Assistant Director - Animal Complex

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Job Title:

Assistant Director - Animal Complex

Department:

FAES | Dean-VP Operating

College: College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CFAES)
Location: Waterman Agricultural and Natural Resources Laboratory
Salary Range: $75,700–$98,900
Posting Open Until: October 19, 2025
Reports To: Associate Dean of Operations and Animal Sciences Department Chair
Supervises: 6 Managers/Assistant Managers (M1s/T4s) and student employees

Position Summary:

The Assistant Director – Animal Complex ensures that the physical spaces and resources of the Waterman Agricultural and Natural Resources Laboratory (WANRL) support the teaching, Extension, and research missions of CFAES. This role provides strategic oversight of multiple animal facilities and leads a team of barn managers to maintain high standards of operation, safety, and biosecurity.

Key Responsibilities:

40% Facility Oversight & Operations

• Oversee daily operations of MALC facilities including classrooms/labs, arena, equine, poultry, swine, ruminants, Dairy, Commodity Barn, and Nutrient Handling Facility.
• Troubleshoot mechanical systems and coordinate maintenance with staff, FOD, and contractors.
• Ensure sanitation and biosecurity protocols are followed in collaboration with the Biosecurity Manager.
• Maintain documentation of maintenance, repairs, and compliance activities.
• Lead arena setup and evaluate space usage and upkeep.

30% Staff Supervision

• Serve as the primary supervisor for barn managers and assistant managers across all animal units.
• Provide leadership, guidance, and performance management to direct reports.

20% Stakeholder Engagement & Customer Service

• Maintain clear communication with academic programs and animal operations to coordinate teaching and outreach activities.
• Provide guidance to facility users and visitors.
• Apply conflict resolution and customer service skills to support a positive and productive environment.

10% Professional Development & Outreach

• Participate in trainings, certifications, and emergency response teams.
• Support CFAES outreach events, Extension programs, tours, and student activities.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and participate in committees as needed.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in agriculture, animal sciences, mechanical systems, business management, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in a related field.
• Experience in facility and personnel management.
• Knowledge of animal production environments.
• Strong communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in electronic data management and reporting tools (e.g., Microsoft Office, internet research, data entry/retrieval).

Desired Qualifications:

• Master of Science or advanced degree.
• 8–12 years of experience preferred.
• Experience managing animal production facilities.
• Basic understanding of mechanical systems.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work in animal housing environments under varying conditions (hot, cold, dusty, cramped).
• Capable of wearing PPE for extended periods.
• Able to lift up to 50 lbs. and perform physical tasks, incl