Supervisor, Animal Care Facilities

University of Massachusetts Medical School; Worcester (MA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Massachusetts Medical School is seeking an Animal Care Facilities Supervisor in Worcester, MA. This role involves managing animal care facilities, supervising staff, and ensuring compliance with animal care policies. Candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree in Management or a related field, AALAS certification, and supervisory experience in a laboratory animal facility. The position is essential for maintaining high-quality animal husbandry practices and ensuring operational efficiency.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Management or life sciences, or equivalent experience.
• AALAS certification required; Technologist or Technician level accepted.
• 1 year of supervisory experience in a laboratory animal facility.

Responsibilities

• Assist in developing and modifying animal care policies.
• Perform hiring interviews and submit recommendations.
• Train and document performance of animal care staff.

Skills

Animal husbandry

Operational management

Supervisory skills

AALAS certification

Basic computer skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Management or life sciences

AALAS certification at the Technician level

Tools

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Job description

Overview

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the Manager, Animal Care & Facilities or designee, the Animal Care Facilities Supervisor assists with the management of the physical animal care facilities and directs all animal husbandry and care activities in one or more assigned animal research facilities.

Responsibilities

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Assist in developing and modifying, as needed, animal care policies, procedures and practices which promote high quality, cost effective operation of the animal facilities.
• Perform hiring interviews and submit hiring recommendations
• Help provide job performance training and documentation of training for animal care staff.
• Prepare and coach staff on knowledge and skills needed for AALAS certification.
• Interact with faculty, staff, and other Medical School service departments (EH&S, EBS & Facility Maintenance) to provide high quality, responsive animal care services; advise on technological changes affecting laboratory animal research and care.
• Oversee efficiency and effectiveness of work assigned to direct reports.
• Maintain supply and equipment inventory to sustain the day-to-day operations of the animal care program, including; feed/bedding, sanitation supplies, cage equipment, etc.
• Maintain accurate records, including: room logs, health reports, cage cards, autoclave and cage-wash records, animal census and other records as required.
• Conduct performance evaluation interviews of direct reports. Complete subsequent performance review documentation using input gained from the interviews.
• Perform routine rounds of assigned animal facilities to monitor performance of direct reports, adherence to policy/protocol of personnel working within the facility and evaluate morale.
• Identify and report physical plant items or equipment in need of repair.
• Provide information needed for annual budget projections by tracking use of materials, supplies, and equipment repairs throughout the year and provide an estimate on quantity or funds needed for the upcoming year.
• Provide weekend and holiday oversight as required.
• Perform other duties as required.

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Management or any of the life sciences (e.g., animal science, biology, microbiology), or equivalent experience
• AALAS certification at the Technologist level is required, or, AALAS certification at the Technician level with successful completion of Technologist certification within 18 months of being appointed supervisor.
• 1 year of experience as a supervisor in a laboratory animal facility is required (including hiring or interviewing for hiring, managing, discipline, etc. Supervisory experience with at least 2 direct reports preferred). Or, successful completion of at least 20 documented hours of Management Training Seminars/Program.
• Able to undergo and receive approval for access to select agents: a Security Risk Assessment by the Criminal Justice Informational System to obtain FBI/CDC clearance, and an internal Suitability Assessment.
• Working knowledge of, and hands‑on experience with, barrier animal facilities is preferred.
• Basic computer skills and a working knowledge of computer programs such as Microsoft Outlook, Excel, and Word are required.

Environmental Working Conditions

Work is performed mainly with the animal facilities, which are located in different buildings on the several campuses. Although preventive safety measures are enforced, hazards in the workplace include:

• exposure to animal odors, fur, hair, diseases, bites, scratches, cuts, dust, disinfectants, infectious agents, radioisotopes and toxic chemicals.
• Danger of falls on wet floors or from ladders and exposure to steam, heat, and humidity will occasionally be part of the work environment.