Assistant in Coyote Husbandry & Behavior

Overview

The Freeman Lab in the Department of Biology is seeking to hire a part‑time assistant for Spring/Summer 2026, with potential extension into Fall 2026 depending on performance and funding availability. The assistant will be expected to work around 10–20 hours a week, Monday through Friday. The number of hours per day will vary and may range from 0 to 8 hours/day, as needed.

The assistant will need to have a willingness to work in relatively close proximity to live carnivores in an outdoor setting for several hours at a time regardless of weather.

The assistant will need reliable transportation to and from the facility in Millville, will be expected to be responsible, punctual, communicative/responsive via email, phone, and text. They will also need to be capable of working safely and independently with minimal supervision. It is expected that the assistant will take directions well, maintain detailed and accurate records, exhibit a positive attitude, and work well with others, as this position will require working in teams with current students, staff, and other team members.

Responsibilities will mainly entail animal care duties (e.g., feeding coyotes, preparing equipment for animal captures, cleaning, etc.) and possibly helping with some research‑related operations (e.g., helping with coyote captures).

• Applicants with previous experience with carnivores and canids (particularly coyotes) will be preferred.
• The assistant will be expected to have already completed CITI training for working with research animals.
• Must be committed to following all standard operating protocols to maintain the highest levels of safety during activities.
• Exceptional listener and communicator who effectively conveys information verbally and in writing.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Ability to effectively prioritize and juggle multiple projects.
• Ability to adapt to changing conditions or work assignments.
• Excellent interpersonal abilities.
• Cultural sensitivity and an ability to build rapport with a diverse workforce in multicultural settings.
• Team player who excels at building trusting relationships with customers and co‑workers.
• Productive worker with solid work ethic who exerts effort in successfully completing tasks.
• Dependable, responsible contributor committed to excellence and success.
• Self‑starter who takes initiative with minimal supervision.
• Willingness to learn new skills or techniques.

• Resume to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV”
• Cover letter to be typed/pasted at the end of your application

Document size may not exceed 10 MB.

$15.00/hr ADA

The position requires considerable physical activity. The assistant must have sufficient strength to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position including heavy lifting (50 pounds) and/or pushing and pulling of heavy objects. The assistant must be prepared to assume uncomfortable positions such as crawling, kneeling, and squatting. Additionally, the work environment can include confined or narrow spaces. The assistant must adhere to safety precautions and may be required to use protective equipment.

They will also need to be capable of working safely and independently with minimal supervision. Outdoors, the assistant may not be protected from weather conditions and may be exposed to extreme heat and extreme cold. Bending, crawling, and crouching may be required.

In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

Utah State University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination including harassment in employment including in hiring, promotion, transfer, or termination…