Manager, Husbandry

Job Description Summary

Manage the daily operations of the animal facility(s) from a husbandry/facility and regulatory perspective. Provide direct oversight of husbandry staff including, hiring, disciplinary action and performance evaluations. Responsible for safety and all physical plant matters including the monitoring of environmental and husbandry systems, and equipment. Utilizing computer software, maintain and perform census, receiving, and records management. Interface with investigators and researchers to troubleshoot and resolve problems related to husbandry, facility, and animal procurement. Serve as the key interface for establishing a "customer service orientation" attitude within husbandry services towards the research community. Facilitate research activities of research personnel by providing routine orientation for new users of the facility, and assisting other users with services or information.

Work closely with and provide backup to the billing department in regards to ordering of supplies, caging, repair and service of facility equipment, and the purchase of new equipment in a fiscally responsible manner. Assist in the development, management, and the implementation of appropriate Standard Operating Procedures in compliance with the AWA, AAALAC, FDA, USDA, and the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. Assist in the writing and implement measurable evaluation of staff quantity and quality of work.

ULAR provides essential 24/7 services for the University of Pennsylvania. The ULAR Manager, Husbandry position is designated as "essential" and you are expected to work when normal campus operations are suspended (e.g.: inclement weather) or if there is an emergency impacting ULAR. In addition, you may be expected to work outside of your regular schedule during peak activity periods (e.g.: overtime, weekends). To the extent possible, managers will provide timely notice of modified work schedules.

Job Responsibilities

• Manage the daily operations of the animal facility(s) from a husbandry and regulatory perspective. Oversee the activity of the animal care staff, including but not limited to scheduling of daily activities, hiring of new employees, discipline of existing employees, and performance evaluations
• Supervise the daily animal husbandry activities of personnel assigned to the facility, including instruction and review of work quality
• Serve on various university committees
• Interface with primary investigators and research staff to troubleshoot and resolve problems related to facilities, husbandry, and animal care. Provide orientation and training for existing and new users of the facility, providing information and services
• Maintain and archive records related to facility activities, census, and animal procurement using computer-based software
• Order feed, bedding, supplies, and equipment in support of the animal facility
• Maintain a working relationship with Penn facility maintenance, service contract providers, and vendors for repair and service of the facility and the equipment. Report problems to appropriate office(s); follow up if repairs are not made in a timely fashion or done correctly

Qualifications

• Graduation from a vocational or technical school plus 5-7 years related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience
• AALAS certification at the LATG level; if not, will be required to gain certification within 6 months
• Previous experience managing a laboratory animal facility or equivalent experience
• Previous supervisory experience
• Experience handling small animals, including rodents; experience handling larger animals may be required or preferred
• Ability to use computers
• Excellent customer service skills
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to read, write, and comprehend English
• Ability to follow both written and verbal instructions
• Ability to solve problems
• Ability to explain problems/issues/solutions
• Must be service-oriented and able to work as a team member
• Able to repetitively lift 50 lbs.
• Ability to stand for long periods
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination before starting work
• Ability to work weekends/holidays/overtime as required
• May be required to pass an FBI background check