Animal Facilities Manager

Posted online: March 5, 2008

Institution: Veteran's Administration, Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System (VA-GLAHS)

Location: Los Angeles, CA

The Veteran's Administration, Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System (VA-GLAHS) Is seeking applicants for the Supervisory Animal Facilities Manager of the Veterinary Medical Unit (VMU). The VA-GLAHS is an AAALAC accredited facility.

Job Description
This position provides the essential operational and technical support for a variety of animal studies for all biomedical research programs involving animal subjects and education and training in animal techniques for professional and technical staff involved in animal studies. These responsibilities of this position include the following:

• Plan, organize and supervise the day-to-day operational procedures program of the VMU.
• Set performance standards and prepare formal evaluation of the employee's performance.
• Plan and oversee the VMU safety program.
• Independently develop, write, recommend and implement procedures and policies to comply with current regulations and accepted standards regarding animal welfare.
• Provide prescribed nursing and health care.
• Monitor the quarantine and conditioning programs for newly received animals.
• Provide guidance to research scientists regarding sources of species, proper enclosure and surrounding environmental conditions for different animal species, etc.
• Assist with all VMU cost accounting and daily record keeping, manages the VMU budget and collect and submits census and other billing information.
• Maintain inventory of and initiates purchase requests for all animal diets and other supplies essential for the daily operation of the VMU.
• Maintain the laboratory facilities and equipment, controls supplies, and maintain and control laboratory records.
• Handles data management, inventory tracking and management, logistical support, animal transport between facilities in accordance with SOP's.
• Conduct regular inspections of all areas of the animal facilities to insure that the proper standards are maintained.

Qualifications
The position requires knowledge of the technical methods and procedures, management practices, budget development and management, agency policies and programs, and an extensive familiarity with the methods and practice of the sciences. Ability to interact well with individuals at all levels as well as excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential. Incumbent must possess independent work habits. Strong personnel management skills required. Knowledge regarding the development of budgets for animal facilities and in cost management strategies and cost accounting for per-diems required.

Certification or other Requirements include:
1. A Bachelors of Science degree in Biology, Animal Science or related discipline
2. Certification at the American Association of Laboratory Animal Science AALAS/MLAS or LATg level
3. Minimum of 3 years experience and training in supervising animal care operations in an AAALAC accredited animal facility as an animal care technician
4. Experience in laboratory animal facilities utilizing individually ventilated cages (IVC) systems.
5. Experience managing a barrier facility preferred.

Please submit a cover letter and Curriculum Vitae with three references via e-mail to Mary Knezevich, DVM, Chief, Veterinary Medical Unit, VA-GLAHS at mary.knezevich2@med.va.gov.

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