Description

The Office of Laboratory Animal Resources (OLAR) at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for a Facility Manager.

About the Opportunity

The Facility 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:

37.5-hour work week
13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
24 annual leave (vacation) days per year
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)
WVU offers a range of health insurance and other benefits (this position is a benefits-eligible non-classified staff position)
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.
Manage investigator needs as related to the husbandry operations.
Establish and implement training program for new and current employees. Ensure all staff is trained on any departmental policy changes.
Develop 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.
Direct involvement in animal care and husbandry operations as required based on unit staffing.
Rotate weekend and after hours on-call for husbandry emergencies (shared among 4 managers).
Participate in site visits, including the USDA, AAALAC, and Compliance Office in conjunction with upper management. Respond 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.
Ensure that proper signage is placed in animal’s 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.
Coordinate special care requirements with other OLAR personnel.
Oversee animal room/building transfers and approvals. Assist investigators with space needs/requests.
Share rotating facility call with other managers/supervisors.
Assist with import/export of Rodents from non-approved sources.
Enhance professional growth and development through educational programs, seminars, and conferences.
Remain up to date on federal regulations and professional standards regarding the field of laboratory animal research
Review/Revise current institutional policies and procedures and develop new procedures to ensure regulations and standards are maintained within WVU’s animal research facilities, including biohazards and biocontainment issues.
Cross-train to provide coverage for other facility managers and support their duties.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in field of science or veterinary technician degree OR an equivalent combination of education and directly related experience.
A minimum of five (5) years of Animal Care and Administrative experience.
Ability to read and write in English, perform basic mathematical calculations, and operate computer programs.
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.
Certifications:

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.