Animal Care Worker

Office of Animal Resources

The University of Missouri seeks a reliable and service-oriented Animal Care Worker to support the Office of Animal Resources efforts to develop and deliver care, support, and help to University clients. The successful candidate will foster and maintain positive relationships with co-workers, clients, and other lab personnel. Must have a desire to work with and care for animals on a daily basis. This position is benefit-eligible, full-time.

Key Duties Performed By This Position Will Include

Research animal husbandry and colony management
Follows protocols to ensure the health and welfare of animals in care
Facility cleaning and upkeep
Maintaining animal care supplies and inventory
Performs standard duties related to feeding and care of animals; prepares, mixes, and weighs food for animals
Administers special diets and waters animals
Maintains orderliness and sanitary conditions of premises;
Cleans cages, rooms, adjacent areas, and various equipment used in animal care
Safely operates cage washing equipment and autoclaves where cages and equipment are prepped and cleaned
Successful candidates will be persuasive communicators with exceptional organizational and time management skills. They must demonstrate the following durable skills: leadership, character, collaboration, communication, creativity, critical thinking, metacognition, growth mindset, and fortitude. Additionally, customer service, confidentiality, integrity, and a commitment to the university values.

Must be available for reliable and consistent onsite work.

7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., various 5-day work weeks, some including weekends

* Must be able to read and write.
* No experience is necessary.
* Ability and desire to handle and work with and around animals.
* Good physical strength, condition and stamina sufficient to lift heavy objects.

AALAS Certification, animal experience

In Addition, The Individual Will Need

Lifting, pushing, pulling up to 50 pounds
Work involves extensive movement, lifting, walking, standing, bending, pulling, pushing, and twisting
Must be able to control any animal-related allergy with medication
Some repetitious movements of arms and hands
Walking/standing while using a biosafety cabinet
Ability to follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) and protocols
Excellent time management skills and an attention to detail in documentation practices
Capable of working both independently and in a collaborative team setting

Salary Range: $15.00 to $20.00/hr

Grade: GGS-B

University Title: Animal Care Worker

Internal applicants can determine their University title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

Resume and references

All qualified internal and external candidates are now welcome to apply. The union bid period for this position ended on 4/29/26.

In order to be considered as a Union Bidder for this position you must:
* complete ALL sections of the application
(including all work experience - incomplete applications will not be considered)
* complete six months of regular service at the University
* apply within the published, five-day posting period
* meet the minimum qualifications for the vacancy

Your qualifications for this position will be evaluated based on the information you provide on your job application. Once the job posting period is closed, there will be no opportunity to submit additional information regarding your qualifications. Therefore, you need to ensure that your application materials are complete when submitted.

Union Bid Period: 4/23/26 - 4/29/26

Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours' drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County's largest population center offering big-city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen festivals each year. If you want to grow your career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire, Columbia is a good place to be!

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.