Animal Care Manager

Research Animal Resources - University of Minnesota

Title: Animal Care Manager AH Mgr 1-Lab Animal Care
Job code: 9351LC
Employee Group: Professional & Administrative (P&A)
Full/Part Time (FTE): 100%
Regular/Temporary: Regular

About the Job:
The University of Minnesota's department of Research Animal Resources (RAR) is searching for an Animal Care manager to oversee animal care operations across 13 facilities located within the University of Minnesota's AAALAC-accredited research program.

The Animal Care Manager is responsible for directing, supporting, and supervising the activities of up to 8 animal care supervisors (including specialized USDA Animal Care Supervisors) and 1 Operations Coordinator, overseeing a team of approximately 70 individuals. This position reports directly to the RAR Associate Director of Animal Care and serves as a pivotal bridge between strategic leadership and ground-level operations.

The work duties for this position are complex and varied, requiring deep interpretation of technical guidelines, regulatory policies, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Success in this role demands a leader who can thrive in a high-stakes environment by balancing the diverse needs of research teams, animal welfare standards, and staff development. The ideal manager will cultivate a culture of high-quality care and engagement by proactively resolving personnel conflicts, fostering collaborative relationships across RAR leadership and stakeholders, and leading strategic improvements in operational workflows. The manager may also lead and oversee various husbandry related projects.

Location and Work Environment:
This position works in-person on the Twin Cities campus.
This position is defined as an essential role under the University's State of Emergency policy, and plays a key role in ensuring the health and welfare of RAR's research animals. During emergencies or other situations that impact normal operations, this position may be required to perform additional duties as assigned to support the team and ensure animal care is not compromised. These duties may include, but are not limited to, animal husbandry, sanitation, feeding, health monitoring, and will be determined at the discretion of the direct supervisor and/or RAR senior leadership based on operational needs. Training will be provided as needed. Unscheduled, mandatory overtime may be assigned by the direct supervisor/leadership as needed to ensure animal health and welfare.

Work Schedule:
The normal work schedule for this position is weekdays, Monday-Friday, 6:00AM-2:30PM, however, this position may need to respond to emergencies or other issues that require work outside of those hours. This is an exempt position that is not eligible for overtime pay.

Competencies of a Successful Candidate:
* Ability to understand, follow, and develop complex and detailed laboratory and regulatory protocols
* Strong conflict management, organization, and planning skills
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with an ability to build consensus
* Strong problem-solving skills, with a proven ability to make sound decisions in a complex, regulated environment

Physical and Environmental Requirements
* Some work assignments will involve exposure to animal allergens, high levels of noise, and/or disinfectants and sanitizing agents.
* To protect employees, the University of Minnesota may require you to wear personal protective equipment (PPE), some of which may require medical monitoring and fitness testing (e.g., N95 or PAPR). All required protective equipment, testing, and medical evaluations will be provided by the University.
* All offers of employment for this position will be conditioned on the completion of a medical questionnaire, evidence of current tetanus immunization, and/or a fitness for duty examination to ensure the applicant's ability to work safely in this environment.
* An annual test for Tuberculosis and proof of current vaccinations (such as Rabies, Influenza, or Measles titers) may be required depending on the animal species housed within managed facilities.

Primary Responsibilities:

50% - Direct supervision and Personnel Management
* Supervise, direct, and mentor a team of up to 8 Animal Care Supervisors (including standard Supervisors and specialized USDA Animal Care Supervisors at the Prof 2 and Prof 3 levels) and 1 Operations Coordinator.
* Establish, communicate, and actively monitor clear performance and leadership expectations for all supervisors. Hold supervisors and the coordinator to these standardized benchmarks to ensure that departmental standards of accountability, compliance, and staff management are executed uniformly across all teams.
* Guide the Operations Coordinator to ensure centralized administrative tasks, such as SOP management, ARCH implementation, and training coordination are executed effectively to support the supervisor team.
* Provide ongoing, constructive performance feedback, conduct annual and probationary performance reviews, and implement professional development plans.
* Mentor supervisors and staff to further career goals, supporting continued educational and certification opportunities (e.g., AALAS, leadership training).
* Guide and partner with supervisors to investigate and resolve human resources and labor relations issues for union-represented employees, supporting supervisors while serving as an escalation point in consultation with RIO HR.
* Establish equitable staffing levels across teams; coordinate personnel resources and assignment coverage (including weekends and holidays) to prevent staff burnout and ensure operational continuity.
* Serve as the hiring manager for Animal Care Supervisor positions and oversee the hiring framework for husbandry staff.

