Animal Caretaker III

Position Title:

Animal Caretaker III

Job Group:

Merit

Required Minimum Qualifications:

• Ability to read, write, and follow instructions. • Four years experience and/or education in animal care work, with demonstrated ability in the required skills, or American Association of Laboratory Animal Science full certification as a Laboratory Animal Technician with a minimum of three years applicable work experience. • Possession of a valid state or commercial driver's license, as required.

Job Description:

Want to take the next step in your veterinary career?

The Hixson-Lied Small Animal Hospital at the Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center (LVMC) is seeking Animal Caretaker III to join our Small Animal Emergency & Critical Care (ECC) team. This fast-paced department provides advanced patient care 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, supporting animals with critical and emergency medical needs.

This position serves as a frontline leader within the ECC team, providing guidance and support to Animal Caretakers while helping ensure exceptional patient care and efficient hospital operations. The successful candidate will coordinate daily work activities, assist with staff development and training, and work closely with veterinarians and veterinary technicians to maintain a safe, clean, and well-functioning clinical environment.

What You'll Do:

• Provide day-to-day leadership, guidance, and support to Animal Caretakers I and II.
• Assist with hiring, onboarding, training, scheduling, and staff coverage coordination.
• Assign and prioritize work based on patient care needs and department workflow.
• Monitor task completion and provide coaching, instruction, and constructive feedback to team members.
• Support the daily operation of the ICU and Emergency & Critical Care service.
• Maintain inventory of medical supplies and coordinate equipment maintenance and facility-related requests.
• Ensure compliance with hospital cleaning, disinfection, and biosecurity protocols.
• Promote a safe, organized, and sanitary environment for patients, clients, and staff.
• Collaborate with veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and other hospital personnel to support high-quality patient care and infection prevention efforts.
• Help identify opportunities to improve efficiency, workflow, and service delivery within the department.
• Why Join Us?
• As part of a nationally recognized veterinary teaching hospital, you'll have the opportunity to work alongside highly skilled veterinary professionals while contributing to the care of complex and critical cases. This role offers the chance to combine hands-on animal care experience with leadership responsibilities in a collaborative, team-oriented environment.

Schedule:

This position is expected to work a swing shift and will include evenings, weekends, and holidays. Flexibility is required to meet departmental staffing, workflow, and training needs.

Department Unit/Website: https://vetmed.iastate.edu/vmc/

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
• 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: 7613a
• Original Posting Date: November 12, 2026
• Posting Close Date: November 26, 2026
• Job Requisition Number: R20210

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.