Animal Technician Supervisor

University of Washington; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Washington is seeking an Animal Technician Supervisor to oversee the daily operations of complex animal facilities. This role involves supervising technicians, maintaining high standards of animal care, and ensuring all operations comply with regulatory requirements. Ideal candidates should possess strong supervisory skills and relevant experience in animal research environments.

Benefits

Generous benefits and work/life programs

Tuition Exemption Program

Low cost transportation options

Childcare and parenting support

Qualifications

• Minimum of three years’ experience in an animal research environment.
• Experience in supervisory roles and training staff.
• Knowledge of animal husbandry standards and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of large or multiple small animal facilities.
• Supervise and train animal technicians.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

Skills

Supervisory Skills

Animal Husbandry

Regulatory Compliance

Technical Assistance

Education

AALAS Laboratory Animal Technician (LAT) Certification

Bachelor's Degree in Animal Science

Job description

If you are using a screen reader and experience any difficulty accessing our web pages, please call 206-543-2544 or email UWHires and we will be happy to assist you. jump to content

Benefits: As a UW employee, you will enjoy generous benefits and work/life programs. For a complete description of our benefits for this position, please visit our website, click here.

As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills, and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world.

UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits, and natural beauty.

Comparative Medicine Mission Statement:
Our mission is to advance knowledge and improve the health and welfare of humans and animals through excellent service support, biomedical research, and teaching.

Department Information:
The Department of Comparative Medicine (DCM) is one of 12 basic science departments in the School of Medicine. DCM is the central laboratory animal medicine resource at the University of Washington, supporting over 114,000 assignable square feet of animal facilities with an average daily census in excess of 100,000 animals across multiple species (e.g., rodents, rabbits, swine, and zebrafish). The department employs over 175 individuals who provide a comprehensive range of animal husbandry, veterinary, and laboratory services across numerous vivaria. The UW animal care program is accredited by AAALAC International and provides services to over 400 principal investigators. DCM faculty members, post-doctoral fellows, and residents conduct basic and clinical research on a wide range of subjects including, but not limited to, comparative aspects of infectious disease, aging, cancer biology and genetics.

Benefit Summary: https://hr.uw.edu/benefits/
Tuition Exemption Program; https://hr.uw.edu/pod/overview/tuition-exemption/
Competitive insurance plans including adult and elder care; https://hr.uw.edu/benefits/insurance/
Generous holidays and leave; https://hr.uw.edu/ops/leaves/
Low cost transportation options in the greater Puget Sound area; https://transportation.uw.edu/getting-here/transit/u-pass
Childcare and parenting; https://hr.uw.edu/child-care/

POSITION PURPOSE
The Animal Technician Supervisor position advances the department’s mission by assisting in the daily operation of a highly complex animal facility, supervising animal technicians, and performing skilled animal husbandry functions.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Assist in overseeing vivarium activities and ensuring consistency with regulatory requirements and guidelines as well as the animal welfare directive of DCM’s animal care program.

Assist in the supervision of daily operations of one large animal facility or multiple small facilities through active interactions with animal care technicians, veterinary staff, DCM faculty, Office and Animal Welfare staff, physical plant and facility services, vendors, and research personnel including research technicians and Principal Investigators.

Ensure all facility operations comply with facility, University of Washington, state, and federal requirements.

With delegated authority, interview and recommend selection of applicants, assign and schedule work, act upon leave requests, conduct annual performance evaluations and recommend disciplinary action.

Assist in the creation and implementation of animal care procedures as well as the resolution of identified husbandry-related issues.

Advise, assist, and communicate with research staff regarding the animal facility procedures, policies, and activities. Resolve customer requests, inquiries, and complaints and provide technical assistance.

Supervise, coach, and train Animal Technicians and support personnel.

Receive Special Service Requests (SSR), review content and train Animal Technicians on associated procedures.

Approve animal transfers and imports into facility. Oversee receipt and distribution of animal deliveries and animal movements within facility. Assign housing locations.

Perform daily animal care duties including in assigned areas and in response to personnel absences.

Review and approve completed facility records (e.g., monthly animal per diem charges, water quality testing, room environmental reports, safety equipment testing records).

Manage the retention of completed documents such as lab activity logs and animal facility forms in accordance with facility, University of Washington, state and federal reporting requirements.

Conduct regular inspections of the assigned facility/facilities.

In conjunction with the Husbandry Management Team, develop, implement, review, and update Standard Operating Procedures, Working Guidelines, forms, logs, and related documents.

Maintain inventory of animal feed, caging supplies, and other consumables in a fiscally responsible manner. Ensure availability of adequate caging, equipment, and supplies necessary for daily facility operation and to facilitate the research process and programs supported by the University.

Utilize the departmental electronic purchasing system to submit and/or approve supply and select equipment orders and to reconcile orders received.

Attend meetings when supervisor or facility representation is required such as DCM Supervisors' meetings and meetings with research staff, veterinary staff, facilities and building management personnel, environmental health and safety personnel, occupation health personnel, and vendors.

Serve as a liaison to the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), research staff, facility management personnel, and service vendors to assure that research needs are met, policies and procedures are followed, and that facility and equipment repairs are initiated and completed.

Ensure compliance with Department of Transportation regulations and UW procedures for handling, packaging, and shipment of hazardous waste generated within the facility.

Evaluate new techniques, supplies, and services for potential implementation.

Perform the duties of animal technicians, when needed.

Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) Laboratory Animal Technician (LAT) OR Laboratory Animal Technologist (LATG) certification,

AND

High school graduation or equivalent AND a minimum of three years’ experience working in an animal research environment at an Animal Technician 2 level or equivalent,

OR

Two years of college with major study in animal or life science and two years of experience working in an animal research environment at an Animal Technician 2 level or equivalent,

OR

Bachelor’s Degree with major study in animal or life science and one year of experience working in an animal research environment at an Animal Technician 2 level or equivalent. Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree in biology, animal science, or related field

Supervisory experience with a diverse staff

A working knowledge of animal husbandry standards and regulatory guidelines and requirements, standard operating procedures for species of animals used in biomedical research, and special handling techniques for radioactive or infectious materials

Experience and understanding of Animal Biosafety Level 2 work processes and principles

Demonstrate Ability to maintain schedules for several projects

Demonstrate Ability to work collaboratively in a research environment with culturally diverse populations and with individuals of varying educational and professional backgrounds (e.g., Animal Technicians, Veterinarians, Research Technicians, Principal Investigators)

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
Work Schedule:

Standard business hours are Monday – Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., but the incumbent may be expected to adjust the work schedule to meet business needs.

Day shift work schedule will consist of five consecutive, 8-hour workdays; future work week schedules may change to meet the needs of the department.

Occasional work outside of regular work hours will be required.

This is an essential position. The employee is expected to report to work under conditions that other employees are not required to report to work, such as inclement weather and UW suspended operations.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

Physical ability to do required work

Must be willing and able to work with a wide variety of research animals

Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds and carry 30 pounds

Prolonged periods of standing, reaching and bending

This position requires considerable use of arms and legs and activities such as lifting, balancing, walking, and stooping

Must be able to stand and walk for a full 8-hour shift

Must be able to perform repetitive motions over extended periods of time

May be required to work with and take specific precautions, against and/or be immunized against potentially infectious agents. Specific precautions may include wearing respirators and/or protective clothing.

Frequent travel between both on and off campus animal facilities will be required.

Committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff, the University of Washington will honor your experiences, perspectives and unique identity. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or [e-mail] .

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law .