Research Associate II: Bison Herd Manager

Position Summary

This position will manage bison and facilities to support research, teaching, and outreach. Primary responsibilities are to manage and coordinate daily care of and operations for the bison herd on the Foothills Campus of CSU, at Soapstone Prairie Natural Area, and a ranch in northern Colorado.

This person will be required to maintain the general Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) protocol for animal care as well as enforce IACUC accepted standards for ongoing research protocols. The RA II will oversee and maintain facilities and equipment related to the herd, contribute to the general operations and maintain high standards of cleanliness in all facilities.

Specifically, this position must ensure the animals are healthy and available when needed, which requires good communication, coordination and record keeping. Additionally, this position will be responsible for making sure all facilities are safe and in good repair. This may require coordinating work with facilities, operating heavy equipment to do the work, or coordinate the hourly staff to accomplish the work.

The RA II will also be required to coordinate animal shipments including meeting all state requirements for inspection, vaccination, and certifications of health. Additionally, this person will be required to coordinate with partner organizations on animal management and care, including procurement of hay when needed.

This person may also be required to give tours to donors or visitors to CSU or other properties where bison are located, and participate in fundraising. This position is available starting at 50% time and can be up to full-time based upon candidate availability and preference.

Full Consideration Date: please apply by Monday, 11/09/2026, 11:59pm (MT). Applicants should include a resume and detailed cover letter addressing their qualifications and work experience.

Essential Job Duties

• Bison herd management including: overseeing twice daily feeding of herd animals, managing medical care and maintenance, assessment of injury or illness in conjunction with PI, coordinating care protocols and compliance with IACUC.
• Facilities management: oversee maintenance, care, repair and scheduling of facilities and serve as building proctor for multiple herd use barns, buildings, and grounds where bison are kept, including outside of the CSU Foothills Campus.
• Research Management: oversee research animals, including managing nutrition and exercise in accordance with research and outreach project protocols. Coordinate with PI, staff, students and other stakeholders to manage research compliance and data recording.
• Occasional work in a slaughterhouse is required to collect research materials.

Supervision

• This position does not directly supervises students workers, non-student hourly workers, and volunteers. They will be responsible for scheduling coverage for animal care across the calendar year including holidays and weekends. but will be team lead for student and non-student hourly workers.

Conditions of Employment

• A valid Drivers' license is required.
• Pre-employment background check is required for new hires.
• Ability to work in slaughterhouse conditions for procurement of research tissue.

Minimum Education

• BS degree in animal science, veterinary science, biology, or closely related field.

Minimum Experience

• 3 years' relevant professional experience working with large animals.
• Experience handling bison and other large animals.
• Ability to drive a trailer hauling livestock.
• Ability to operate heavy machinery including a skid steer loader.
• Demonstrated experience in keeping accurate records.
• Demonstrated strong communication skills.

Salary Range $57,000 - $61,000

Required Application Documents

To apply, please upload the following applicant documents. Ensure your materials fully address the required and preferred job qualifications of the position. Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

Cover Letter, Resume/CV

Employee Benefits

Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it's a thriving community that's transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.

• Review our detailed benefits information here.
• For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator.
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Background Check Policy Statement

• Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students.
• To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer.
• Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.