The Division of Laboratory Animal Resources (DLAR) Animal Care and Operations Supervisor will be responsible for managing daily operations and staff involved with the provision of animal husbandry and care.

The candidate will:

• Supervise personnel including assessing and recruiting for labor needs, creating work assignments, managing employee performance and training serving as a mentor, and facilitating professional development

• Manage facility and equipment operations including assessing supply and capital needs, preventive maintenance schedules, facility projects, space demands and vendor coordination.

• Provide support and services to researchers and their teams to ensure study perimeters are met

• Establish and maintain collaborative, productive working relationships with immediate staff, as well as, various DLAR (vet services, administration) and University (IACUC, EHS) departments

• Promote animal welfare and well-being

• Ensure that the daily operations and activities of the assigned animal facility are accomplished in accordance with DLAR guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures, University policies, federal regulations, and industry standards and guidelines

A successful candidate must have two years of lab animal experience with one year in a supervisory capacity; consistently demonstrate professional verbal, written, and interpersonal skills; execute effective time and process management; possess positive customer service and team-building skills; be proficient with technology in order to use common applications (e.g. email, Microsoft Office, Zoom) and to learn CAMS (DLAR business application software); be available to work occasional weekends and holidays; stand for extended periods of time; lift 50 pounds; push/pull heavy equipment and pass the mandatory criminal and social background checks.

Preferred candidate will have completed criteria in the DLAR Career Development Program. Candidates working in the Rangos Research Building at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh will need to obtain Child Protection Clearances. Vaccinations and/or TB testing may be required.

Oversees the animal research facility and coordinates animal care responsibilities. Monitors budget for assigned animal facilities, assists with implementing programs and procedures that enhance operations, and serves as a point of contact for Animal Care & Operations. Schedules equipment preventative maintenance and performs animal care duties.

Oversees the animal research facility and coordinates animal care responsibilities. Monitors budget for assigned animal facilities, assists with implementing programs and procedures that enhance operations, and serves as a point of contact for Animal Care & Operations. Schedules equipment preventative maintenance and performs animal care duties.

The employee must be able to:

• read, understand, and follow DLAR and other institutional guidance documents (SOPs, policies), including IACUC approved animal protocols when applicable

• follow written and verbal instructions

• demonstrate sufficient fine motor skill to manipulate animals and equipment; negotiate around equipment within close quarters; move between rooms and workspaces

• have sufficient visual acuity to recognize and identify normal and abnormal species-specific clinical appearances and behavior patterns, safely handle and restrain the animal species, and operate and maintain facility equipment and supplies utilized in the provision of animal husbandry and care and in the cash wash areas

• have sufficient audible acuity to hear equipment alarms and other warnings

• wear facility specific Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required by the job duties based on risk assessment from EHS

• work directly with live or dead animals and clean or soiled bedding and caging with reasonable accommodations if necessary

• accurately and legibly document written information in English in a timely manner, including electronic formats and applications (e.g., PRISM, CAMS);

• effective written and verbal communication in English, including the use of email

• receive vaccinations and health assessments, including TB testing, required to work in some animal holding or procedure areas in accordance with DLAR and/or EHS policies and practices

• successfully enroll in University of Pittsburgh Animal Exposure Surveillance Program (AESP) and other medical surveillance/immunization programs as dictated by current research activities