REQUIRED EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

• Minimum 2+ years of experience supervising animal husbandry operations, preferably with small laboratory species.
• Experience in areas of rodent, small animal and regulated species facilities management, breeding, barrier management, and data management preferred.
• Must have a working knowledge of all levels of biohazard containment. Experience working in ABSL-3 or ABSL-4 laboratories is a plus.
• Be able to don and doff the required Personal Protective Equipment.
• Possess excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and standard procedures
• Ability to work independently and within a team.
• Ability to identify and address issues and deficiencies and implement effective solutions according to guidelines.
• Ability to follow safety procedures and ensure standard policies and practices are followed.
• Ability to obtain government clearance.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship, now or at any time in the future.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license with a clear and satisfactory driving record.
• Must be able to wear a respirator.
• Will be required to work with, take specific precautions against and/or be immunized against potentially hazardous agents.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

• High school diploma or General Education Degree (G.E.D.) required
• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in animal science, Biology, or related field preferred (or equivalent experience).
• Certification by American Association for Laboratory Animal Science as a Laboratory Animal Technician (LAT or LATG) highly desired.
• Supervisory training or leadership coursework desirable.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to work flexible hours to ensure animal care is carried out in compliance with appropriate timelines to include weekend and holiday coverage.
• Ability to lift up to 55 pounds (25 kilograms) frequently.
• Strength and agility to capture, restrain and carry medium sized mammals without causing harm to the animal or self.
• Must have no known allergies to animals, feed, or chemicals
• Walking, reaching, bending, and stooping.
• May be exposed to Hazardous materials and will be required to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to protect against exposure to pathogens and chemicals.
• Ability to obtain necessary immunizations against vaccine-preventable diseases relevant to laboratory placement, including Hepatitis B, among others.
• Ability to obtain respiratory clearance and fit testing may be required.
• Must be able to work with hazardous chemicals and potentially infectious biological agents.

WHO WE ARE

Tanaq Management Services (TMS) is a public health contractor, certified 8(a) business, owned by St. George Tanaq Corporation, an Alaska Native Corporation. (ANC). We listen to our stakeholders and leverage our science, technology, communication, and program expertise to understand and provide feedback as we develop solutions.

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are seeking a Small Animal Supervisor to manage daily operations and husbandry for small animal colonies at a federal agency facility. This role will oversee staff assigned to rodents, rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs, bats, and other small species. The Supervisor will ensure quality laboratory animal care, regulatory compliance, and effective staff training and management.
This is a fully onsite position at our customer’s location in Atlanta, Georgia. This position is contingent on contract award.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supervise staff performing husbandry, feeding, sanitation, and enrichment for small animal species.
• Ensure that all required functions are carried out appropriately, including receiving animals, feeding and watering, handling and restraint, health surveillance, equipment maintenance, supply inventories, animal manipulations, laboratory procedures, and other contract-related duties.
• Assist with reporting and caring for animal clinical cases, including handling and restraining animals.
• Monitor colony health and coordinate with veterinarians and veterinary technicians on treatments and procedures.
• Train and mentor new staff in proper handling, restraint, and welfare practices according to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Perform procedures requiring various levels of biohazard containment.
• Assist with training husbandry personnel according to SOPs.
• Participate in interviews and selection of husbandry personnel.
• Ensure compliance with SOPs, animal welfare standards, and federal requirements.
• Maintain records of daily husbandry, health checks, and inventory use.
• Support emergency operations and continuity of care for small animals.
• Schedule cage changing and assign daily activities to personnel performing husbandry procedures.
• Provide information to complete contract deliverables and maintain adequate supply inventories.
• Participate in maintenance of record keeping systems.
• Assist during various inspections and site visits.
• Perform QC duties related to meeting requirements of supported areas and as directed.
• Perform animal transportation duties to include pick-up and delivery of animals, complete delivery verification logs, checking and documenting environmental parameters, vehicle sanitation, and maintenance.
• Work under the direct supervision of the Deputy Lab Manager.
• Report any abnormal conditions of the animal facility or immediate vicinity to supervisory staff.
• Support ABSL-3 and ABSL-4 laboratory operations.
• Work flexible hours to ensure animal care is carried out in compliance with appropriate timelines to include weekend and holiday coverage.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
  Requirements: