Animal Care Technician Supervisor

Houston Methodist; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Houston Methodist seeks a Supervisor for the Comparative Medicine Program (CMP) to coordinate care for laboratory animals, supervise CMP technicians, and ensure SOP compliance. You will mentor staff, manage schedules and training, analyze data, and drive performance improvements.

The role demands leadership, strong communication, and ability to work across departments; travel within the Houston area may be required. Exempt status applies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• LATG - Laboratory Animal Technologist certification required.
• Experience leading animal care staff and coordinating programs preferred.
• Strong communication and problem‑solving skills essential.

Responsibilities

• Oversee CMP staff daily activities and ensure quality, productivity, and compliance.
• Train and supervise staff; manage staffing levels and budget.
• Participate in hiring, coaching, and performance management.

Skills

Leadership

Staff supervision

Staff training

Communication

Data analysis

Problem solving

English proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

LATG certification

Job description

Supervisor Comparative Medicine Program (CMP)

At Houston Methodist, the Supervisor Comparative Medicine Program (CMP) position coordinates all elements required to deliver exceptional care and ensure compliance with the Comparative Medicine Program Standard Operating Procedure. The role delivers quality research support and health care for laboratory animals, supervises technicians, manages schedules, oversees staff training, resolves workflow issues, mentors staff, provides feedback, analyzes data, reports on performance, and handles special projects.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily work activities of the CMP staff, ensuring quality, productivity, and functional excellence.
• Train and supervise staff while maintaining adequate staffing levels and budget compliance.
• Participate in staffing decisions: hiring, coaching, counseling, and performance management.
• Assist in developing and implementing policies and procedures for a safe and effective work environment.
• Engage in performance improvement activities and support department management in achieving operational goals.
• Perform staff duties as needed.

Essential Functions

• Manage selection, scheduling, supervision, retention, and evaluation of employees.
• Provide development and mentoring of staff; ensure training and compliance with all policies and procedures.
• Assist in meeting or exceeding departmental turnover goals.
• Consult with leadership on coaching, counseling, and corrective actions.
• Facilitate cross‑department collaboration and clear communication.
• Maintain metrics for employee engagement.
• Serve as mentor and trainer for CMP technicians on procedures and standards.
• Prepare, maintain, and monitor staffing levels, training, and time‑off schedules.
• Oversee daily operations, set priorities, and provide reports to management.
• Organize workflow, anticipate needs, manage multiple priorities, and serve on committees as directed.
• Provide high‑quality customer service and participate in research activities.
• Ensure a safe working environment, monitor and revise the safety plan, and comply with accreditation regulations.
• Use information systems to enhance operations and participate in data management and performance improvement.
• Identify solutions through collaboration, conduct root‑cause investigations, and promote safety awareness.
• Maintain accurate inventories and initiate orders for supplies and equipment.
• Assist in managing essential and non‑essential expenditures to meet financial targets.
• Support change implementation, motivate staff, and ensure sustained behavior change.
• Identify industry trends and implement innovative workflow solutions.
• Develop team members’ skills and foster a constructive learning environment.
• Maintain and update personal development plans.

FLSA Status

Exempt

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree.
• Experience: Four years of relevant animal‑related experience, including one year of progressive leadership responsibility.
• Licenses & Certifications (Required): LATG - Laboratory Animal Technologist (AALAS) – American Association of Laboratory Animal Science.
• Skills & Abilities:

• Demonstrate competency in safe job performance through ongoing assessments and evaluations.
• Proficient in English reading, writing, and speaking.
• Effective communication across channels with patients, physicians, and staff, emphasizing customer service and positive language.
• Build confidence and convey organizational intent in interactions.
• Show leadership qualities, critical thinking, initiative, interpersonal skills, and oral/written communication.
• Identify issues, problems, and opportunities, recommending solutions.
• Work effectively in a fast‑paced environment.
• Adapt flexibility and resilience in the workplace.

Supplemental Requirements

• Work Attire: Uniform and scrubs required; business professional clothing not required.
• On‑Call: No on‑call requirement.
• Travel: Travel within the Houston metropolitan area may be required; outside travel is not required.