MGR, Operations

University of Florida•Gainesville, FL

2d•$87,000 - $95,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Animal Sciences is seeking a Manager, Operations. This position is responsible for managing and overseeing the implementation of research and teaching activities within the Dairy, Small Ruminant, and Swine Programs in the Department of Animal Sciences. The incumbent is responsible for all aspects of day-to-day operations for research and teaching units, ensuring high-quality support for research trials, resource allocation, teaching experiences and overall facility management. This role plays a critical leadership function in supporting and enhancing research capabilities, teaching and extension activities and supporting the operational strategy, budget management, staff oversight, and the safety of animals and personnel. The Manager, Operations is expected to help maintain direct operational and budgetary oversight for the Dairy, Small Ruminant, and Swine Programs. The incumbent will serve as part of the departmental management team with a commitment to operating with a sense of community within the department. This position will function in a capacity of co-leadership with another Manager, Operations to ensure unit operations, programs and activities comply with university, state and federal regulations.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in an appropriate area and three years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Valid driver's license.

Nice To Haves

Master’s Degree in Animal Sciences
Two years’ experience in a livestock research environment
Effective communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills
Be self-directed and able to work effectively in a team environment with little direct supervision
Knowledge of the correct procedures and techniques in farm equipment operations
Demonstrated strength in organization and efficiency meeting deadlines
Knowledge of livestock management, livestock behavior, livestock nutrition and general animal husbandry
Have the ability to determine priorities, assign work and ensure completion
Strong knowledge of agronomic crop production in Florida climates as it pertains to forages

Responsibilities

Participate in the planning and execution of facility and equipment management strategies to support current and future research and teaching demands.
Coordinate closely with the Farm Managers and technical staff to anticipate needs for specialized equipment, supplies, and facility enhancements necessary for advanced research.
Responsible for budget oversight of the Dairy, Small Ruminant, and Swine programs.
Assists in annual planning of the respective programs with a particular focus on capturing efficiency within the programs and across department programs.
Budget oversight will include all vendor relationships for appropriate animal feed, materials and supplies used in the programs.
Financial Planning and Reporting, Strategic Purchasing and Inventory Control and expenditure approvals.
Work closely with the Manager, Administrative Services, to create and establish annual budgets, spending plans, staffing allocations and all human resources activities.
Operate a state vehicle daily to drive between the main department and units to perform daily responsibilities.
Primary responsibility for managing and guiding staff at the Dairy Research Unit, Small Ruminant Unit and Swine Unit.
Supervision, training, recruitment and evaluation of farm staff, students and volunteers to effectively manage and accomplish the goals of the program.
Periodic review of unit staffing plans to ensure staff are being cultivated to achieve their career goals.
Periodic review of position descriptions for accuracy and updating as needed.
Providing support for HR issues and creating models for effective staffing at all units to include TEAMS, STAS and OPS.
Provide input on the recruitment and onboarding of new staff, both TEAMS and OPS.
Plans and coordinates the utilization of animal subjects and resources for research, teaching and extension functions.
Oversees the forage production crops at the Dairy Research Unit to effectively provide adequate forage supply for animal feed.
Focus on agronomic activities at the Dairy Research Unit.
Collaborates with Small Ruminant and Swine Program Managers and faculty to establish flock/herd size, breeding and management of the program animals.
Collaborates with faculty and industry to support existing programs and implement new programs.
Ensures that animals will be strategically located to match available resources with the research, teaching and extension needs of the department.
Facilitate extension activities that showcase UF research, programs and projects.
Serve as a liaison between industry stakeholders and the Department of Animal Sciences.
Conducts due diligence, evaluating potential partners and develops and delivers presentations highlighting the value of alliances and partnerships to all involved parties.
Ensure compliance for mission activities for both human and animal visitors to provide safety and adherence to all State, University and Federal guidelines.
Oversight of Facility Management as it relates to routine maintenance, upgrades and repairs.
Maintaining Standard Operating Procedures for Animal Use.
Function as liaison for IACUC and EH&S activities at the Dairy Research Unit, Small Ruminant and Swine units.
Ensure that projects and budgets set forth by the Department Chair remain within set budgetary limits.
Other duties as assigned.