25% - Oversee Animal Care Operations, Equipment, and Facilities
* Oversee day-to-day animal care operations across all RAR-managed vivaria, establishing consistent, high-quality care standards across all facilities and species.
* Partner closely and collaboratively with the Cage Wash Manager as an operational peer to synchronize cage wash output, vivarium sanitation schedules, and equipment allocation across all campus facilities.
* Ensure facility compliance with all USDA, OLAW, IACUC and AAALAC standards, by developing and implementing policies, and directing supervisors to develop and implement policies to meet and exceed these standards in collaboration with the veterinarian team and other RAR leaders.
* Work with supervisors to assess acute and long-term facility, supply, and equipment needs, translating these needs into actionable requests for the Associate Director of Animal Care Operations and the Infrastructure Director.
* Direct the implementation of species-specific housing enhancements (e.g. pens, enrichment) in USDA facilities in coordination with USDA Supervisors and area veterinarians.
* Maintain a system for monitoring facility space utilization, animal census activities, and cage card management to ensure accuracy, maximum efficiency, and timely billing.
* Ensure supervisors are adequately equipped to manage facility issues and safely operate animal contingencies during emergency situations or facility/equipment failures.

15% - Project Management and Project Oversight
* Lead complex, husbandry-related projects and process improvement initiatives as assigned by the Associate Director of Animal Care Operations.
* Analyze operational data and metrics to make informed decisions regarding husbandry methods, workflow refinements, and researcher customer service.

5% - Develop and maintain cross unit communication and relationships within RAR
* Facilitate collaborative communication across key units within RAR, including Veterinary Services, Infrastructure, and the Training Team, to ensure project alignment.
* Identify improvement opportunities regarding communication and bring ideas to managers and senior leaders
* Provide mentorship and resolve conflict professionally without the need for escalation

5% - Professional Development & Other duties as assigned by the manager or leadership
* Participate in departmental, college, and university events, meetings, and strategic planning initiatives.
* Engage with national laboratory animal organizations (e.g. AALAS, LAMA) to stay current on industry best practices and bring innovative operational strategies back to the department.
* Perform other duties as assigned to support the broader department mission.

Required Qualifications:
* BA/BS degree plus at least 6 years of experience or an advanced degree plus at least 4 years of experience, or a terminal degree.
* Minimum of 2 years of direct managerial experience of full-time employees
* LAT level certification or higher levels (includes LATG or CMAR)
* Proficiency with web-based systems and administrative tools, including Google Workspace (Gmail, Google Chat, Docs, Sheets) and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
* If assigned to be a driver, must pass a department of motor vehicle record screening

Preferred Qualifications:
* Direct managerial experience with bargaining unit (union-represented) employees
* Supervisory experience in the laboratory animal industry
* Work experience at an AAALAC-accredited institution
* LATG or CMAR certification
* Hands-on experience working with multiple research animal species, with specific knowledge of USDA-regulated species and guidelines
* Excellent communication skills and experience working in a university setting with diverse staff, laboratory researchers, and research models
* Proven experience leading process improvement initiatives (i.g. Lean, Six Sigma) and managing complex, multi-facility change initiatives

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.

Pay Range: $74,200 - $105,000 depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

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

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

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 jobcentr@umn.edu.

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.

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).

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 Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.