Research Animal Resources (RAR) is hiring for the position of Veterinary Technician Manager. This position will be responsible for managing and directing the activities of approximately half of the department's 12-14 research veterinary technicians in collaboration with a second Veterinary Technician Manager counterpart. In addition to identical responsibilities for management and mentoring of veterinary technicians, this position will have primary management responsibility for the RAR technical services program and diagnostic lab. The position will also provide back up support for clinical supply inventory and order management, rodent health surveillance program, USDA species procurement and preventative medicine program, the controlled substance program, and pharmacy operations. The Veterinary Technician Managers will also facilitate training and cross-training of RAR technical staff in collaboration with the RAR Training Team as appropriate to ensure high quality and consistent veterinary care and service for the university research community.
The work duties for this position are complex and varied and will require the interpretation of technical and detailed guidelines, policies, and procedures. Analytical ability is needed to gather and interpret data and information to aid in making decisions regarding refining methods, processes, and techniques used to maintain high quality animal care and customer service. Innovation and critical thinking are an essential underlying part of the job duties described within this posting.
This position will report to a Senior Clinical Veterinarian
Duties/Responsibilities:
50% - Direct supervision of the veterinary technician staff
Supervise and direct the work of up to 8 veterinary technicians
Plan training/cross-training of staff in collaboration with the RAR Training Team
Ensure staff implement proper and consistent clinical care for all species & areas within RAR
Create and maintain work schedules (including weekend/holidays) and work with team to cover work during call-outs
Provides performance feedback, both immediate and at annual performance reviews.
Mentor employees to further career goals and support continued educational and certification opportunities
Resolve HR issues for labor represented employees
Determine appropriate staffing levels and communicates needs with manager and counterpart
Coordinate personnel resources in collaboration with counterpart to cover needs of the department
Hiring manager for veterinary technician positions as needed
Co-lead the veterinary technician team in high level customer service
Interact and work with RAR clinical veterinarians to refine case management and provide high quality laboratory animal medicine and care
25% - Technical Services Program management
Maintain and further develop the RAR technical services program
Coordinate the veterinary technician team to fulfill all requests for technical services
Identify appropriate individuals within RAR to perform atypical services (e.g. vets, training staff) and allow veterinary technicians opportunities to train and develop these services in the future
Coordinate RAR Diagnostic Lab services (both internal and external) including maintaining necropsy space(s) and diagnostic equipment
5-10% - Cross-trained to provide support and backup as needed for specialized services and programs
Rodent Health Surveillance and Quarantine programs
USDA covered species procurement and preventative medicine program
Expectation to be a working manager and help perform clinical case triaging, management, training and other technical duties when staffing is short
Weekend and after hours work may be possible
5% - Develop and maintain cross unit communication and relationships within RAR
Maintain effective communication with the RAR Operations and Husbandry teams
Identify areas for improvement for communication and bring ideas to managers and senior leaders
Provide mentorship to resolve conflict professionally without the need for escalation
5% - Other duties as assigned by the manager or leadership
About the Department
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.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through this link - https://hr.myu.umn.edu/jobs/ext/354528. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have 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 employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647).
Employment Requirements
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.
Please note: All employees at the University of Minnesota are required to report complete vaccination against COVID-19 or submit documentation requesting a medical or religious exemption on their first day of employment. To learn more, please visit the University's COVID-19 Response webpage.
Working at the University
At the University of Minnesota, you’ll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.
The University also 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 Scholarship
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
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.
Employment Requirements
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.
Please note: All employees at the University of Minnesota are required to report complete vaccination against COVID-19 or submit documentation requesting a medical or religious exemption on their first day of employment. To learn more, please visit the University's COVID-19 Response webpage.
About the U of M
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.
Required Qualifications:
BA/BS degree plus at least 5 years of experience or a combination of related education and work experience to equal at least nine years.
Direct managerial experience of employees, >2 year in duration
Preferred Qualifications:
Direct managerial experience of bargaining unit employees
CVT certification
AALAS Technician Certification (any level)
Experience with regulations, guidance documents, and accreditation programs that are part of the research field (e.g. The USDA Animal Welfare Act and Regulations, The Public Health Service Policy and PHS Assurance, OLAW, The Guide, The Ag Guide, and AAALAC International Accreditation)
Excellent communication skills and experience working in a university setting with diverse staff, laboratory researchers and research models
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities necessary to be successful in position:
Possess communication and leadership skills needed to interact with veterinary technician employees, professional staff, technical and administrative staff, and animal care staff
Ability to work collaboratively with counterpart in making consistent management decisions
Ability to delegate appropriately as needed
Ability to work and think independently to produce quality work and to encourage the same quality work from employees
Interest in mentoring, teaching, and cross-training staff to promote professional growth of employees
A thorough knowledge of animal welfare regulations as described in the Preferred Qualifications
Working knowledge of generally accepted laboratory animal husbandry practices and the ability to work collaboratively with operations and husbandry supervisors and animal care technicians to promote advances in animal care
Excellent attention to details, analytical thinking skills, resourcefulness, ingenuity, project organization, and management skills
Computer skills necessary to learn and use current RAR electronic systems and to adapt to new software programs as they are implemented
Experience with conflict management and the ability to deescalate difficult situations
Must be flexible, change-agile, forward-thinking, and motivated to succeed in RAR’s mission
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.
