Animal Care Operations Manager I

Summary

Positions are responsible for coordinating and managing husbandry operations for laboratory animal care in one or more areas or facilities. Ensure regulatory compliance with all federal, state and local laws pertaining to assigned animal facilities. Provide direct supervision of assigned laboratory animal technicians performing routine and non-routine procedures. Are assigned to weekend or on-call rosters.

Examples of Work

Job functions are specific duties that would be included in the essential functions of the job description. These functions are not all-inclusive nor do they cover the full extent of the duties performed.

• Ensures husbandry procedures/practices are in compliance with the NIH Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, all Federal, State and local laws pertaining to laboratory animal facilities for a variety of species (dogs, cats, sheep, rabbits, rats, mice, etc.) being used for biomedical research and teaching including USDA covered and uncovered species.
• Performs these tasks as required.
• Is responsible for technicians’ annual performance appraisals.
• Interviews and provides input for hiring applicants for permanent/ temporary employment.
• Maintains sanitation and work schedules for assigned facilities.
• Conducts on-going animal care and enrichment training and instruction for all Animal Care Services (ACS) staff working with assigned animals.
• Is responsible for maintaining animal records such as USDA records, clinical records, cage cards, breeding records, census records, etc.
• Identifies incoming animals and supervises housing according to specific instructions.
• Coordinates the exchange of animal cages in a systematic manner that maintains the identity and prevents mislabeling of research animals; performs these tasks as required.
• Ensures technicians make gross observations of animal health and report findings daily by completing and submitting electronic health reports.
• Performs other routine duties such as unloading vehicles loaded with food and supplies, assisting maintenance personnel with cage or facility repairs, sanitation testing to ensure disinfection, etc.
• Coordinates work tasks and quality assurance testing with other ACS sections and others as necessary.
• Provides technical assistance to both research and ACS staff.
• Approves assigned staff time in PeopleSoft as well as overtime and weekend work.
• Is assigned to weekend or on-call rosters.
• Assists with regulatory compliance and quality control process and provides ACS management with input for updating husbandry standard operating procedures and practices.

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area; or a high school degree or equivalent and four years of relevant experience. AALAS Laboratory Animal Technologist (LATG) certification. Appropriate college coursework or vocational/technical training may substitute at an equivalent rate for the required experience.

Licensure and Certification

Valid state driver’s license. UF Supervisory Challenge completed within 18 months of hire.

Supervision

Supervises other professionals and animal care technicians.

To see common career pathways for each position at the University of Florida please visit the Career Paths section of the UFHR website.