USDA Animal Care Supervisor 2

Job Description
USDA Animal Care Supervisor (Prof 2)
Job Family: Animal Health
Full/Part Time: Full-Time, Regular
Job Code: 7192LC
Employee Class: Civil Service
Department: Research Animal Resources Mpls

Position Overview
The USDA Animal Care Supervisor 2 is responsible for the direct supervision of personnel, facilities, and equipment dedicated to the care of USDA-regulated laboratory animals and other laboratory animals. This role ensures that all activities are conducted in strict accordance with federal regulations, institutional policies, and AAALAC standards. This role serves as a key leader in promoting a culture of care and compliance, providing expert guidance to husbandry staff (including Animal Care Specialists, Laboratory Animal Attendants (LAA), and Lab Animal Care Technicians (LACT), and fostering collaborative relationships with veterinary and research personnel.

Position Responsibilities:
(40%) Employee Supervision & Specialized Training
* Supervise, direct, and mentor the work of husbandry staff, including Animal Care Specialist IIs (ACS), Animal Care Leads (ACL), LACTs, and LAAs, within USDA-regulated facilities.
* Provide specialized training for others as needed on the operational and regulatory management of facilities housing USDA-regulated species.
* Ensure staff implement proper and consistent husbandry care for all species & areas within assigned facilities.
* Create and manage work schedules, conduct performance (annual and probation) reviews, review and approve direct report payroll
* Support husbandry hiring process
* Ensure all direct reports have the necessary training, resources, and support to maintain the highest standards of animal care and safety, with a focus on mastering the appropriate care for USDA-regulated species.
* Support husbandry hiring process
* 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 in collaboration with the area veterinarian.
* Write, review, and continuously improve Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) specific to USDA species and facility operations to ensure they are current and effective.
* Serve as a subject matter expert regarding animal care and facility needs for the USDA-regulated species housed within assigned 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.
* Conduct regular facility rounds and audits to ensure readiness for regulatory inspections; address and document any deficiencies with RAR management.
* Manage facility utilization, including census tracking, cage card management, and coordination of space for investigator requests.
* Implement species-specific housing enhancements (ie: pens, hoops, and enrichment structures) for study specific needs
* Provide expert oversight of all animal husbandry activities, ensuring the implementation of detailed, species-specific feeding, sanitation, and enrichment plans.
* Act as a primary point of contact for animal welfare concerns, promptly reporting any issues to the Area Veterinarian and collaborating on resolutions.
* Ensure all staff consistently implement proper and species-appropriate husbandry care.
(15%) Investigator & Veterinary Collaboration
* Collaborate directly with principal investigators and veterinary staff to understand research needs and ensure that all animal care activities align with approved protocols and animal welfare standards.
* Provide recommendations of animal housing and care opportunities to enhance animal welfare.
* 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 USDA facilities ensuring adherence to safety standards.
(15%) Teamwork & Program Support
* Collaborate with other supervisors and RAR management to ensure consistent application of policies and procedures across all programs.
* Mentor supervisory peers and other RAR staff on facility operations and regulatory management
* Share on-call responsibilities for after-hours monitoring and emergency response for critical facility alarms.
* Support and back up other RAR area supervisors as needed to provide supervisory presence across the program, 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 degree and 2 years of related lab animal experience, OR a combination of related education and work experience to equal at least 6 years.
* Experience in a supervisory role with full time direct reports in an animal care setting.
* Demonstrated ability to understand and follow complex written and oral instructions in English, including detailed laboratory and regulatory protocols.
* Valid driver's license and the ability to lift/push up to 50 lbs.
* 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.
* ALAT certification is required within 2 years of start date

Preferred Qualifications:
* 2+ years of related USDA lab animal experience is strongly preferred
* Two or more years of direct supervisory experience in a lab animal facility, including hiring and performance management
* In-depth, applied knowledge of USDA, OLAW, and AAALAC regulations and standards
* Experience preparing for and participating in regulatory inspections (USDA, AAALAC)

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-$43.03/hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Time Appointment

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

Work Profile: This position has been 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.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).