Animal Care Operation Manager

JOB SUMMARY:

The Animal Care Operations Manager oversees the daily operations of the animal care program and facility management. Responsible for maximizing resources, ensuring schedule adherence, and maintaining high standards of animal welfare and regulatory compliance. This role manages staff, supports research activities, and leads efforts related to animal husbandry, safety, and operational efficiency.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage key aspects of animal care, including husbandry, health monitoring, and facility operations.
• Develop, implement, and monitor work schedules to optimize productivity and ensure animal welfare.
• Supervise, train, and evaluate animal care staff and technicians, fostering teamwork and high standards.
• Oversee animal health assessments, clinical procedures, and documentation in compliance with IACUC and other regulatory agencies.
• Coordinate animal movements, allocations, and logistics, including quarantine procedures.
• Maintain inventory and supplies for animal care, chemicals, PPE, and equipment.
• Ensure the sanitation, safety, and cleanliness of all animal areas and equipment.
• Manage and review daily logs, treatment records, and procedural documentation.
• Direct and support the capture of animals as needed, ensuring safe and humane procedures.
• Assist in the development and review of SOPs, ensuring up-to-date and compliant practices.
• Collaborate with maintenance and facilities to ensure the physical integrity and safety of animal enclosures and work spaces.
• Prepare reports and updates for senior management regarding program status, animal health, and operational metrics.
• Lead or assist with special projects related to facility improvements, safety, and animal welfare.
• Manage key aspects of animal care, including husbandry, health monitoring, and facility operations.
• Works closely with the, Veterinarians, Animal Care Program Manager, Maintenance Department and the Government Project Director to ensure that the personnel are in compliance with the AGI Animal Care Program and SOP's.
• At all times considering the welfare of the animals.
• Following the directives of Management while continue to achieve the highest quality Animal Care
• Bring forward new practices and procedures that may improve efficiency and care of the animals to the Animal Care Program Manager. * Provides strategic, expert advice and consultation on the design and implementation of effective animal care processes and oversight.
• Effectively manage Company resources and ensure efficient operations of animal care operations with minimal staff resources
• Perform proper training of animal care personnel to follow company Standard Operating Procedure of animal care duties
• Participates in and/or facilitates various animal care management and research tasks and participate in planning and procedural development decisions.
• Participates in the development, organization, and implementation of short- and long-range goals, objectives, policies, and operating procedures; monitors and evaluates program effectiveness and in consultation with the Animal Care Program Manager; effects changes required for improvement.

DAILY TASKS:

• Manages and coordinates the daily operation of animal care facilities within the Animal Care Program; plans and directs the work of supervisors and subordinate staff.
• Makes decisions regarding evaluation, promotion and termination of employees, or makes related recommendations to the Animal Care Program Manager.
• Establishes and develops procedures for the animal care process and daily operations in accordance with policies and procedures set forth by the company and outside governing agencies.
• Inspects animal facilities to ensure humane care and use of animals in research; ensures that all animal facilities are maintained in compliance with accreditation standards.
• Prepares weekly reports concerning departmental work activities, progress, status and special reports for the Animal Care Program Manager or governing agencies if necessary.
• Perform check of every area of the facility at a minimum of once per week
• Ensure logs maintained by Animal Care Staff are complete and in accordance with the training regime
• Take part and oversee the capture of animals that escape from primary enclosures.
• Receive training and secure proficiency in proper use of the dart gun for animals requiring sedation for capture.
• Trains employees engaging in animal research with regards to local, state and federal guidelines and regulations pertaining to proper care and use of animals.
• Engages in human resources related activities including, training and development of staff and employee relations activities.
• Represents the company, at meetings and conferences.
• Interprets implements, develops and/or recommends changes to rules, regulations, policies and procedures set forth by the company or outside governing agencies.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Previous management experience in animal care or research facility settings.
• Strong knowledge of project management, safety protocols, and regulatory compliance (USDA, AAALAC, IACUC).
• Excellent leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Ability to develop and implement short- and long-term operational goals.
• Skilled in the use of personal computers and Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities, especially under pressure.
• Able to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Previous manager experience

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITES:

Assist in supervising up to 50 Animal Care Team Members along with 5 other Animal Care Managers. Works to encourage teamwork and group coordination at the primate centers.

EDUCATION:

Combination of experience and/or education will be evaluated.

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

South Carolina Driver's License or equivalent can be obtained after employment

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

Ability to read and interpret documents, including research reports and protocols, standard operating procedures, and other instructions. Ability to communicate in writing to all levels of employees, including Managers and senior staff.

REASONING ABILITY:

Must be able to make decisions relative to animal clinical care and must know when to contact the Staff Veterinarian. Must have sufficient skills and abilities to know when there are problems within primate groups and be able to work with appropriate personnel to stabilize groups. The individual must be able to deal with a wide diversity of problems, to propose resolutions, and to implement approved resolutions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job, with or without reasonable accommodations. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, lift, and reach. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Additionally, the employee must be able to distinguish colors.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job, with or without reasonable accommodations. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to wet inclement weather, including cold, heat with high humidity, and precipitation. The noise level is usually moderate. The job requires the ability to direct those catching animals in safe and proper procedures, and to catch small to medium-sized animals without supervision. Occasional lifting of up to 50 lbs. May be required. Work hours are 8 hours per day, five days per week. There will also be overtime required as well as weekend and evening work based on Company needs.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $ $45.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off

Ability to Commute:

• Yemassee, SC (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Yemassee, SC: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $45