Animal Care Lead

Animal Care Lead
Job code: 8191LC
Employee Group: Civil Service
Full/Part Time (FTE): Full-time, 100% FTE
Regular/Temporary: Regular

Job Summary:
The Animal Care Lead (ACL) acts as a hybrid operational lead and Subject Matter Expert (SME) within the research facility. This position combines animal husbandry duties with administrative support, animal care and facility operations monitoring, and staff training. As a SME, the incumbent works in close partnership with the Training Team to onboard/train new and existing employees and mentor current staff on specific research species and processes, ensuring compliance with RAR Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) standards. The ACL acts as a liaison between the animal care staff and Supervisors to ensure operations run smoothly and efficiently.

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).

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.

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

Primary Responsibilities:
50% Animal Husbandry & Daily Operations
* Perform daily husbandry duties, including feeding, watering, and changing cages for various laboratory animal species.
* Conduct daily health checks and visual observations of animals; identify signs of illness or distress and report concerns immediately to veterinary technicians and Supervisors.
* Ensure all husbandry tasks in assigned areas are completed on schedule; assist with workload management and alert Supervisors if additional support is needed.
* Monitor environmental conditions (temperature, humidity) and ensure animals are housed in accordance with RAR SOPs.
* Perform weekly facility rounds to ensure animal operations are on track and report them to the Supervisor.
* Support facility readiness for regulatory inspections (ie: IACUC, AAALAC) by ensuring required signage is updated/posted and safety supplies are stocked and available.
* Support animal exports, imports, incoming orders, and transfer process: verify mouse lists, ensure autoclaved bins and shipping packages are ready, and assist with transferring animals into shipping crates in coordination with the Supervisor.
* Participate in facility-specific projects to enhance facility and animal care improvements.
* Perform delegated duties during peer absences to ensure operational continuity and serve as a mentor to colleagues.

20% Facility & Administrative Support
* Perform daily check sheet and weekly facility rounds to identify facility issues (e.g., lights, temperature, etc.) or animal care discrepancies and report them to the Supervisor
* Administer HOBO data loggers or other environmental reading devices; collect and redistribute devices after data download/collection.
* Perform and verify animal census counts.
* Assist with Request for Animal Procurement (RAP) preparations and animal transfers between rooms or facilities.
* Check facility mailboxes and distribute documentation (e.g., cage cards, RAP sheets, transfer sheets, etc) to appropriate facilities/rooms.
* Ensure cage cards for deceased animals are copied and processed correctly.
* Support lab facility tours.

20% Training & Subject Matter Expertise (SME)
* Serve as the designated Subject Matter Expert (SME) for specific species (e.g., mice, rat) or processes (e.g., high barrier, BSL-2, quarantine).
* Collaborate with the Supervisor and Training Team to execute training plans; conduct side-by-side training with new and existing employees to demonstrate proper techniques and ensure strict adherence to SOPs.
* Collaborate with the Training Team and Operations Team to review SOPs and training modules for accuracy and relevance.
* Complete required training modules and stay current on all procedural updates.

5% Inventory control
* Conduct regular inventory of feed, bedding, PPE, and chemical supplies.
* Generate feed and supply order requests, referencing the Facility Supply Order Spreadsheet.
* Submit order requests after Supervisor approval and ensure supplies are stocked upon arrival.

5% Professional Development & Other Duties
* Attend department meetings, safety training, and continuing education seminars.
* Participate in team and/or project meetings to discuss facility status, updates, and process improvements.
* Perform other duties as assigned by the Supervisor or Animal Care Manager to support animal care and facility operations.

Required Qualifications:
* BA/BS degree or a combination of related education and work experience to equal at least four (4) years
* If assigned to be a driver, a valid driver's license and Department of Motor Vehicle record check is required
* Demonstrated knowledge of animal husbandry requirements, methods, and techniques
* Expertise with specific research species or specialized processes (immunodeficient animals, BSL-2, Chemical Hazard, Quarantine, etc)
* Demonstrated proficiency with web-based systems and administrative tools, including Google Workspace (Gmail, Google Chat, Docs, Sheets) and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
* Must be able to accommodate an early work schedule. Typical work hours are Monday-Friday, 6:00am-2:30pm. Weekend/Holiday work will be required

Preferred Qualifications:
* ALAT, LAT, LATG Certification
* Previous experience in a mentorship role or training role with demonstrated patience for teaching and guiding others
* Previous experience maintaining records
* Previous experience working in an animal husbandry role in RAR
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:
* Must be able to understand and follow written and oral instruction in English.
* Must be able to read and write in English with the ability to communicate electronically via email.
* Must be comfortable operating iPads and computers.
* Basic skills in Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Gmail, Calendar, Chat) or Microsoft Office (Word, Excel)
* Good interpersonal communication and listening skills
* Leadership skills including taking initiative and effectively collaborating with supervisory staff
* Positive attitude and a team player
* Ability & flexibility to work independently and as a team
* Must be able to work an early schedule, Monday through Friday 6:00 am - 2:30 pm. Must have availability to work occasional weekends and holidays.
* Must be able to lift/push 50 pounds and stand/walk for extended periods

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. The position of Animal Care Lead is part of a staff of over 150 employees including Professional and Administrative staff, Civil Service staff, and Union Represented members. RAR has a daily census of 24,000 rodent cages in 20 buildings split into 7 geographic teams around the Twin Cities Campus.

Pay Range: $26.32-$32.70; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Time Appointment

Work Profile: This position is designated as Work Profile 1 - Office/Lab Based: Time spent working remotely is occasional or inconsistent. Dedicated on campus work space to be provided. The normal work schedule for this position is weekdays, Monday-Friday, 6:00AM-2:30PM. Weekend work and work on holidays will be required when scheduled and is eligible for overtime and holiday pay.

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented 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 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. This position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. Applicants must submit a resume in order to be considered.

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