Operations Coordinator, Animal Resources Program, Clarkson Campus

Overview

Our program is searching for a dedicated individual to fulfill the husbandry and supervisory duties of Operations Coordinator, so we can work together to meet the mission and service responsibilities of our Animal Resources Program (ARP).  We have multiple campuses, serving multiple animal species, including non-human primates. Clarkson Campus is Wake Forest's largest research campus; a beautiful 200-acre developed site located 10 miles south of the Medical Center complex in downtown Winston-Salem, NC. Laboratory research animals, primarily non-human primates and sheep, are mainly socially-housed in pens or corrals with indoor/outdoor access. 

JOB SUMMARY

Under limited supervision from the Operations Manager, the position directs, coordinates, and supports the operations and management of several large and complex vivaria housing colonies of laboratory animals in compliance with all federal, state, and local laws, regulations and policies including (but not limited to) the "Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals", the Animal Welfare Act and Regulations and the PHS Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. The position ensures that the highest standards of animal care are maintained to support research activities and ongoing AAALACi accreditation. The position is responsible for 1) supervising, coaching, and scheduling as direct reports Laboratory Animal Technician Trainees and Laboratory Animal Technicians, 2) coordinating vivarium technical team and its operations, 3) supporting the maintenance of the physical plant, 4) maintaining high standards in animal care, 5) supporting a comprehensive QA program for all operations and, 6) providing direction, guidance, and training to personnel within the Animal Resources Program (ARP) and the research community. 

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree in Animal Sciences, Biology, or related field with three years as a Senior Laboratory Animal Technician or American Association Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) Laboratory Animal Technologist certification.

LICENSURE, CERTIFICATION, and/or REGISTRATION

• Valid NC driver's license required.
• AALAS certification at the Laboratory Animal Technologist level preferred.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Husbandry and Operations:
   1. Monitors facility compliance with all stated applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations and policies and guidelines.  
   2. Supports Quality Assurance and Quality Control processes for all operations.
   3. Performs room checks and daily rounds.
   4. Supports operations for ventilated rack, animal transfer stations, biosafety cabinets, tunnel and rack washer and other key vivaria equipment preventive maintenance and processing.
   5. Coordinates and oversees the movement of animals within, into, and out of specialized areas including quarantine with the department administrative team and other groups within and outside of ARP.
   6. Coordinates and oversees internal and external shipping of animals with the department administrative team and other groups within and outside of ARP.
   7. Maintains and reviews room, rack, cage wash and other vivaria records related to husbandry and operations.
   8. Orders, receives, and maintains husbandry materials inventory.
   9. Consistently promotes safe practices in the animal care facility.
   10. Ensures efficient use of departmental budgetary resources.
   11. Supports Animal Care infrastructure on a daily operational basis to maintain healthy animal models in support.
   12. Communicate with investigators, other institutions, Animal Resources Program (ARP) clinical and care staff, and ARP administration.
   13. Coordinates quarterly sentinel rodent program for barrier facility and quarantine areas and other health surveillance programs with the veterinary team.
2. Personnel supervision:  Manage performance of direct reports by 1) aligning direct reports activities with departmental and institutional missions and goals, 2) developing job/duty specific performance outcomes, 3) creating measurable performance based expectations and goals, 4) defining individual and job specific developmental plans, 5) evaluating performance, providing feedback and meeting regularly with direct reports; 6) coaching, mentoring and counseling direct reports and helping them resolving issues and disputes; and 7) reporting to and working with HR and senior management on performance issues.
   1. Select and hire appropriate candidates to fulfill the duties of Laboratory Animal Technician Trainees (LATT) and Laboratory Animal Technicians (LAT).
   2. Plan, schedule and assign work to ensure efficient utilization of manpower, equipment, and facilities 
   3. Authorize time and attendance requests, promotion requests and disciplinary actions and make merit recommendations for LATT & LAT positions.
   4. Oversee training of staff upon hiring and recommend promotion to next level.
   5. Coordinates and monitors daily, weekend and holiday technician schedules. 
   6. Performs daily rounds/assessment of Technician activities.
   7. Schedules tasks of the technical team staff according to facility, project, and research needs.
   8. Monitors husbandry team's adherence to established daily responsibilities and assigned procedures. 
   9. Supports assessment of performance expectations for each Technician position.  
   10. Reviews husbandry documents and e-mails.
   11. Supports and/or conducts staff meetings, investigator/new hire orientations and investigator retraining.
   12. Educates and train ARP and research staff entering specialized areas and emphasizing the importance of adherence to SOPs.
   13. Actively promotes development of animal care staff via AALAS certification.
3. Others:
   1. Writes and maintains current standard operating procedures.
   2. Coordinates the collection of weekly animal census inventory and special service charges for submission to ARP financial staff.
   3. Coordinates and supports facility upkeep: Walls/Floors/Ceilings/HVAC/Doors and Operators.
   4. Prepares facility for inspections and site visits by AAALACi, IACUC, USDA and other regulatory agencies.
   5. Performs duties as specified for Laboratory Animal Resources Supervisor position.
4. Performs additional projects and duties as required.

SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS

• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to communicate effectively to manage and lead others
• Good time-management skills
• Good interpersonal/human relations skills
• Ability to perform extensive documentation and recordkeeping
• Proficient computer skills (e.g. Word, Excel, email, training modules)
• Ability to manage and direct a team and work independently
• Good working knowledge of animal welfare regulations and guidelines
• Proficient background in training

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Indoor/outdoor work environment
• Work includes weekend and holiday work schedules
• Possible exposure to outdoor elements and odors
• Exposure to animal and human pathogens and potential allergens
• Exposure to animals that can inflict bites, kick, or scratch
• Ability to bend and lift cages, feed and bedding
• Ability to lift, push or pull heavy objects

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Negative tests for active tuberculosis
• Color vision