Animal Care and Facility Manager - Science Institute

The University of Wyoming is delighted to receive your interest in our vacant position!  We strive to connect with qualified and uniquely talented individuals to join our campus community.  We would love to hear how your experiences translate to this position, the University’s Mission, Vision, and Values, and encourage you to submit an application today!

JOB TITLE:   

Animal Care and Facility Manager, Science Initiative Vivarium

JOB PURPOSE:   Oversee facility operations, and coordinate the care, feeding, handling, and humane euthanasia of research animals in the newly constructed Model Organism Research Facility located in the Science Initiative Building. The Vivarium Manager will be an integral member of dynamic research teams in the Science Initiative Building (SIB). The Vivarium Manager will manage and supervise the day-to-day operations in a moderate sized small animal vivarium including animal care, maintenance and husbandry. The Vivarium Manager will work mostly independently with overall supervision from Science Institute Director, Dr. Jay Gatlin. The ideal candidate should have: 1) the ability to direct other personnel who may be working under their direction in the vivarium; 2) good problem solving skills; 3) good technical skills; 4) strong interpersonal and collaboration skills; 5) verbal and written communication abilities; 6) the ability to adapt to and effectively manage changes in a dynamic environment; and 7) have a general understanding of research in the life sciences.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  

• Create, implement and maintain standard operating procedures for animal care, facility maintenance and research support activities, ensuring compliance with regulations and adherence to best practices.
• Collaborate with business office personnel to assist with the budget by forecasting expenses, monitoring expenditures, and identifying cost-saving opportunities, all while upholding high standards of animal care.
• Recruit, train, supervise and assess the performance of staff.
• Maintain a healthy environment by sterilizing and incinerating feed by-products, bedding and equipment; monitor and reduce traffic patterns to reduce cross-contamination; and apply specialized sanitation techniques to ensure the comfort and safety of research animals.
• Manage animal husbandry within the facility including breeding, weaning, and euthanasia.
• May coordinate and consult with attending veterinarian.
• Collaborate with principal investigators to plan and oversee research projects; establish standard operating procedures, organize work schedules, and maintain equipment, tools and supplies.
• Ensure the complete operation, maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting of animal facility, isolation building, incinerator and ventilation systems, and provide cost estimates for required maintenance and repair services.  May manage facility access and security.
• Provide data collection and maintain up to date records in compliance with local, state and federal statutes and regulations (USDA, IACUC, NIH).
• Ensure animals receive proper nutrition by implementing quality assurance and quality control protocols.
• Perform daily observations to monitor the health status of research animals, noting any subtle changes in behavior, physical appearance, or daily activities.
• Lead and assist in training for immobilization and other animal restraint techniques.
• Supervise the procurement, inventory management and quality control of animals, supplies and equipment.

SUPPLEMENTAL FUNCTIONS:  

• May transport research and diagnostic animals.
• Keep up to date with advancements in animal care regulations, research methodologies and facility management best practices, and apply improvements as needed.
• Perform miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.
• Participate in performance-related goal setting and achievement to meet personal and organizational goals and objectives.
• Attend and participate in training and other personal professional development activity.

COMPETENCIES:  

• Attention to Detail
• Safety Awareness 
• Independence 
• Integrity 
• Collaboration 
• Technical/Professional Knowledge 

This position provides vital support to campus customers and requires the successful candidate be available to work on campus.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  

Education:  Bachelor’s degree

Experience: 2 years’ work-related experience or equivalent education and experience

Required licensure, certification, registration, or other requirements:

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:  

• Work-related experience in animal care in an agricultural, pet store, veterinary clinic, or laboratory setting
• Experience in training, mentoring, and managing employees 
• Willingness to learn new skills and master multiple tasks quickly
• General computer skills, knowledge of MS Office, and ability to master computer programs
• Commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety
• Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated ability to maintain accurate notes and logs and complete detailed work accurately
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Work well in a team environment

REQUIRED MATERIALS:  

Complete the online application and upload the following for a complete application: cover letter, resume or C.V. and contact information for four work-related references.

HIRING STATEMENT: 

UW is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Educator and Employer (UW Reg 4-1). The University does not discriminate in employment or personnel practices on the basis of race, gender, religion, color, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, creed, ancestry, political belief, pregnancy, or any other protected category or participation in any protected activity.  In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation to apply for a position, please call 307-766-2377 or email jobapps@uwyo.edu

ABOUT LARAMIE:

The University of Wyoming is located in Laramie, a town of 30,000 in the heart of the Rocky Mountain West. The state of Wyoming continues to invest in its university, helping to make it a leader in academics, research and outreach. The university has state-of-the-art facilities in many areas and the community provides the advantages of a major university.

Located in a high mountain valley near the Colorado border, Laramie offers both outstanding recreational opportunities and close proximity to Colorado’s Front Range, a bustling group of metropolitan cities including Denver, Boulder, and Fort Collins. This beautiful mountain landscape offers outdoor enjoyment in all seasons, with over 300 days of sunshine annually. For more information about the region, please visit http://visitlaramie.org/.