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 works closely with the Director to coordinate facility planning, oversee student workers, support project execution, and maintain compliance with regulatory and safety standards. 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 record‑keeping. 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 Lifting up to 60 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation. Prolonged standing and movement on hard surfaces. Bending, squatting, kneeling. Working outdoors year‑round. Working in dusty, dirty, or odorous environments and around large animals. Other Responsibilities Position requires working on weekends and holidays; occasional overtime; variable hours depending on current unit needs. Lunch hours may vary and will be established per the current needs of the unit. Work schedule subject to change with prior notification. Other duties as assigned. Qualifications 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). Experience in the trade(s) areas related to the 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 Valid NC driver’s license required; must be obtained within 60 days of start date and maintained throughout employment. Benefits Childcare benefits, wellness & recreation membership, and wellness programs. Additional perks and benefits as outlined by the University’s Employee Value Proposition. EEO Statement NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodation in the application and interview process are welcome to contact View phone number on click.appcast.io to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity. Final candidates are subject to criminal and sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degrees must be obtained prior to start date to meet qualifications and receive credit. NC State University participates in E‑Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. #J-18808-Ljbffr