Operations Manager, DLAR Vet Services

School of Medicine

Established in 1930, Duke University School of Medicine is the youngest of the nation's top medical schools. Ranked sixth among medical schools in the nation, the School takes pride in being an inclusive community of outstanding learners, investigators, clinicians, and staff where interdisciplinary collaboration is embraced and great ideas accelerate translation of fundamental scientific discoveries to improve human health locally and around the globe. Composed of more than 2,600 faculty physicians and researchers, nearly 2,000 students, and more than 6,200 staff, the Duke University School of Medicine along with the Duke University School of Nursing, and Duke University Health System comprise Duke Health, a world-class academic medical center. The Health System encompasses Duke University Hospital, Duke Regional Hospital, Duke Raleigh Hospital, Duke Health Integrated Practice, Duke Primary Care, Duke Home Care and Hospice, Duke Health and Wellness, and multiple affiliations.

Job Summary

The Operations Manager - Veterinary Services is responsible for the oversight of all veterinary technician services including rodent technical requests, pharmacy, surgery and enrichment services. This position will manage the experimental surgery facility, coordinate veterinary support services for principal investigators, and manage the daily health observations and treatments of all research animals within the Division of Laboratory Animal Resources (DLAR).

Special Conditions of Employment

Occupational Health and Safety

As a safeguard for the employee and the animals, medical examinations and risk assessments are performed. Some immunizations or further diagnostics may be required before working with specific animals or animal populations as determined by occupational health medical personnel, including, but not limited to:

• TB testing and clearance;
• Hepatitis B (proof of immunization and/or vaccination);
• Rabies (proof of immunization and/or vaccination);
• Tetanus (current vaccination less than 10 years);
• Measles (proof of immunization and/or vaccination);
• Periodic physical examinations (including respiratory fit tests);
• Other vaccines or testing as required by EOHW standards.

Hazard Exposure

The animal facility has a variety of environmental conditions. Specifically, employees may be exposed to potentially hazardous noise, dust, chemicals, extreme heat, and animal waste products. The duration of exposure to any of the above is dependent on assigned duties. Some aspects of this position may expose the incumbent to potentially zoonotic and other biohazardous agents. Appropriate protective clothing and equipment may be required and will be provided when required, accompanied by appropriate training.

Work Performed

• Supervise and manage all veterinary technical support staff in coordinating the technical and clinical support services for principal investigators and DLAR veterinarians. Direct the hiring process, training, growth and development, and evaluation of these employees. Schedule work assignments, monitor performance, commence disciplinary action if necessary.
• Assist in managing the health care of all research animals within the Division of Laboratory Animal Resources (DLAR) through the veterinary technical support staff.
• Schedule research support services, quotes, and budget projections for principal investigators.
• Maintain veterinary medical records for the Division. Work with veterinarians and administrative staff to computerize records.
• Participate in the operational planning of the veterinary staff with the Associate Director for Research and the DLAR leadership team.
• Assist with management and amendments for the DLAR Training, Technical Services, and Housing/Holding protocols.
• Develop new standard operating procedures, when necessary,  and implement procedures for efficiency and effectiveness.  Responsible for developing and coordinating training employees on technical skills, policies and standard operating procedures.  Ensure that employees are following standard operating procedures.
• Develop purchasing and budget projections for large equipment and supplies in assigned areas.  Devise and prepare production, cost analysis, and justification reports.  Prepare billing charges for services provided and to track productivity.  Adjust fees accordingly due to annual price increases of external cost of supplies and equipment.
• Maintain DLAR pharmacy services in accordance with State and Federal regulations, accepted standards, professional practices and departmental policies.
• Maintain the relevant licensure for research, clinical use, and distribution of controlled substances for the Division of Laboratory Resources in accordance with all state and federal laws, IACUC, and departmental policies and procedures.
• Promote and enhance pharmaceutical care practice by providing appropriate leadership, management and education, and serve as a role model and educator for the staff in terms of pharmacy practice.
• Provide back-up support for the management Surgery Suite Facility, conferring with principal investigators in developing their animal use protocols, discuss the requirements for procedures and equipment that will be needed.
• Discuss surgical, anesthetic, and post-operative requirements of a surgical procedure and assist the principal investigators in determining what level of care is needed. Able to direct principal investigators to a veterinarian in appropriate situations.
• Provide back-up support for scheduling procedures for operating rooms, plan surgery schedule to best utilize staff and meet objectives of researchers.
• Perform minor surgical and radiographic procedures, induction and monitoring anesthesia and assuring that post-operative care is provided correctly.
• Assist Clinical Veterinarians and Division Director as needed: such projects may include demonstrating specialized techniques, assisting in specific, complex research projects/surgeries, and teaching specific methods, procedures, or classes.
• Serve as back-up Veterinary Technician: Able to handle and restrain a variety of species. Able to perform a variety of technical skills such as phelbotomy, catheterization, injections, intubation, etc. Able to monitor and maintain anesthesia in a variety of species.  Back up diagnostics such as CBC, Chemistry panels, urinalysis, cytology, and sample submission.
• Work with the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee and Compliance Officers to assure that animal users are following approved protocols.
• Take initiative to promote a safe work environment. Ensure that employees are following OESO and department safety guidelines.

Skills

• Knowledge base and skills in current veterinary medicine practice techniques, anesthetic, and surgical protocols
• Knowledge of relevant licensure requirement for the clinical use and distribution of controlled substances in accordance with all state and federal laws, IACUC, and departmental policies and procedures.
• Skills in laboratory animals handling, restraint, and husbandry
• Knowledge of the principles, practices, and methods of research
• Knowledge of the University personnel policies
• Skill in the operation of and maintenance required for equipment utilized in veterinary surgical suites
• Ability to interpret, evaluate, and explain common techniques and procedures as they relate to a particular research project
• Ability to revise techniques in order to perform research support services
• Ability to understand, devise, and revise methods, techniques, and equipment needed to assist research projects

Minimum Qualifiacations

Education

Requires a Bachelor's Degree in Animal Husbandry, Biology, Animal Science or related field. LATG certification required

Experience

Work requires seven years of experience in laboratory animal resources, OR AN EQUIVALENT COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE. to include four years in managerial experience

Preferred Certifications

• CM certification is preferred.
• Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) is preferred.

Job Code: 00001208 OPERATIONS MGR, DLAR
Job Level: 71

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