By Ella Resor

resore@findlay.edu

student workers and will soon be looking new hires according to co-barn manager Joseph Payton.

“We’ll probably hire one more for the beginning of next semester,” Payton said. “And then a few more for a summer crew and to replace our graduating seniors.”

For many students at the University of Findlay, the Beckett Animal Science Center is more than

Senior Maddie Laskowski, a pre-veterinary student from the university’s Animal Science Program, has been working at the Beckett Animal Science Center since October of her freshman year. What began as volunteering quickly turned into a part-time job and, ultimately, one of her most valuable college experiences.

“I needed an escape from campus,” Laskowski said. “I started volunteering just so I could work with the animals and be where I was comfortable, and then it just kind of developed into a job over time.”

Laskowski now helps oversee feedings, assist in animal care, and perform general maintenance and cleaning tasks at the facilities. She said the work has provided her with early exposure to a number of skills that complement her coursework and future career goals.

“It’s opened up a lot of opportunities for me,” she said. “Getting to help with ultrasounding and a lot of extra blood draws, and being there during some of those upper-level classes as a freshman and sophomore was very eye-opening. It’s prepared me for the classes I’m in now because I’ve already seen a lot of the things we’re doing.”

During the week, student workers oversee barn duties in coordination with the university’s nutrition class.

“We feed the pastures and prepare the lists of student tasks, what pens need bedding and what waterers need cleaned. We basically just prepare the barn for them to come do the basic feedings,” Laskowski said. “On weekends and breaks, we’re fully in charge of feedings. During the day, it’s just miscellaneous things that need done — cleaning, fixing fences, treating.”

Her favorite part of the job is working with animals during the birthing season. “I personally love the reproductive side of everything,” she said. “I don’t mind getting called out in the middle of the night, bottle feeding on shifts, helping with parturition, that sort of thing.”

Payton and Colton Tom supervise the barn together. They have worked at the University of Findlay for 11 and nine years, respectively. Both said watching students learn and grow through hands-on work is the most rewarding part of their jobs.

“My favorite part is probably seeing the excitement when the students get to figure out something new,” Colton said. “Just today when we were ultrasounding, there was a girl that let out a loud scream out of joy when she found the fetus.”

Payton agreed, mentioning that teaching students who have little to no experience and seeing their excitement when something clicks for the first time is one of his favorite parts of the job.

When considering potential hires, both managers look for certain qualities in candidates.

“The biggest thing is work ethic and how they’ll fit in with the current group,” Payton said. “Even if they have the background, we have certain ways the university wants things done that may be different from that background. The willingness to learn and do it that way is important.”

Tom emphasized teamwork.

“They’ve got to click with the group,” he said. “Willingness to learn and personality are key.”

Both managers said the center provides an education beyond the classroom.

“This is definitely more hands-on,” Payton said. “They get a chance to apply what they learn.”

For students considering pursuing a job at the barns, Laskowski offers this advice.

“Show up, put yourself out there, be willing to put in a little extra work to earn your spot,” she said. “When you do get hired, continue to be there on time, put in the extra effort, and do the things that aren’t so much fun. Don’t complain.”