Position Summary

• Feeds, waters, cleans, and handles biomedical research and clinical animals such as rodents, guinea pigs, rabbits, swine, cattle, cats and dogs.
• Prepares and mixes feed, potables, supplements, and special diets for animals.
• Cleans and sterilizes animal utensils, cages, pens, rooms, and related areas utilizing steam and chemical or soap solutions according to prescribed sanitary standards.
• Assembles and prepares cages and equipment for use within animal rooms.
• Weighs and identifies animals.
• Operates, cleans, and maintains equipment such as steam sterilizers, power spray cleaners, ovens, and other research equipment.
• Loads and operates a vehicle and transports animals, waste materials, equipment, and supplies to designated areas.
• Maintains accurate records on animals including information regarding procurement, breeding, illness, and disposal.
• Observes animals for signs of illness and reports symptoms to appropriate veterinary staff.
• Assists in animal treatment, surgery, and necropsies.
• Inventories supplies and equipment and indicates needed items to appropriate supervisor.
• Orders, receives and stores materials, supplies, and equipment.
• Disposes of animals and waste materials.
• Checks ventilating system and water supply and reports malfunctions to supervisor.

Minimum Requirements

• High school graduation or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Working knowledge of animals and their care.
• One-year satisfactory experience as an Animal Caretaker I or an equivalent combination of technical training and experience.
• Take first level AALAS* examination within one year of hire for CAR employees. 
• Requires one year of experience working with laboratory rodent species for CAR employees.
• Willingness to work a flexible shift including weekends and holidays.
• Possession of a valid Michigan vehicle operator license(s).
• Frequent lifting of 26 to 75 pounds and occasional lifting of over 75 pounds.

Desired Qualifications

One-year satisfactory experience as an Animal Caretaker I or an equivalent combination of technical training and experience, including:

• One year of experience working with laboratory rodent species. Breeding colony experience; Rodent technical procedure experience.
• Certification at ALAT or higher level. Requires a willingness to work a flexible shift, including weekends and holidays.

This position requires or will require prior to the completion of the probationary period: knowledge of basic personal computer terminology and operations, and the ability to use e-mail and use the Internet.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

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

Required Application Materials

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• 3 References

Work Hours

Schedule will be Sunday through Thursday (or) Tuesday through Saturday (MWF 7:30am-4:00pm; Tues/Thurs

Building Location

Biomedical and Physical Sciences

Website

HTTPS://ANIMALCARE.MSU.EDU/

Summary of Physical Demands

Lifting: (floor) up to 50 lbs., (waist) up to 25 lbs. Carrying: 25 lbs carried up to 50 feet. Pushing/Pulling: 200 lbs pulled/pushed up to 50 feet.

Summary of Health Risks

Work with animals or unfixed animal tissue.

Bidding eligibility ends September 16, 2025, 11:55 PM