Small Animal Caretaker

Amarillo

Small Animal Caretaker

42869BR

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.

About the University

Established in 1923, Texas Tech University is a Carnegie R1 (very high research activity) Doctoral / Research-Extensive, Hispanic Serving, and state-assisted institution. Located on a beautiful 1,850-acre campus in Lubbock, a city in West Texas with a growing metropolitan-area population of over 300,000, the university enrolls over 40,000 students with 33,000 undergraduate and 7,000 graduate students. As the primary research institution in the western two-thirds of the state, Texas Tech University is home to 10 colleges, the Schools of Law and Veterinary Medicine, and the Graduate School. The flagship of the Texas Tech University System, Texas Tech is dedicated to student success by preparing learners to be ethical leaders for a diverse and globally competitive workforce. It is committed to enhancing the cultural and economic development of the state, nation, and world.

About Lubbock : Referred to as the "Hub City" because it serves as the educational, cultural, economic, and health care hub of the South Plains region, Lubbock boasts a diverse population and a strong connection to community, history, and land. With a mild climate, highly rated public schools, and a low cost of living, Lubbock is a family-friendly community that is ranked as one of the best places to live in Texas. Lubbock is home to a celebrated and ever-evolving music scene, a vibrant arts community, and is within driving distance of Dallas, Austin, Santa Fe, and other major metropolitan cities. Lubbock's Convention & Visitors Bureau provides a comprehensive overview of the Lubbock community and its resources, programs, events, and histories.

About the Department and / or College

The staff member will provide husbandry car, monitor health conditions and welfare, 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 inventory needs for the department 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 and will be responsible transporting animals between facilities.

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

Major / Essential Functions

• 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
• Monitor the health 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
• Ensure appropriate inventory levels are stocked 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
• Transport animals between local / area shelters and SVM facilities
• 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 kennels, yards, and other areas 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

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.

This position requires eligibility to drive TTU vehicles, including a valid U.S. driver license and two years of driving experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Safety Information

Adherence to robust safety practices and compliance with all applicable health and safety regulations are responsibilities of all TTU employees.

Does this position work in a research laboratory?

No

Special Instructions to Applicants

This positon is based in Amarillo, Texas.

Required Attachments

Cover Letter, Professional / Personal References, Resume / CV

Job Type

Full Time

Pay Basis

Hourly

Job Family

Research

Job Sub Family

Laboratory Animal Care

Hourly Pay Range

$15.14 - $19.71 - $24.23

Pay Statement

Compensation is commensurate upon the qualifications of the individual selected and budgetary guidelines of the hiring department, as well as the institutional pay plan.

Travel Required

Up to 25%

Shift

Day

Schedule Details

Ability to work outside regular business hours

Grant Funded?

No

EEO Statement

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