Animal Caretaker (.5)

At DMU you will make a meaningful contribution to the dynamic future of Medicine and Health Sciences. DMU is seeking an Animal Caretaker (.5) who will be responsible for the general care of animals in the animal care facility on weekends, holidays and during the absence of the full-time Animal Caretaker.

What you'll do:

• Maintain efficient operation of the animal care facility (ACF), as specified by the Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW) Guide for the Care and Use of Animals (Guide), and governmental and accrediting body regulations. This includes record-keeping, cleaning facilities, feeding, animal facility room reservation request monitoring as needed, and humane disposal of animals.
• Comply with the requirements of the Animal Welfare Act.
• Document and communicate immediately any animal illness or injury to the Attending Veterinarian (AV), Principal Investigator, and Animal Care Facility Supervisor, and provide treatment as directed by the AV.
• Comply with all procedures as outlined in the OLAW Guide including but not limited to:
  • Feed, water, and observe the health and condition of animals.
  • Change/Clean/dump animal cages
  • Clean Facility including sweeping and mopping as needed
  • Assist with coordinating animal procedures and testing room reservations from research labs as needed.

What we are looking for:

• A high school degree or equivalent is required.
• Experience in scientific or veterinary small animal care is strongly preferred.
• Capable of using the following equipment: autoclave, security system, cage washer, computer.
• Must have a current, valid Iowa driver's license.
• Must be available to work weekends and holidays. Work hours may include evenings depending on work schedule and need. Must respond to facility alarms which may require coming in to check facility after hours.

*To see the full job description go to Position Description at the bottom of this posting.

About:

Founded in 1898, Des Moines University is a premier medical and health sciences institution comprising three colleges- College of Osteopathic Medicine, College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery, and College of Health Sciences - offering ten graduate degree programs.

Our mission is to improve lives in our global community by educating diverse groups of highly competent and compassionate health professionals.

It is an exciting time to join DMU. In 2023, we relocated our primary academic and operational offices to a new 88-acre campus in West Des Moines, Iowa, while maintaining an active clinic on our former campus. This state-of-the-art campus includes technology-rich, flexible education spaces that support innovative teaching methods and connect faculty and students across all of our programs. Our new research facilities include a vibrant and spacious open laboratory, designed to foster collaboration and innovation.

DMU enhances our community's quality of life by educating outstanding health professionals and leaders; providing expert, compassionate patient care; serving the community in diverse ways; and stimulating the central Iowa community.

At DMU you will make a meaningful contribution to the dynamic future of Medicine and Health Sciences by supporting a diverse community of faculty and staff with programs and services across the employee lifecycle.

Required Documents:

Resume, cover letter, and contact information for three professional references required at time of online submission. Apply at www.dmu.edu/employment.

Department: Animal Care Facility

Status: Non-Exempt

Work Schedule: The work schedule is flexible, with availability required on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. The total hours per week will be up to 20, but the specific hours may vary depending on the schedule for each day.

Pay Rate: $25.65