Animal Caretaker

About Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine

Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine (RUSVM), an Adtalem Global Education institution, prepares students to become veterinary leaders by drawing connections among animals, people and the planet, as a member of the One Health Initiative. RUSVM offers research programs focused on emerging infectious and zoonotic diseases, conservation medicine and ecosystem health. RUSVM has graduated more than 6,000 students and offers postgraduate master’s, PhD, and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) programs accredited by the St. Christopher & Nevis Accreditation Board and the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education. RUSVM is located on St. Kitts and includes the Ross University Veterinary Clinic, accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association.

Visit veterinary.rossu.edu for more information, and follow on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
 

Opportunity at a Glance

The Animal Caretaker works in the Pasture &/or Kennel Department along with the Pasture Assistants under the direct supervision of the Manager of Animal Care. The job involves significant outdoor work in varying weather conditions, a working knowledge of animal welfare, and requires the candidate to be able to lift up to 70 pounds.

Responsibilities

• This position requires that you work diligently and responsibly when independent of constant personal supervision.
• Familiarity with all current Pasture &/or kennel procedures, operations, schedules and projects
• Learn, understand and follow schedules, protocols and priorities established for animal care on campus
• Cleaning, feeding, watering & enrichment all animals under your care.
• Movement of animals to and from areas.
• Maintain full and effective communication with supervisor and colleagues
• Use of MS Outlook, current Medical Records Program & scheduling software
• Constantly observe animals on campus for illness, injury or incident
• Count animals daily and assist Manager of Animal Care in keeping a running account of animals on campus.  Assure that animals are confined in their appropriate paddocks or kennels. Accurately check & report health status of animals.
• Assist with any emergencies affecting the animals on campus
• Collect, restrain and transport animals for scheduled or incidental teaching and care purposes on campus
• Assist with transportation of animals to campus
• Inspect and properly apply identification system to all incoming RUSVM animals
• Assist students with handling and restraining all animals
• Assist with brush control in the Pasture
• Assure water is fresh, clean and available to all animals at all times,
• Assist at BARC with RUSVM operated labs
• Account for and distribute stored grain & feed supplies
• Daily and periodic cleaning of animal mangers, troughs stalls, pens, paddocks & kennels.
• Keep barns, stalls, lanes, pens, corrals, paddocks & kennels clean and assure these are in good repair.
• Assure that fences and gates are in good repair, trimmed free of vegetation
• Pest control in live animal areas—flies, ticks, mice, rats, pigeons, chickens, etc.
• Trained and available for fire emergencies and hurricane crises
• Secure and account for any RUSVM Animal Care property, materials, tools and equipment in your use, charge or area.
• Availability to work some weekends and holidays.
• Completes other duties as assigned.

• Ability to lift 50 - 70 pounds
• Ability to work outdoors in varying climates (Sun, rain etc.)
• Ability to work standing up for long periods of time
• Comfortable working in direct contact with large or small animals (Cattle, Sheep, Donkeys, Dogs etc.)
• Must be willing to work weekends and public holidays
• Must be a licensed driver in St. Kitts
• Qualification for a Class D tractor driver’s license Preferred

Equal Opportunity – Minority / Female / Disability / V / Gender Identity / Sexual Orientation