About UMass Amherst
UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.
About Research & Engagement
The UMass Amherst community engages more than 30,000 students, 1,400 faculty, and 5,000 staff in 11 schools and colleges with a wide variety of degree programs, research, and public service. More than 800 faulty lead sponsored research projects in many areas from basic to applied are sponsored by federal, state, and private sources with expenditures of more than $200 million in 2021.
Job Summary
The Director of Animal Care Services leads the operational management and administrative direction of Animal Care Services. Establishes and monitors animal care and use standards in compliance with applicable regulations and guidelines. Works with the Attending Veterinarian to manage veterinary medical care programs including diagnosis and treatment of disease, preventive medicine, health monitoring, and quarantine. Provides strategic planning relating to budget, personnel, facilities, and equipment. Communicates with faculty, staff, and other service departments to provide high quality, responsive Animal Care Services.
Essential Functions
- Leads the operational management and administrative direction of Animal Care Services. Provides leadership and direction in policy development and implementation for the department.
- Develops and manages regulatory compliance including addressing the results of post-approval monitoring of animal use protocols. Ensures that animals are provided care in accordance with state and federal regulations and university policies to promote physical and psychological well-being and minimize discomfort. Develops and implements procedures to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal laws and guidelines. Implements any necessary policies and procedures to maintain compliance of the Animal Care Services program and facilities.
- Oversees monitoring of animal research to ensure staff and investigators are following Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) approved protocols. Maintains records in accordance with relevant agency guidelines to include the Public Health Service, USDA, and Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Participates in animal facility inspections with USDA, IACUC and safety personnel. May participate in IACUC as a voting member and other regulatory committees as required.
- In conjunction with the Attending Veterinarian, manages and oversees veterinary medical care programs including diagnosis and treatment of disease, preventive medicine, health monitoring, and quarantine. Provides veterinary medical diagnostic, surgical and treatment services for research animals in the absence of the Attending Veterinarian.
- Leads strategic planning for budget, personnel, facilities, and equipment. Provides information necessary as a basis for budget planning and cost accounting to determine appropriate service fees. Manages program budgets covering operations and sponsored projects. Makes major budgetary and resource allocation recommendations including facility and equipment needs. Provides financial status reports as needed. Reviews and updates budget projections for accuracy and completeness to reflect the needs of the department. Manages, selects, and maintains resources, inventory of materials and equipment as necessary.
- Communicates with faculty, staff, and other service departments to provide high quality, responsive Animal Care Services. Advises on technological changes affecting laboratory animal research and care. Consults with investigators when writing experimental proposals on issues relating to animal husbandry and care. Coordinates the training of animal care staff for their animal care responsibilities including initial training, annual refresher training, and cross training between operational areas.
Other Functions
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)
- DVM or equivalent (i.e., VMD) from an AVMA-accredited veterinary school or an equivalent degree (i.e., BVSc) from an AVMA-listed school with ECFVG certification.
- Five (5) years of experience in an animal care setting.
- Licensed to practice veterinary medicine in Massachusetts.
- American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine (ACLAM) Board eligible.
- Ability to work effectively with individuals at various levels of the University.
- Ability to supervise and train staff, including organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments.
- Analytical skills related to site budget preparation, generation of monthly reports, billing, etc.
Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)
- Experience in the administration of laboratory animal facilities.
- Management experience and experience collaborating with researchers.
- American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine (ACLAM) Board Certified.
Physical Demands/Working Conditions
- Physical stamina and ability to bend, stoop and lift and/or carry heavy objects weighing up to fifty (50) pounds, unassisted.
Additional Details
- The position is considered essential, and as such requires weekend, holiday and off hour’s coverage as needed.
Work Schedule
- Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm.
Salary Information
- Salary commensurate with skills and experience.
Special Instructions to Applicants
Along with the application, please submit a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references. The position will remain open until filled.
UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, military status, or genetic information in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of the UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.