Maintenance Mechanic/Animal Caretaker- Lab Animal Resources

Maintenance Mechanic/Animal Caretaker- Lab Animal Resources

This position plays a vital role in supporting high-quality animal care and facility operations across all Lab Animal Resources (LAR) facilities at the NC State College of Veterinary Medicine. The role ensures safe, clean, and well-maintained environments for teaching and research animals by performing daily husbandry tasks, maintaining grounds and equipment, and assisting with facility upkeep and improvements. The position also works closely with the Director to coordinate facility planning, oversee student workers, support project execution, and maintain compliance with regulatory and safety standards.

Success in this role requires strong communication, teamwork, and adaptability, as well as the ability to problem-solve in a fast-paced, service-oriented environment. The ideal candidate approaches each task with professionalism, attention to detail, and a commitment to animal welfare and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform daily husbandry tasks, including feeding, watering, and maintaining clean housing, barns, dry lots, and cages.
• Safely catch and prepare animals for medical or teaching procedures.
• Maintain, repair, and construct buildings, structures, fencing, and grounds, including basic carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work.
• Operate, maintain, and repair agricultural and grounds equipment such as tractors, vehicles, UTVs, and small engines.
• Perform landscaping tasks including mowing, trimming, tree removal, and general grounds upkeep.
• Support pasture and paddock maintenance (e.g., rotational grazing).
• Assist with facility planning, project scheduling, budget preparation, purchasing, and recordkeeping.
• Ensure compliance with safety, regulatory, and animal welfare standards, including use of PPE and participation in Medical Surveillance programs.
• Work in environments involving hazardous materials, zoonotic risks, adverse weather, and physically demanding tasks.

Physical Requirements Include: Lifting up to 60 lbs with or without reasonable accommodation; prolonged standing and movement on hard surfaces; bending, squatting, kneeling; working outdoors year-round; and working in dusty, dirty, or odorous environments and around large animals.

Other Responsibilities - Position requires working on weekends and holidays; working occasional overtime; working variable hours depending on current needs of the unit. Lunch hours may vary and will be established per the current needs of the unit. Work schedule subject to change with prior notification. Restricted vacation during busy periods. Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Experience/Education - High school diploma or equivalency; or demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work. Some positions may require special licenses or certification(s). Optional Guidelines: Experience in the trade(s) areas related to the area of assignment may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.

Preferred Qualifications - Experience performing routine maintenance and repairs on tractors, vehicles, and small engines (e.g., oil/filter changes, tire/battery replacement). Demonstrated ability to safely handle, lead, restrain, and care for horses, including stall cleaning and feeding. Ability to recognize signs of illness or injury in horses and identify subtle behavioral changes. Ability to operate a computer for email communication and basic MS Word/Excel tasks.

Required License or Certification - A valid NC driver's license must be obtained within 60 days of start date and must be maintained throughout employment. Valid North Carolina Pesticide License