Large Animal Caretaker

Texas Tech University
United States, Texas, Amarillo
Oct 24, 2025
Amarillo Large Animal Caretaker 42487BR Veterinary Medicine Position Description Responsible for assisting with the daily care and wellbeing of animals housed at the large animal facility, including but not limited to feeding, daily health checks, animal movement, and general upkeep of the facilities. Work with local livestock suppliers in the exchange of teaching animals and acquire teaching specimens from local abattoirs. About the University Established in 1923, Texas Tech University is a Carnegie R1 (very high research activity) Doctoral/Research-Extensive, Hispanic Serving, and state-assisted institution. Located on a beautiful 1,850-acre campus in Lubbock, a city in West Texas with a growing metropolitan-area population of over 300,000, the university enrolls over 40,000 students with 33,000 undergraduate and 7,000 graduate students. As the primary research institution in the western two-thirds of the state, Texas Tech University is home to 10 colleges, the Schools of Law and Veterinary Medicine, and the Graduate School. The flagship of the Texas Tech University System, Texas Tech is dedicated to student success by preparing learners to be ethical leaders for a diverse and globally competitive workforce. It is committed to enhancing the cultural and economic development of the state, nation, and world. About Lubbock:Referred to as the "Hub City" because it serves as the educational, cultural, economic, and health care hub of the South Plains region, Lubbock boasts a diverse population and a strong connection to community, history, and land. With a mild climate, highly rated public schools, and a low cost of living, Lubbock is a family-friendly community that is ranked as one of the best places to live in Texas. Lubbock is home to a celebrated and ever-evolving music scene, a vibrant arts community, and is within driving distance of Dallas, Austin, Santa Fe, and other major metropolitan cities. Lubbock's Convention & Visitors Bureau provides a comprehensive overview of the Lubbock community and its resources, programs, events, and histories. About the Department and/or College The Large Animal Husbandry Staff position for the School of Veterinary Medicine (SVM) will be responsible for assisting with the daily care and wellbeing of animals housed at Mariposa Station (large animal facility), including but not limited to cleaning stalls, feeding, daily health checks, animal movement, and general upkeep of the facilities. They will work with local livestock suppliers in the exchange of teaching animals and acquire teaching specimens from local abattoirs. This position is considered an "essential employee" position. The successful candidate must be willing to work overtime, weekend, holidays and during inclement weather to provide care for the animals located at Mariposa Station. 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 Major/Essential Functions Daily cleaning of stalls and putting out fresh bedding Perform weekly maintenance checks on equipment such tractors, skid loaders and other equipment. Assist in daily feeding of livestock Assist in setting up teaching labs that involve animals being moved around the facility Assist with safe animal restraint and handling and veterinary treatments Transport large animals using truck and trailer General upkeep of facilities Working outdoors during all weather conditions Routinely lift 50 pounds or more independently Standing most of the day and moving throughout the facilities Work with the Mariposa Station Unit Manager to procure materials and supplies such as feed, shavings, hay, parts, etc. Assist with the maintenance and upkeep of the facility Assist with animal-based educational research Must possess a valid Texas driver's license and pass a required TTU background check for driver approval. Ability to work overtime, weekends and during inclement weather to provide care for the animals. Other duties as assigned Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Ability to communicate and work well with faculty, staff, and students Ability to be self-motivated and able to maintain efficiency while working independently Ability to problem-solve independently Ability to multitask Ability to be organized Ability to work outdoors during extreme weather conditions Ability to stand/move majority of the day Required Qualifications High School Diploma or GED equivalent. Experience with handling large animals and providing for their care. Experience with operating large machinery such as tractors, skid loaders, feeding equipment and associated implements. Experience driving a truck and gooseneck animal trailer. Promote and foster the Core Values of the School of Veterinary Medicine. Have a valid Driver's License. Preferred Qualifications Veterinary supervised experience Experience with Microsoft Office Ability to work outside of regular business hours Safety Information Adherence to robust safety practices and compliance with all applicable health and safety regulations are responsibilities of all TTU employees. Does this position work in a research laboratory? No Special Instructions to Applicants This position is located in Amarillo, Texas. Required Attachments Cover Letter, Professional/Personal References, Resume / CV Job Type Full Time Pay Basis Hourly Job Family Research Job Sub Family Laboratory Animal Care Annualized Pay Range $34,100 - $44,300 - $54,600 Hourly Pay Range $16.39 - $21.30 - $26.25 Pay Statement Compensation is commensurate upon the qualifications of the individual selected and budgetary guidelines of the hiring department, as well as the institutional pay plan. Travel Required None Shift Day Schedule Details Some overtime; Ability to work weekends and holidays if necessary. Grant Funded? No EEO Statement All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or status as a protected veteran.