Animal Facility Manager

This position supports the Department of Homeland Security's Research and Development Program for vaccine studies by caring for large animals in accordance with established procedures. The Animal Facility Manager is expected to be on site from approximately 6 : 15AM to 2 : 45PM, Monday-Friday. The hours may shift slightly depending on ferry departure site. This is a salaried, 40 hour per week position.

Candidates are not eligible if they own or work with cloven-hoofed animals, pigs, and chickens outside of PIADC due to biosecurity requirements. The only type of livestock that can be privately owned or worked with is horses.

Position Duties :

• Ensure that animals are cared for and maintained in accordance with the Animal Welfare Regulations, U.S. Public Health Service Policy on the Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, and the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals.
• Supervise and direct daily activities of employees (includes Animal Care Technicians and Animal Health Technicians) to ensure that all required functions are carried out appropriately, including receiving animals, feeding and watering, sanitation and cleaning, handling and restraint, health surveillance, equipment maintenance, supply inventories, animal manipulations, laboratory procedures, and other contract-related duties.
• Provide support to meet principal investigator's research and husbandry needs. Provide a positive customer service experience for government and contractor research investigators and lab staff.
• Follow up on staff schedules to meet routine and emergency needs of the animals. Ensure adequate staff coverage for weekends, holidays, inclement weather days, and emergencies. This may require the Animal Facility Manager to be available by phone after hours to make scheduling decisions.
• Ensure appropriate staff technical training is performed to include supervision and evaluation. Implement and track training, maintain thorough training records and furnish them to the government and to TMG Management.
• Promote AALAS certification and career development amongst employees. Coach technicians on advancement and cross-training opportunities within the team.
• Provide direction and mentorship for employees. Address HR-related concerns with TMG's HR Manager and Program Manager. Implement approved Performance Improvement Plans, corrective actions, annual performance reviews, SPOT Awards, and team-building activities. Follow policies to promote an inclusive work environment, free of harassment and discrimination.
• Develop a thorough understanding of facility Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), provide revisions as needed, and keep abreast of changes to SOPs. Advise staff of changes.
• Ensure that all SOPs, quality assurance guidelines, and protocols are adhered to. Guide team back on track when non-conformances are discovered. Lead with a positive and helpful attitude.
• Report any abnormal conditions of the animals or the facility to appropriate personnel, including Animal Health Technicians and Veterinarians.
• Assist in preparing for periodic facility inspections by reviewing records and providing documentation to the appropriate personnel.
• Provide oral or written reports, records, charts, logs, schedules, and inventories to appropriate personnel as requested or required by the contract.
• Communicate needs for facility equipment, logistical support, and management to appropriate personnel.
• Receive and execute notices, directions, and instructions from TMG Program Management.
• Assist in ensuring that contract requirements are met, including areas such as : proper staffing, AALAS requirements, deliverable and performance matrixes, occupational health, workplace accidents, physical plant, ACUC, budgets, and administrative.
• Assist with staff recruiting by interviewing internal candidates, reviewing external resumes, scheduling on-site visits for candidates, meeting with candidates, and providing feedback / recommendations to TMG leadership.
• Assess ongoing and potentially changing personnel needs within the established budget and request revisions to the budget as required.
• Assist with staff retention strategies set forth by TMG leadership, such as employee recognition awards, promotion recommendations, travel and training opportunities, team luncheons, SPOT awards, bonus plans, and cross-training and career development opportunities. Be a champion for the team.
• Continuously refine and implement the Risk Mitigation Plan to include cross-training technicians for various tasks, ensuring staff stay up to date on techniques, and maintaining an internal candidate pool for promotions.
• Other administrative tasks as assigned.

Qualifications :

Licenses and Certifications :

Candidate MUST pass a government background investigation (NAC), employment physical and drug / alcohol screening. As required by law, TMG participates in E-Verify, a service of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Social Security Administration (SSA), to verify the identity and employment eligibility of persons hired to work in the United States.