Vivarium Supervisor

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.

Job Location (Full Address):

220 Hutchison Rd, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14620

Opening:

Worker Subtype:

Regular

Time Type:

Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Department:

400170 Vivarium M&D

Work Shift:

UR - Day (United States of America)

Range:

UR URG 109 H

Compensation Range:

$27.16 - $38.03

Responsibilities:

The successful applicant will work 5 consecutive days per week, Monday through Friday. Directly supervises and coordinates the activities of a large number of animal care technicians and cage wash technicians.. Schedules daily work assignments for staff. Addresses inquiries and resolves problems pertaining to any aspect of animal care raised by investigators, veterinary staff and animal care technicians. Inspects animal and cage wash areas to assess adequacy of provision of husbandry services. Contributes to annual performance reviews of direct reports. Participates in interviewing applicants for animal care technician positions. Participates in decisions to hire and discipline animal care staff. Supervises and coordinates the training of new hires by direct reports. Participates in the formulation of standard operating procedures. Is knowledgeable about state and federal regulations and policies as well as University policies regarding animal care and well being and evaluates husbandry activities to assure compliance with same. Keeps abreast of current practices and innovations in the field of laboratory animal care by reading relevant literature and attending meetings and seminars.

SUPERVISION AND DIRECTION RECEIVED:
Works under the general supervision of the Director of the Vivarium, the Assistant Director of the Vivarium, the Executive Director of the Vivarium and other designated authority.

SUPERVISION AND DIRECTION EXERCISED:
Supervises and coordinates the activities of Laboratory Animal Technicians and Technician Assistants. Participates in annual performance evaluations of all direct reports. Supervises and coordinates training of staff as well as directly participating in training activities.

MACHINES AND EQUIPMENT USED:
Cage and Rack Washers, Bottle washers, incinerator, watering equipment, autoclaves, scales, thermometers, humidistats, psychrometers, safety cabinets, ventilated racks.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Assigns daily work assignments to staff. Adjusts daily work schedules to address unanticipated fluctuations in available staff. Inspects animal rooms and support areas to assess adequacy of performance of staff. Implements corrective actions where indicated. Supervises the operation of special function areas and equipment such as the cage wash room, automatic watering systems, the incinerator, autoclaves and various procedure rooms. Supervises and coordinates training of junior staff by senior staff. Directly participates in training activities.
• Utilizes knowledge of federal and state regulations and policies as well as university policies to assess degree of compliance with such policies as they relate to animal care. Reports areas of non-compliance to superiors and takes immediate action where possible to correct non-compliant situations.
• Acts as a resource to animal care staff to address and resolve husbandry related problems and concerns and facilitates provision of specialized services. Interacts between investigators and animal care staff to foster communication, resolve problems and facilitate the provision of services.
• Interacts with other university service departments such as Facility Operations and the Fire Marshall’s Office to facilitate the resolution of problems.
• Participates in the Annual Performance Evaluation process for all staff. Addresses performance issues on a daily basis, informs supervisors of significant situations and works with supervisors to effect appropriate resolutions.
• By means of independent study, reading of journals, attending meetings and seminars, etc., increases knowledge of animal care topics and keeps abreast of new developments in the field.
• Other duties as assigned

MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Associate's degree in appropriate discipline required
• 7 years relevant work experience or equivalent combination of education and experience required
• At least 3 years of demonstrated leadership experience preferred
• Prior experience in lab animal facility preferred

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Strong attention to detail, interpersonal, organization, demonstrated customer service skills, and communication skills (including written communication) required.
• Ability to lift repetitively up to 50 lbs and ability to work weekends and holidays when necessary required. 
• Knowledge of computer software packages required. 
• AALAS certification at the ALAT level or higher a plus preferred.
• Knowledge of animal husbandry and knowledge of regulations related to animal husbandry preferred.

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University’s Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.