Small Animal Caretaker

Texas Tech University
United States, Texas, Amarillo
Feb 18, 2025
Amarillo Small Animal Caretaker 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. 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. 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. 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 position is based in Amarillo, Texas. Required Attachments Cover Letter, Professional/Personal References, Resume / CV Job Type Full Time Pay Basis Hourly Minimum Hire Rate 16.43 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. For additional information, please reference the institutional pay plan by visiting www.depts.ttu.edu/hr/payplan. Travel Required None Shift Day Schedule Details Ability to work outside regular business hourss Grant Funded? No Job Group Skilled Technicians EEO Statement 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.