Manager, Husbandry

University of Pennsylvania

2d•$75,804 - $93,000•Onsite

About The Position

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023. Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play. The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more. Posted Job Title Manager, Husbandry Job Profile Title Manager, Husbandry Job Description Summary Manage the daily operations of the animal facility(s) from a husbandry/facility and regulatory perspective. Provide direct oversight of husbandry staff including, hiring, disciplinary action and performance evaluations. Responsible for safety and all physical plant matters including the monitoring of environmental and husbandry systems, and equipment. Utilizing computer software, maintain and perform census, receiving, and records management. Interface with investigators and researchers to troubleshoot and resolve problems related to husbandry, facility, and animal procurement. Serve as the key interface for establishing a “customer service orientation” attitude within husbandry services towards the research community. Facilitate research activities of research personnel by providing routine orientation for new users of the facility, and assisting other users with services or information. Work closely with and provide backup to the billing department in regards to ordering of supplies, caging, repair and service of facility equipment, and the purchase of new equipment in a fiscally responsible manner. Assist in the development, management, and the implementation of appropriate Standard Operating Procedures in compliance with the AWA, AAALAC, FDA, USDA, and the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. Assist in the writing and implement measurable evaluation of staff quantity and quality of work. ULAR provides essential 24/7 services for the University of Pennsylvania. The ULAR Manager, Husbandry position is designated as "essential" and you are expected to work when normal campus operations are suspended (e.g.: inclement weather) or if there is an emergency impacting ULAR. In addition, you may be expected to work outside of your regular schedule during peak activity periods (e.g.: overtime, weekends). To the extent possible, managers will provide timely notice of modified work schedules.

Requirements

Graduation from a vocational or technical school plus 5-7 years related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience
AALAS certification at the LATG level; if not, will be required to gain certification within 6 months
Previous experience managing a laboratory animal facility or equivalent experience
Previous supervisory experience
Experience handling small animals, including rodents; experience handling larger animals may be required or preferred
Ability to use computers
Excellent customer service skills
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Ability to read, write, and comprehend English
Ability to follow both written and verbal instructions
Ability to solve problems
Ability to explain problems/issues/solutions
Must be service-oriented and able to work as a team member
Able to repetitively lift 50 lbs.
Ability to stand for long periods
Must pass pre-employment physical examination before starting work
Ability to work weekends/holidays/overtime as required
May be required to pass an FBI background check

Nice To Haves

Experience handling larger animals may be required or preferred

Responsibilities

Manage the daily operations of the animal facility(s) from a husbandry and regulatory perspective.
Oversee the activity of the animal care staff, including but not limited to scheduling of daily activities, hiring of new employees, discipline of existing employees, and performance evaluations
Supervise the daily animal husbandry activities of personnel assigned to the facility, including instruction and review of work quality
Serve on various university committees
Interface with primary investigators and research staff to troubleshoot and resolve problems related to facilities, husbandry, and animal care.
Provide orientation and training for existing and new users of the facility, providing information and services
Maintain and archive records related to facility activities, census, and animal procurement using computer-based software
Order feed, bedding, supplies, and equipment in support of the animal facility
Maintain a working relationship with Penn facility maintenance, service contract providers, and vendors for repair and service of the facility and the equipment.
Report problems to appropriate office(s); follow up if repairs are not made in a timely fashion or done correctly