Husbandry Training & Development Specialist

University of Washington Medical Center•Seattle, WA

1d•$61,368 - $79,800•Hybrid

About The Position

The Department of Comparative Medicine has an outstanding opportunity for a Husbandry Training & Development Specialist to join their team. Reporting to the professor, the Program Operations Specialist purpose is to manage and continually improve the instructional program, teaching aids, materials, equipment, assessment methods and record keeping practices related to the Department of Comparative Medicine's (DCM) training program for husbandry and logistics personnel. The training program consists of online, didactic, and hands-on instruction. This position exists to provide consistent training of newly hired husbandry personnel, as well as to provide consistent ongoing (i.e., refresher or continuing) training for existing husbandry and logistics personnel. This position is also responsible for overseeing and modifying standard operating procedures, guidelines, and operational process documents related to husbandry and logistics operations and training. Additionally, this position will provide direction and performance management information to supervisors overseeing animal husbandry and logistics technicians and will occasionally provide instruction to animal researchers. Husbandry and logistics personnel are vital team members within DCM and fit into the department's overall operations by providing the highest quality care for laboratory animals.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Biological science or related field
Two or more years' experience
Experience in writing standard operating procedures, technical documents, and instructional materials.
Experience in teaching and instruction.
An in-depth understanding of instructional design and learning styles.
Experience in hands-on laboratory animal care and use.
Ability to work collaboratively in a research environment with culturally diverse populations and with individuals of varying educational & experiential backgrounds.
Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal direct supervision, explore new areas, and seek opportunities to apply new knowledge to work.
Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment and foster collegial and cooperative relationships with co-workers and clients.
Demonstrated ability to plan and execute complicated work processes.
Demonstrated ability to take direction.
Strong verbal and written communication skills with robust organizational abilities.
Proficiency with a variety of software including Microsoft Office applications (e.g., Word, Excel, Outlook) and calendaring systems.

Nice To Haves

Experience in instructing others in laboratory animal care and use.
AALAS certification at a minimum of the LAT level.
Experience with learning management systems.

Responsibilities

Oversee and lead the review and refinement of animal care and cage wash procedures and facility support practices (e.g., Standard Operating Procedures) related to husbandry and logistics personnel. Manage departmental standard operating procedures and guidelines pertaining to the animal care program. Consult and coordinate with the DCM Operations Management Team and Husbandry and Logistics Supervisors regarding training issues on a regular basis.
Schedule, perform, and document initial and ongoing training and instruction for DCM personnel (primarily animal and logistics technicians) pertaining to animal care and use, animal welfare and regulations, departmental policies, updated guidelines and procedures, equipment use, safety, and facility upkeep and maintenance. Trainings may occur either with individuals or in group settings and may occasionally include research personnel external to the department. Manage and provide direction regarding training to supervisors overseeing animal husbandry and logistics technicians. Consult and coordinate with the DCM Operations Management Team and Husbandry and Logistics Supervisors on a regular basis. Maintain accurate and complete training records.
Oversee the development, preparation, and modification of instructional programs, teaching aids, materials, equipment, assessment methods, and recordkeeping practices associated with online, didactic and hands-on instruction of husbandry personnel. Determine the need for materials, equipment and instruments necessary for training activities. Order or procure necessary items within budgetary limitations and assist with monitoring training program expenditures and preparing budget reports. Construct training materials used in demonstrations; prepare, set up and use veterinary, husbandry, and cage wash related equipment and materials for training classes using safe procedures in handling equipment, animals or hazardous materials. Search literature to determine methods to improve animal care, as well as methods to improve the teaching and training of procedures and techniques.
Provide instruction and instructional resources to researchers to facilitate their safe and appropriate use of animals in research.
Design, implement, and oversee career development and instructional opportunities for personnel preparing for AALAS ALAT, LAT, and LATG exams and related certifications. Develop and lead programs to increase efficiencies and personnel moral.
Perform other program related duties as required such as: ordering; maintaining records of supplies, equipment, and materials; attending regular meetings with departmental personnel; advising managers of potential problems with existing programs.