Facility
Washington State University Bear Center
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
Summary of Duties:
Washington State University is seeking applicants for the Bear Center Facility Manager position. The WSU Bear Research, Education, and Conservation Center (https://bearcenter.wsu.edu/) is the only grizzly bear research facility of its kind in the United States and was started in 1986. The mission of the WSU Bear Center is to dramatically expand our knowledge about bears and explore all opportunities in which that knowledge can be used for 1) the conservation and management of both captive and wild bears and the ecosystems in which they live and 2) the betterment of mankind, whether through increased recognition and appreciation for the role that bears play in natural ecosystems or the potential development of therapeutics for human diseases originating from physiologically-based bear research. Both missions depend on understanding how bears have adapted and evolved in a changing world. The Center houses up to 12 permanent residents in 6 indoor dens and outdoor runs with further access to a large exercise yard. The Manager supervises students, works with faculty and the attending veterinarian to schedule and provide daily care, including feeding, cleaning, and health monitoring, provides enrichment activities for the bears, assists in all aspects of the research, participates in public outreach and fund-raising, implements operating policies and procedures, and trains bears in a protected contact environment for research purposes.
During the hibernation season (November-April), when disturbance of bears must be kept to a minimum, the Manager will monitor the bears and facilities to ensure bear health and functioning of physical facilities and assist in laboratory studies aimed at supporting the Bear Center research mission. Laboratory studies include, but are not limited to cell culture, serum immunoassays, protein determinations, Western blotting, qPCR, among others. Training will be provided.
Candidates must demonstrate strong management skills, including exceptional interpersonal skills and ability to communicate and work with students, faculty and the public with diverse backgrounds and interests. Candidates must be physically fit and able to lift heavy objects (e.g., 50 lb feed sacks), do manual labor such as spraying or mowing weeds, be able to follow directions precisely regarding experimental protocols, demonstrate an ability to work with and have empathy for animals, and have a valid driver’s license. Flexibility to work a schedule of rotating shifts is particularly important, such as working on weekends, after hours, and holidays as needed.
Education and Pre-requisites
Required Qualifications:
Positions require a Bachelor’s degree in zoology, animal science, or closely related field and three (3) years of experience in a laboratory animal care facility which has included at least one (1) year of supervisory experience.
A Master’s degree in a related field may substitute for one (1) year of professional work experience. Any combination of relevant education and progressively responsible animal care experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year‐for‐year basis.
Certification as a Laboratory Animal Technologist may be required within one (1) year of employment.
Must have, or able to obtain, a valid driver’s license by time of hire.
Must be able to work weekends, afterhours and holidays as needed and directed by supervisor.
Ability to pass a background check (this person has access to controlled substances).
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience in a laboratory setting where detailed protocols must be followed, measurements taken, and data recorded.
Previous experience training animals, working with large animals, and working in a research setting.
Compensation and benefits
Expected starting salary: $65,000/yr
Health and dental coverage
Application instructions
Applications can be found at:
https://wsu.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/WSU_Jobs/job/Pullman-WA/Bear-Center-Manager_R-4692