USDA Animal Care Supervisor 3

Job Description
USDA Animal Care Supervisor (Prof 3)
Job Family: Animal Health
Full/Part Time: Full-Time, Regular
Job Code: 7193LC
Employee Class: Civil Service
Department: Research Animal Resources Mpls

Position Overview
The USDA Animal Care Supervisor 3 is responsible for the comprehensive oversight of personnel, facilities, and equipment dedicated to the care of USDA-regulated and Biohazard research, teaching animals and other research animals. This role supervises the most expert husbandry staff, including Animal Care Specialist IIIs, and is responsible for ensuring all husbandry operations meet regulatory compliance standards, in close partnership with the area veterinarian. The incumbent is expected to solve complex technical and logistical problems, provide expert guidance to junior supervisors, and lead initiatives to ensure the highest standards of animal care and welfare.
Position Responsibilities:
(40%) Employee Supervision & Strategic Training
* Supervise, direct, and mentor the work of husbandry staff, including Animal Care Specialist IIIs (ACS), Animal Care Specialist IIs (ACS), Animal Care Leads (ACL), Lab Animal Care Technicians (LACT), and Lab Animal Attendants (LAA) within USDA-regulated and large animal BSL-2 facilities.
* Delegate responsibilities to Animal Care Specialist IIIs and other lead workers, providing guidance on scheduling, task delegation, and conflict resolution.
* Participate in and support training in collaboration with the Training Director and Animal Care Manager for all levels of staff, including peers and researchers, on the operational and regulatory management of complex USDA & BSL-2 facilities.
* Ensure staff implement proper and consistent husbandry care for all species & areas within assigned facilities, including large animal BSL-2 facilities.
* Support husbandry hiring process
* Create and manage work schedules, conduct performance reviews (annual & probation), approve payroll, and manage all aspects of employee relations for direct reports.
* Mentor employees to further career goals and support continued educational and certification opportunities
(30%) Regulatory Compliance & Operational Oversight
* Ensure facility compliance with all USDA, OLAW, and AAALAC standards, developing and implementing policies to meet and exceed these standards in collaboration with the area veterinarian and other RAR leaders.
* Serve as a subject matter expert regarding animal care and facility needs for the USDA-regulated species housed within assigned facilities, including large animal BSL-2 facilities. Share this knowledge as needed with fellow supervisors to ensure they have the knowledge needed to provide appropriate coverage during absences and weekend/holiday shifts.
* Lead the development, review, and creation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all facility operations, from animal care to equipment maintenance and biosecurity.
* Lead preparations with the area veterinarian for all regulatory site visits (AAALAC, USDA, IACUC) and serve as a point of contact and tour lead for inspectors.
* Oversee all facility management, including census, space allocation, and coordination with maintenance and vendors for preventative maintenance and repairs of large equipment (skid loaders, manure spreaders, etc.).
* Coordinate BSL-2 large animal research studies, including room entry protocols, verification of specialized supplies, and overseeing the end of the study decontamination process.
* Implement species-specific housing enhancements (ie: pens, hoops, and enrichment structures) for study specific needs
* Collaboration with FM to set the rooms up to meet the PIs (researchers) environmental parameters when needed for specific studies.
(15%) Investigator & Veterinary Partnership
* Provide consultation to principal investigators in collaboration with veterinary staff on specialized housing, restraint, care and study needs based on experimental requirements and animal behavior. Ensure that all animal care activities align with approved protocols and animal welfare standards.
* Ensure all animal welfare standards are met, especially in challenging conditions such as extreme weather, and approve remediation plans developed by staff.
* Provide clear, professional, and timely communication regarding animal health status, facility operations, and support services.
* Conduct facility tours and provide training for lab staff on correct procedures for BSL2 facilities ensuring adherence to biosecurity and safety standards.
(15%) Leadership & Program Support
* Collaborate with other supervisors and RAR management to ensure consistent application of policies and procedures across all programs.
* Train and mentor supervisory peers and other RAR staff on facility operations and regulatory management
* Share on-call responsibilities for after-hours emergency response for critical facility alarms.
* Act as a backup for other supervisors and provide leadership presence across the entire RAR program as needed, which may require driving to other University locations.

This position is responsible for complying with any and all licensing, certification or other requirements for the position, including any medical and training requirements of the Research Occupational Health Program (ROHP).
This role is designated as an Essential Employee and must report to work on site during a University State of Emergency per the University's policy on University State of Emergency: Human Resources Implications.

Required Qualifications:
* BA/BS and 4 years of related lab animal experience, OR a combination of related education and work experience to equal at least 8 years.
* Experience in a research setting caring for large USDA animals.
* Experience in a supervisory role with full time direct reports in an animal care setting.
* Demonstrated experience with biosecurity protocols and the operation of farm equipment and vehicles.
* Valid driver's license and the ability to lift/push up to 50 lbs.
* Demonstrated ability to understand, follow, and develop complex written and oral instructions in English, including detailed laboratory and regulatory protocols.
* Demonstrated proficiency with web-based systems and administrative tools, including Google Workspace (Gmail, Google Chat, Docs, Sheets) and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
* Strong conflict management, organization, and planning skills.
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with an ability to resolve conflicts and build consensus.
* Strong problem-solving skills with a proven ability to make sound decisions in a complex, regulated environment.
* ALAT certification is required within 2 years of start date.

Preferred Qualifications:
* Three or more years of direct supervisory experience in a lab animal facility, including hiring, performance management, and disciplinary actions.
* Expert-level applied knowledge of USDA, OLAW, and AAALAC regulations and standards.
* Direct experience leading a facility through regulatory inspections (USDA, AAALAC).
* Proven ability to develop and implement new and innovative operational processes/procedures.

Research Animal Resources (RAR) provides the University of Minnesota research community with animal care, procurement services, veterinary knowledge, and maintenance of housing facilities for animal-related research activities. The department has over 150 employees including Professional and Administrative, Civil Service, and Union Represented employees,, all working in support of this mission. RAR has a daily census of over 23,000 rodent cages in 17 buildings split into 7 geographic teams around the Minneapolis and St. Paul campus.

Pay Range: $33.18-$43.75/hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Time Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Work Profile: This position is designated as Work Profile 1, Office Lab-Based - is expected to work primarily on-site in the office/lab. Only occasionally and inconsistently working remotely.

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment. This position is not eligible for H-1B or green card sponsorship.