The Animal Resources Center at The University of Texas at Austin covers approx. 150,000 sq. ft. of research animal space. The Animal Resources Center is responsible for managing three centralized animal facilities as well as some of the smaller satellite locations.

UT Austin offers a competitive benefits package that includes:  

• 100% employer-paid basic medical coverage  

• Retirement contributions

• Paid vacation and sick time

• Paid holidays

Please visit our Human Resources (HR) website to learn more about the total benefits offered.

Purpose

The Animal Resources Center (ARC) Husbandry Manager will report to the ARC director and be charged with maintaining a sound animal husbandry program in compliance with all federal, state, local, USDA, and NIH requirements.  This position will oversee the daily care and husbandry of animals across all ARC-managed animal facilities and play a vital role in quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) of husbandry processes to ensure the health, well-being, and scientific integrity of our animals is upheld through maintenance of consistent and quality animal care standards across the department. The ideal candidate should have a strong background in animal husbandry, and the ability to lead and mentor a team of Animal Resource Supervisors, Assistant Supervisors, and Animal Attendants.

Responsibilities

Animal Husbandry:

• Oversees the daily care and welfare of research animals in centrally managed animal facilities, including feeding, cleaning, and enrichment activities.

• Develops and maintains current departmental Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) on facility operations, safety, and ARC policy. Ensures that animal care staff training aligns with SOPs and that SOP revisions are communicated in a timely manner to all ARC animal care staff.

• Ensures that all animals receive the appropriate nutrition, animal health observations, and environmental conditions in accordance with the SOPs.  

• Works closely with the ARC Trainer to develop and maintain a didactic and in-person training rubric for husbandry staff. 

Quality Assurance/Quality Control:

• Establishes and maintains a quality assurance and quality control program to assess the quality and consistency of husbandry practices to ensure staff are aligning with SOPs and industry standards. 

• Conducts regular inspections and audits to identify areas for improvement and ensures compliance with regulations and standards. Responsible for facility maintenance in accordance with the IACUC, AALAC, and ARC guidelines to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations. 

• Reviews daily room logs and other documentation while conducting in-person site checks. Identifies additional training needs and works closely with the ARC Trainer to assist staff with additional training, when needed.

• Works with the husbandry supervisors to provide guidance on personnel matters as they arise to consistently maintain the highest husbandry standards.

• Assists in the execution of equipment sanitation monitoring in centralized and satellite animal housing facilities. 

Team Leadership:

• Responsible for the recruitment, supervision, and mentoring of animal attendants and husbandry supervisory personnel for the Animal Resources Center.

• Supervises and leads a team of animal resource supervisors, assistant supervisors, and animal caregivers by providing guidance, support, training, and feedback. Assists the supervisors in the management of work schedules and dissemination of responsibilities for husbandry teams at all ARC facilities. 

• Fosters a positive and collaborative work environment, promoting a culture of care and empathy for the animals. 

• Provides clear, effective verbal and written communication while exhibiting good listing skills. 

• Encourages continual programmatic advancement in practices as well as professional development for staff.

Record Keeping:

• Monitors and maintains accurate records.  Record keeping includes room log audits to ensure compliance with departmental SOPs and processes and maintenance of records in a manner that ensures compliance with University record retention policy. 

Performs other duties as assigned.

• Master's degree in a related field (e.g., Animal Science, Biology).

• Minimum of 8 years’ experience in animal husbandry and care, including 5 years of supervisory experience. 

• AALAS certification at LATg level.

• Demonstrated strong leadership and team management skills.

• Strong knowledge in Microsoft Office Suite of programs.

• Must have a solid understanding of relevant lab animal regulations and standards.

• Must possess proven excellent communication and interpersonal skills; must be able to maintain constant and reliable communication with staff, researchers, and leadership. 

• Strong attention to detail and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.

• Proven ability and willingness to collaborate with veterinarians, other department teams, researchers, and other relevant departments to ensure the welfare of animals.

• Must possess a commitment to animal welfare and ethics.

• Must possess and maintain a valid Texas Drivers License.

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