Small Animal Caretaker en Texas Tech University

• 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 

• Willingness to learn new techniques and animal handling skills 
• Experience working with and handling various species of animals 
• Ability to recognize when an animal is in need of veterinary care.
• 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, behavior, handling, and general animal welfare  

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 

• 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