ANIMAL CARE SPECIALIST - HARVEY S. PEELER JR. COLLEGE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE

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One of the country’s most selective public research universities, Clemson University serves a uniquely driven and highly accomplished student body.

Ranked consistently as one of the best national public university by U.S.News & World Report, Clemson is a science- and engineering-oriented college dedicated to teaching, research and service. Founded in 1889, we remain committed both to world-class research and a high quality of life. In fact, 91 percent of our seniors say they’d pick Clemson again if they had it to do over.

Clemson’s retention and graduation rates rank among the highest in the country for public universities. We’ve been named among the best values by Kiplinger magazine in 2013, and SmartMoney in 2012 ranked us No. 7 in student return on investment.

Our beautiful college campus sits on 1,400 acres in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, along the shores of Hartwell Lake. But we also have research facilities and economic development hubs throughout the state of South Carolina — in Greenville, Greenwood, Columbia and Charleston.

WELCOME TO CLEMSON!

Clemson is calling...are you ready to answer the call?

One of the most productive public research universities in the nation, Clemson University attracts and powerfully unites students, faculty and staff whose greatest desire is to make a difference in the lives of others.

Clemson has recently been named a top 25 public college in the country by the Wall Street Journal, a top South Carolina employer by Forbes and a Military Friendly Employer for five years running. Through our research, outreach and entrepreneurial projects, Clemson University and its employees are driving economic development and improving quality of life in South Carolina and beyond.

So,... are you ready?

JOB SUMMARY:

The Harvey S. Peeler Jr. College of Veterinary Medicine at Clemson University (PCVM) seeks a multifaceted professional who is passionate about animal welfare and skilled in both clinical and hands-on care. The Animal Care Specialist role primarily focuses on ensuring the health and comfort of a variety of animals within the CVM teaching and care facilities. This includes maintaining the cleanliness and safety of animal housing environments to meet the Animal Welfare Act standards, assisting during clinical instruction and research data collection, while collaborating with Clemson University farm managers and CVM veterinary team to ensure high standards of animal care, regulatory compliance, and facility operations. Performs other duties as assigned.

The PCVM is recruiting to fill multiple vacancies for this role.

JOB DUTIES:

40% - Essential - Animal Care & Welfare: Perform and maintain animal care and wellness to meet the Animal Welfare Act standards as it pertains to animals across species (small animal, equine, bovine, exotics) within the CVM clinical teaching spaces. Ensure enrichment and humane handling practices. Observe and report health or behavioral changes. Under supervision, administer medications and treatments to animals within the clinical teaching and care facilities.
40% - Essential - Facility & Farm Support: Collaborate with equine and bovine farm managers and Veterinary Technician Educators on daily animal care routines. Clean and disinfect stalls, kennels, and teaching areas. Monitor inventory and report supply needs.
20% - Essential - Academic & Clinical Support: Assist faculty and veterinary technicians during clinical coursework, labs and skills demonstrations. Assist in preparation of teaching animals and equipment for instructional sessions. Support veterinary students with handling, restraint, and basic procedures. Maintain teaching space cleanliness and readiness.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education - Bachelor's Degree - Animal husbandry, agriculture or a related field and experience in agricultural research or animal care that is directly related to the area of employment.

Work Experience - 3+ years of experience in veterinary assisting, or companion or farm animal care and management. Work experience in animal care or agricultural research may be substituted for the bachelor's degree on a year-for-year basis.

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:

Education - Associate's Degree - Animal or Veterinary Sciences

Experience - Familiarly with academic or multi-species teaching hospital environments.

RESPONSIBILITIES

JOB KNOWLEDGE
Fundamental Job Knowledge - Fundamental working knowledge of concepts, practices and procedures and ability to apply in varied situations
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
No Supervisory Duties - Not responsible for supervising employees.
BUDGETARY RESPONSIBILITIES
No Budget Responsibilities - No fiscal responsibility for the department's budget.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

   Walk or move about
   Ascend or descend (i.e. stairs, ladder)
   Position self to accomplish task (i.e. stoop, kneel, crawl)
   Communicate, converse, give direction, express oneself
   Recognize or inspect visually
   Move, transport, raise or lower

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Radiant energy hazards
Exposure to bio-hazards (i.e. blood, bodily fluids)

WORK SCHEDULE:

Standard Hours: 37.5

COMPENSATION INFORMATION

Anticipated Hiring Range: $37,200.00 - $40,000.00

Salary is dependent upon several factors including, but not limited to, a candidate's previous experience, knowledge, skills and performance in accordance with Clemson's compensation guidelines.

ESSENTIAL PERSONNEL LEVEL

Normal Operations
Required to follow emergency facility closure directives, and not normally expected work on-site during emergency situations.

JOB LOCATION:

Clemson, SC

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

January 22, 2026 at 11:59 pm EST

MILITARY AND VETERAN:

MILITARY EQUIVALENCY:
Clemson University is proud to allow educational equivalency for military technical certifications and trainings that directly relate to the job duties.
VETERAN PREFERENCE:
South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.

State policy for veteran preference states that for qualifying, full-time permanent positions, a veteran applicant may receive preference if they meet the job's minimum qualifications, were discharged under honorable conditions from the military, and submit their DD-214 for confidential review by the Office of Human Resources.
To claim Veteran Preference for qualifying positions, email hrjob@clemson.edu upon submission of your application.

CLOSING STATEMENT:

Clemson University is an EEO/AA employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to characteristics protected by applicable law including disability and protected veteran status.