Cage Wash Manager

Job Description
Cage Wash Manager
Job Family: Campus Operations
Full/Part Time: 100% Full-Time, Regular
Job Code: 7424FM - CO Pro 4 Supv-Facilities Mgmt
Probationary Period: One Year
Employee Class: Civil Service
Department: Research Animal Resources Mpls

About the Job
Typical work hours are Monday-Friday 6:00am-2:30pm. Weekend/Holiday/On Call work may be required.

The anticipated hiring range is $80,000+ DOQ.

Position Overview:

This University of Minnesota's department of Research Animal Resources (RAR) is searching for a cage wash manager to oversee cage wash operations across 13 facilities located within the University of Minnesota's AAALAC-accredited research program.

The cage wash operations team is responsible for the cleaning, sanitization and preparation of animal equipment used within the vivaria. Equipment is processed based on departmental standard operating procedures (SOPs) in a way that meets federal, state, and institutional regulations and provides a constant stream of supplies for appropriately housing research animals. The cage wash manager will directly supervise 2-4 cage wash supervisors, who subsequently manage a team of approximately 30 individuals. This position reports directly to the RAR Infrastructure Director.

In addition to overseeing the cage wash operations and team, the cage wash manager is expected to lead projects which impact cage wash operations, such as facility renovations, purchasing and implementation of new equipment, etc. This position has the responsibility and latitude to identify areas for process improvement, develop plans to achieve identified improvements, and initiate the steps for implementation and completion. They are expected to work closely and collaboratively with the animal care manager, senior leadership team and other internal and external stakeholders.

The successful candidate will have experience in triaging production strategies based on daily demands and the ability to communicate efficiently and effectively. This individual should be able to work independently and lead a team.

Physical and Environmental Requirements:
* There will be exposure to animal allergens
* Proof of current Tetanus vaccine must be provided before the start of employment
* An annual test for Tuberculosis will be completed for working with certain species
* Due to the high level of noise, a hearing test is performed annually when assigned to a hearing conservation area
* Rabies Vaccines or titer will be completed when working with certain species or the employee may complete a declination form.
* An annual flu vaccine is a requirement to work with some animal species
* Measles titer may be drawn
* The employee may work in wet rooms or around large industrial cage washers
* Employee may work in an outside environment in any weather conditions
* Employee may be required to wear a powered air purifying respirator (PAPR) or N95 mask

Position Responsibilities:

40% - Oversight of Cage Wash Facility Operations
* Facilitate re-routing of equipment and personnel such that cage wash operations are consistent despite staffing shortages, facility repairs, renovations, etc.
* Develop a preventative maintenance plan and timeline for replacing capital equipment, such as dump stations, tunnel and rack washers, autoclaves, water bottle filling stations, etc to ensure optimal operations
* Communicate departmental short term and long term needs related to cagewash inventory, such as consumable products, cages, cage accessories (e.g. bottles, feed bowls, etc), and bulk cage wash equipment to RAR's Infrastructure Director
* Engage with RAR's Facility Manager to triage repairs to facility equipment in a timely manner such that production of clean cages is minimally impacted
* Review cage wash procedures/practices on a routine basis and ensure SOPs are in compliance with all federal and state laws and university policies
* Work with animal care manager to address acute and long-term facility and equipment needs
* Implement and maintain a continuous process improvement program to maintain optimal quality and efficiency within the cage was operations team
* Schedule transportation and storage of equipment with internal and external sources
* Work with RAR training team to facilitate onboarding and cross training of new employees in a timely manner
* Develop and maintain a system for understanding and monitoring daily productivity, including responding to investigator requests, to better inform decisions related to staffing and standardizing production expectations across facilities
* Promote and optimal work environment for employee engagement and professional development of staff

30% - Personnel Management
* Provide direct management over a team of cage wash supervisors
* Review and approve vacation, overtime, and weekend work requests in a timely manner
* Perform probationary and annual reviews for direct reports
* Regularly meet with direct reports to provide mentorship, set expectations, and deliver constructive feedback
* Participate in performance management plans under the guidance of HR on an as needed basis
* Work with HR to investigate and resolve HR issues for labor represented employees
* Determine appropriate staffing levels and provide recommendations to RAR senior leadership
* Serve as the hiring manager for cage wash positions
* Resolve conflict professionally without the need for escalation
* Collaborate with the animal care manager to ensure effective cage wash operations in scenarios where members of the animal care team may be responsible for sanitization of equipment (e.g. pens)

20% - Departmental Initiatives
* Identify strategies to improve efficient and transparent communication between units (e.g. generate email template, create forms, develop spreadsheets, maintain meeting minutes, etc) and submit proposals to senior leadership as appropriate
* Provide mentorship to junior staff and participate in their professional development (e.g. coaching on continuing education opportunities, reviewing abstract submissions, etc.)
* Communicate professionally and effectively with external stakeholders (e.g. commercial vendors, site visitors, facilities management, etc.) and departmental colleagues
* Identify and prevent gaps in communication regarding university or departmental process changes that impact cage wash employees
* Take a leading role in departmental projects that involve cage wash staff and equipment
* Participate in departmental projects that have the potential to impact normal cage wash operations and ensure the cage wash operation team's needs are being met

5% - Professional Development
* Participate in departmental, college, and university events, meetings, projects, and initiatives
* Participate in national meetings, training, and/or committees related to the field of laboratory animals and research vivarium management
5% - Additional Duties
* The Executive Director of RAR and Infrastructure Director may change or assign other duties to this position as needed.

Required Qualifications: (must be documented)
* BA/BS degree plus at least 5 years of relevant work experience or a combination of education and work experience to equal at least 9 years
* Minimum of two years of supervisory experience
* Proven basic computer skills with the ability to learn and use current RAR electronic systems and the to ability to adapt to new software programs as they are implemented
* Strong written and oral communication skills
* Experience with conflict management and the ability to deescalate difficult situations
* ALAT certification is required within 1 year of start date
* If assigned to drive a vehicle, a Department of Motor Vehicle record check is required

Preferred Qualifications:
* Experience managing bargaining unit employees
* Work experience at an AAALAC-accredited institution
* Working knowledge of industry standards and federal laws and regulations governing the use of animals in research
* Ability to triage resources based on changing needs
* Project organization and management experience as evidenced by attention to detail, resourcefulness and critical thinking skills
* Thorough understanding of cage wash and vivarium sanitation operations
* CMAR certification

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.

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 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

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.

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 employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

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.

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 the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).