Horse and cattle husbandry

Position Summary                                          
The Animal Caretaker is specifically trained in accordance with East Tennessee Clinical Research (ETCR) Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to perform animal husbandry duties at ETCR facilities.  The primary focus of the Animal Caretaker is to comply with the Animal Welfare Act regulations, Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) policies, study protocols and facility SOPs to ensure the well being of horses and cattle.  These activities include feeding, watering, cleaning, and implementation of the exercise and enrichment plan.  He/she documents daily care of animals accurately and thoroughly on appropriate forms according to ETCR SOPs.  He/she informs the supervisor and/or veterinarians of any concerns related to animal health.  He/she reports any problems with equipment and the current status of certain inventory (e.g. feed, animal bedding, cleaning supplies).  The Animal Caretaker assists veterinarians with physical examinations, body weights and clinical activities as needed.  He/she always handles animals in a safe and humane manor while abiding by the safety policies and procedures of ETCR.  The Animal Caretaker is also responsible for keeping the facility environment clean and reporting all maintenance needs to ETCR’s maintenance personnel.
Position Accountabilities and Performance Criteria

1. Provides feed and water to horses and cattle according to the direction of the supervisor, or ETCR’s SOPs
2. Cleans cages or stalls, dishes or buckets and feeders, and equipment as indicated in ETCR’s written processes
3. Handles animals in a safe and humane manner according to regulations and guidelines
4. Disposes of biohazardous wastes in the appropriate manner
5. Maintains and sanitizes primary and secondary enclosures of the facility according to ETCR’s written processes
6. Restocks supplies and reports any deficiencies to ordering personnel as supplies are needed
7. Sets up enclosures or stalls
8. Complies with ETCR safety policies and wears appropriate personal protective equipment as appropriate
9. Stores feed and medications in appropriate areas
10. Performs routine cleaning and maintenance on equipment and tools as directed
11. Wears appropriate clothing for animal facility; including scrubs and waterproof boots or long pants and leather boots for daily cleaning.
12. Takes work direction well and works seamlessly with other ETCR staff members
13. Reports to work as scheduled and completes assigned tasks in a timely fashion