Operations Supervisor, Animal Resources Program, Clarkson

Overview

JOB SUMMARY

Under general supervision, from the Operations Manager and Operations Coordinator, the Operations Supervisor position supports the day-to-day operation of the Wake Forest University Animal Resources Program laboratory animal facilities to assure compliance with all federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and policies. The position is responsible for supervising vivarium husbandry team and its operations, supporting the maintenance of the physical plant, maintaining high standards in animal care, supervising a comprehensive quality assurance program for all operations, and providing training to personnel in the Animal Resources Program (ARP).

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• High School diploma or GED equivalent with three years as a Senior Laboratory Animal Technician or equivalent experience; including American Association Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) ALAT (Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician) certification.

OR

• Certified American Association Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) LAT (Laboratory Animal Technician) required.
• Certified American Association Laboratory Animals Science (AALAS) LATg (Laboratory Animal Technologist) preferred.

LICENSURE, CERTIFICATION, and/or REGISTRATION

• Valid North Carolina driver's license.
• American Association of Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) certification required.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Supervises daily operations in the vivarium. Monitors compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations and policies and guidelines. Supervises and performs Quality Assurance and Quality Control processes for all operations.
2. Supervises, schedules, and determines work priorities of laboratory animal technicians. Performs daily rounds/assessment of technician activities. Monitors husbandry team's adherence to established daily responsibilities and assigned procedures. Participates in the interview process for hiring laboratory animal technicians
3. Analyzes animal husbandry work processes and methods to assure optimal effectiveness. Provides coaching to lower-level animal technicians to facilitate excellent work performance.  Supports assessment of performance expectations for each technician position. Assists Operations Manager and or Operations Coordinator with disciplinary issues. Actively promotes development of animal care staff via AALAS certification. 
4. Educates and trains ARP entering the laboratory animal facilities, emphasizing the importance of adherence to SOPs and training documents. 
5. Addresses complaints and assists with resolving problems within the Animal Resources Program facilities.
6. Communicates with investigators, other institutions, Animal Resources Program (ARP) clinical and care staff, and ARP administration.
7. Serves as a liaison to the research community. 
8. Supports quarterly sentinel rodent program and other health surveillance programs with the veterinary team. 
9. Prepares facility for inspections and site visits by AAALACi, IACUC, USDA and other regulatory agencies.
10. Supports operations, preventative maintenance, and processing of facility equipment.  Maintains and reviews room, rack, cage wash and other records related to husbandry and operations. Assists in reviewing and maintaining husbandry materials inventory. Coordinates and supports facility upkeep. 
11. Performs additional duties as assigned.  

SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to communicate effectively and lead others
• Good time management skills
• Good interpersonal/human relations skills
• Ability to perform extensive documentation and recordkeeping
• Ability to utilize computer skills (e.g., Microsoft Office, email, training modules)
• Ability to manage and direct a team and work independently 
• Ability to promote a safe working environment

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Work may include weekend and holiday work
• 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
• Bending and lifting of cages, feed, and bedding 
• Ability to lift, push or pull heavy objects
• Considered essential personnel for lab animal care

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Negative tests for active tuberculosis
• Color vision