while under our care
Support veterinary technicians and students as needed
Be willing to cross train and assist Large Animal Husbandry Caretakers with the care of horses and cattle on an occasional basis if needed.
Other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Communicate and work well with faculty, staff, and students
Be self-motivated and able to maintain efficiency while working independently
Ability to problem solve independently
Ability to use imagination and creativity to organize and create animal housing protocols
Proficiency in animal handling with a variety of species, sizes, and ages
Proficiency in recognizing animal issues related to housing, health, and related issues
Ability to work in a group with veterinary students, staff, and faculty
Knowledge of basic veterinary technical skills, animal feeding, and animal welfare
Assist with laboratories that involve animals

Required Qualifications
High School Diploma or GED equivalent. Experience working with and handling various species of animals. Promote and foster the Core Values of the School of Veterinary Medicine. Have a valid Driver's License.

Preferred Qualifications

Veterinary supervised experience
Ability to work outside of regular business hours
Experience with Microsoft Office programs and veterinary practice management software
Trained in animal health, handling, and general animal welfare
Ability to recognize when an animal is in need of veterinary care.

Minimum Hire Rate
16.43

To apply, visit workattexastech.com

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or status as a protected veteran.