Husbandry Training & Development Specialist

About this Opportunity

This position leads and continuously improves the Department of Comparative Medicine's (DCM) training program for husbandry and logistics personnel. Responsibilities include developing and delivering onboarding, competency, continuing education, and certification-preparation programs; maintaining training records; and ensuring staff are trained in animal care, animal welfare, safety, regulatory requirements, departmental procedures, and facility operations.

The position oversees the development, review, and implementation of standard operating procedures, guidelines, and training materials related to animal husbandry, cage wash, logistics, and facility support activities. Working closely with the DCM Operations Management Team and supervisory staff, the incumbent identifies training needs, promotes operational consistency and efficiency, and supports continuous quality improvement.

In addition, this position provides instructional support to research personnel, manages training resources and equipment, and promotes workforce development and employee engagement. By ensuring a highly trained and knowledgeable workforce, this position supports DCM's mission to provide exceptional animal care, operational excellence, and regulatory compliance

Key Responsibilities

•  Oversee and lead the review and refinement of animal care and cage wash procedures and facility support practices (e.g., Standard Operating Procedures) related to husbandry and logistics personnel.  Manage departmental standard operating procedures and guidelines pertaining to the animal care program.  Consult and coordinate with the DCM Operations Management Team and Husbandry and Logistics Supervisors regarding training issues on a regular basis.  (35%)

•  Schedule, perform, and document initial and ongoing training and instruction for DCM personnel (primarily animal and logistics technicians) pertaining to animal care and use, animal welfare and regulations, departmental policies, updated guidelines and procedures, equipment use, safety, and facility upkeep and maintenance.  Trainings may occur either with individuals or in group settings and may occasionally include research personnel external to the department.  Manage and provide direction regarding training to supervisors overseeing animal husbandry and logistics technicians.  Consult and coordinate with the DCM Operations Management Team and Husbandry and Logistics Supervisors on a regular basis.  Maintain accurate and complete training records. (35%)

• Oversee the development, preparation, and modification of instructional programs, teaching aids, materials, equipment, assessment methods, and recordkeeping practices associated with online, didactic and hands-on instruction of husbandry personnel.  Determine the need for materials, equipment and instruments necessary for training activities.  Order or procure necessary items within budgetary limitations and assist with monitoring training program expenditures and preparing budget reports. Construct training materials used in demonstrations; prepare, set up and use veterinary, husbandry, and cage wash related equipment and materials for training classes using safe procedures in handling equipment, animals or hazardous materials. Search literature to determine methods to improve animal care, as well as methods to improve the teaching and training of procedures and techniques. (10%)

• Provide instruction and instructional resources to researchers to facilitate their safe and appropriate use of animals in research. (10%)

• Design, implement, and oversee career development and instructional opportunities for personnel preparing for AALAS ALAT, LAT, and LATG exams and related certifications. Develop and lead programs to increase efficiencies and personnel moral.  (5%)

• Perform other program related duties as required such as: ordering; maintaining records of supplies, equipment, and materials; attending regular meetings with departmental personnel; advising managers of potential problems with existing programs. (5%)

Required Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biological science or related field
• Two or more years' experience

Applicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Manager

Additional Qualifications

• Experience in writing standard operating procedures, technical documents, and instructional materials.
• Experience in teaching and instruction.
• An in-depth understanding of instructional design and learning styles.
• Experience in hands-on laboratory animal care and use.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a research environment with culturally diverse populations and with individuals of varying educational & experiential backgrounds.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal direct supervision, explore new areas, and seek opportunities to apply new knowledge to work. 
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment and foster collegial and cooperative relationships with co-workers and clients.
• Demonstrated ability to plan and execute complicated work processes.
• Demonstrated ability to take direction.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with robust organizational abilities.
• Proficiency with a variety of software including Microsoft Office applications (e.g., Word, Excel, Outlook) and calendaring systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in instructing others in laboratory animal care and use.
• AALAS certification at a minimum of the LAT level.
• Experience with learning management systems.

Working Conditions

• Frequent traveling to and working in different animal facilities on and off campus will be required.  Use of personal car not required.
• May be required to work with and take specific precautions, against and/or be immunized against potentially infectious agents. Specific precautions may include wearing respirators and/or protective clothing.
• Employee is personally responsible for following health & safety and security policies/procedures.
• Must be available to work 1 to 2 weekends per year.
• Punctuality and regular attendance are critical components of this position.
• This is an essential position. The employee is expected to report to work under conditions that other employees are not required to report to work, such as inclement weather and UW campus suspended operations.
• Employment is contingent upon successful completion of health assessment at the UW’s Employee Health Clinic. The health assessment may include but is not limited to tuberculosis clearance, measles clearance, and immunizations, such as tetanus and rabies, physical exam and/or review of work health history, x-rays, and/or assessment to wear positive or negative respiratory protective equipment. These health assessments will be repeated periodically during work assignment. Specific precautions may include wearing respirators and/or protective clothing.
•  Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds and carry 30 pounds
• Physical ability required to do the work
• Employee is personally responsible for following health & safety and security policies and procedures