Facility Manager - Office of Lab Animal Resources

West Virginia University; Evansdale (WV); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation and sick leave

401(a) retirement match

Wellness programs

Job summary

West Virginia University is seeking a Facility Manager for the Office of Laboratory Animal Resources (OLAR). This role oversees husbandry staff, ensures compliant animal care and housing, and maintains records to meet AAALAC/USDA standards on campus.

The successful candidate will lead staff, develop training, implement policies, and coordinate with regulatory bodies while upholding WVU's commitment to animal welfare and collaborative, evidence-driven research.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or Veterinary Technician degree required.
• Minimum two (2) years of animal care experience.
• Minimum five (5) years of administrative experience.
• LATG certification is recommended and CMAR is recommended.

Responsibilities

• Manage animal care staff including animal care technicians and oversight of daily tasks.
• Establish and implement training programs for staff and ensure policy changes are communicated.
• Develop policies, procedures and processes related to animal husbandry.
• Maintain records related to animal care operations.
• Coordinate with regulatory agencies and ensure AAALAC/USDA standards are met.

Skills

Time management

Team supervision

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree or Veterinary Technician degree

Job description

Job Description - Facility Manager - Office of Lab Animal Resources (30259)

Facility Manager - Office of Lab Animal Resources 30259

Description

The Office of Lab Animal Resources at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for a Facility Manager.

About the Opportunity

The Office of Laboratory Animal Resources (OLAR) Husbandry Care Manager, under direction of the OLAR director, is responsible for the direct management of the husbandry technical staff. This individual has primary responsibility and oversight for all husbandry animal care activities on campus. The position ensures that the animal care program and animal housing comply with state, federal, and university policies and regulations, and AAALAC standards.

We strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU offers generous benefits, including:

• 24 annual leave (vacation) days per year or more based on years of service( employee leave )
• 18 sick days per year(for when you’re ill, for when you need time to care for sick family, for your own, or your family’s, regularly scheduled medical appointments. Who is family for the purpose of this leave? A lot of people in your life including immediate relatives and in‑laws as well as others considered to be members of your household living under the same roof)
• 401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks. Looking for more retirement benefits information ? Check out retirement health insurance benefits, retirement income, and FAQ’s.
• Wellness programs

What You'll Do

• Manage animal care staff including animal care technicians. Duties include assigning daily work tasks, disciplinary actions, direct oversight of daily tasks, evaluations, hiring, ensuring adequate staffing for all areas of the husbandry operation.
• Establish and implement training program for new and current employees. Ensure all staff is trained on any departmental policy changes.
• Development of policies, procedures and processes related to animal husbandry.
• Maintain appropriate records and files related to animal care operations.
• Work with associated regulatory agencies and ensure facility is maintained to meet AAALAC/USDA standards. Work with IACUC office to address and respond to semi-annual inspection findings.
• Participates in site visits, including the USDA, AAALAC, and Compliance Office in conjunction with upper management. Responds to questions regarding the facilities, its equipment, and the humane methods for handling and caring for research animals.
• Develop and maintain departmental policies and procedures
• Ensures that proper signage is placed in animal rooms when chemical hazardous and biomedical hazardous wastes are being used and that everything follows departmental, institutional, and federal chemical hygiene and safety regulations and guidelines.
• Coordinates special care requirements with other OLAR personnel.
• Oversees animal room/building transfers and approvals. Assists investigators with space needs/requests.
• Share rotating facility call with other managers/supervisors.
• Enhances professional growth and development through educational programs, seminars, and conferences. Remains up to date on federal regulations and professional standards regarding the field of laboratory animal research.
• Reviews/Revises current institutional policies and procedures and develops new procedures to ensure regulations and standards are maintained within WVU’s animal research facilities, including biohazards and biocontainment issues.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or Veterinary Technician degree
• Required experience includes:
  • A minimum of two (2) years of animal care experience
  • A minimum of five (5) years of administrative experience
• Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered.
• All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to manage time effectively, prioritize tasks, meet standards and workloads, maintain consistent attendance.
• Ability to work independently and as part of team in a collegial and professional manner.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills, ability to follow and provide oral and written instructions.
• Ability to supervise personnel, resolve conflicts with maturity, maintain confidentiality as needed.
• Ability to submit work orders.
• Ability to work weekends, evenings, holidays, as needed

Requirements

• Lab Animal Technologist (LATG) certification from American Association of Laboratory Animal Sciences (AALAS) is recommended. Should be obtained within first year of work.
• CMAR recommended.
• Valid Driver's License

About WVU

West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.

From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.

At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values — service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation — unite us as Mountaineers.

Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.

Equal Opportunity Statement

West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.