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Animal Caretaker (.5)

Apply now Job no: 492854
Work type: PT
Location: West Des Moines
Categories: Staff

At DMU you will make a meaningful contribution to the dynamic future of Medicine and Health Sciences. DMU is seeking a part-time Animal Caretaker. 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 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.
  • 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. Record treatment in the animal medical record (Mosaic animal tracking software). 
  • Maintain necessary written/computer (Mosaic animal tracking software) records of animals daily.
  • Assist University faculty, students, and research personnel as needed. 
  • Assist with responsibilities of other caretaker staff in times of their absence.

What we’re 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.

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

Total Rewards:

Our employees are what make DMU special, so we treat them well!  Our Total Rewards reflect this commitment. Qualified faculty and staff enjoy a generous employer contribution towards the medical plan, 10% retirement match, flexible work arrangements, community service time, tuition assistance, professional development funding, and access to wellness facilities with programs that promote a well-balanced lifestyle. Visit www.dmu.edu/employment to learn more about our benefits. 

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.

In 2023 Des Moines University (DMU) relocated to a new 88-acre campus in West Des Moines, Iowa. 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.

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: Facilities

Status:  Non Exempt

Pay Rate: $25.65

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.

Advertised: Central Daylight Time
Applications close:

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Des Moines University is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, ethnicity, creed, religion, age, disability, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, veteran status, genetic information and other characteristics protected by law (“protected class”). The EEO is the Law poster is available here. Applications by members of all underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.

Jeanne Clery Act - In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, Des Moines University is required to disclose crime statistics for the past three years to prospective employees. This information is summarized in the Campus Crime Safety Report. For a copy of the report, click here, or if you have any questions please contact the building services manager at 515-271-1471.

Nonexempt employees applying for permanent positions please review the Union Contract, Article XVIII (18) Seniority, Section 5: Work Force Change

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