Large Animal Caretaker Part-time at Colorado State University — Fort Collins, CO

Job Description

This position supports the daily care, maintenance, and safe operation of large animal facilities within the Veterinary Teaching Hospital. The role is responsible for maintaining clean and functional environments, supporting feeding and supply management, and assisting with the safe handling of animals to ensure their health and well-being. This position is essential to maintaining biosecurity standards, supporting clinical operations, and ensuring a safe environment for animals, staff, and students.

Full Consideration Date: Wednesday, July 20, 2026, 11:59pm (MT)

• Description of Work Unit:

At the CSU Veterinary Health System, animals and the people who care for them are at the heart of everything we do. Every decision we make reflects our commitment to those who trust us with their animals’ health. That focus inspires us to deliver expert veterinary services, support veterinary education and training, and advance groundbreaking research. We show up every day with passion, eagerness to collaborate, and a drive to redefine what’s possible. Our deep partnership with the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences amplifies our impact, enabling us to boldly innovate and share knowledge widely.

Essential Job Duties

• Clean, disinfect, and maintain stalls, alleyways, and common animal areas.
• Remove soiled bedding and replace with clean, fresh bedding as needed.
• Stock, organize, and maintain feed, hay, bedding, and medical supplies.
• Clean and maintain feeding and watering equipment; ensure automatic systems function properly.
• Perform basic maintenance on barn tools, equipment, and facilities, including seasonal upkeep and storage.
• Assist with the safe handling and movement of large animals and support veterinary teams during routine care.
• Observe animals for signs of illness or distress and follow safety protocols to maintain a secure environment.

Conditions of Employment:

• Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires)
• Valid Driver's License
• Essential Services Designation: Required to report without delay or interruption to provide essential or emergency services to ensure health, safety and welfare
• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Supervision

No formal supervisory duties

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED
• Valid driver's license
• Must be able to lift 50-80 lbs
• Must have large animal handling and cleaning experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated knowledge of biosecurity principles and ability to follow established infection prevention and safety protocols in a large animal or veterinary environment.
• At least one year of experience performing duties related to the duties of this position.

Salary Range

$17.50 - $18.00 per hour

Required Application Documents

To apply, please upload the following applicant documents. Ensure your materials fully address the required and preferred job qualifications of the position. Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

Cover Letter, Resume/CV

Employee Benefits

Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.

• Review our detailed benefits information here.
• Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.
• For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator.
• Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in!

Background Check Policy Statement

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

EEO

Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.