![]()
Director of Operations, North Campus Animal Services
University of Alberta
This position is excluded from the bargaining unit.
In accordance with the Handbook of Employment for Management and Professional Staff (Excluded), this position has a comprehensive benefits package and an annual salary which will be commensurate with qualifications.
Location - This role is in-person at North Campus, Edmonton.
Working at the University of Alberta
The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Metis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.
The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.
Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people - from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.
Working for the University of Alberta's Animal Care and Use Program
The University of Alberta's Animal Care and Use Program, under the direction of the University Veterinarian, is responsible for providing support to the animal-based research and teaching community associated with the University of Alberta and its affiliates through its veterinary services team, Research Integrity Support compliance team, and its animal facilities. The University of Alberta is committed to providing excellence in support to all UA faculty, staff and trainees with accountability, communication, cooperation, customer service and integrity.
The North Campus Animal Services Facility is composed of three operationally consolidated animal facilities, namely, the Health Sciences Facility, the Biosciences Facility and the Centre for Prion Diseases and services to Alternate Animal Housing sites, encompassing over 100,000 square feet (~9200 sq.M) on the University's North Campus.
Reporting to the University Veterinarian, the Director, Operations is a key member of the leadership team, directly supervising the Senior Officer, Administration and Facilities, and the Senior Officer, Animal Operations, while collaborating with a team of university veterinarians who oversee critical portfolios. This role is essential in establishing a strong foundation of animal care and facility operations to support the operationally consolidated NCAS. By integrating diverse and innovative operational practices, fostering team collaboration, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, the Director will play a pivotal role in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the research environment.
Position Summary
The Director, Operations of North Campus Animal Services (NCAS) Facility will bring strategic and operational leadership and expertise in directing the operations, communications, engagement, information technology infrastructure, and human resources strategy for the animal facilities that comprise the North Campus Animal Services facility. The Director, Operations will draw on a broad spectrum of leadership skills and experience to fulfill his/her mandate of providing animal care services that meet the needs of researchers who utilize the NCAS facilities, while ensuring compliance with local, provincial and federal legislation and regulations. Working in consultation with the university veterinarians, and as part of a leadership team advising the Vice-President (Research and Innovation), this position will establish and operate the centralized organizational structure for NCAS, cultivating relationships with the Faculties, users and other offices within the university to support the Institutional Animal Care and Use Program, delivering ethical, quality research at the University of Alberta.
Duties
Provide strategic and operational oversight of the NCAS facilities - Develops strategic and operational plans for NCAS, to deliver services that support the conduct of ethical, quality animal research, teaching and testing within NCAS facilities.
- Leads the evaluation and redesign of existing business processes and directs the implementation of new procedures with the aim of achieving improvements in critical performance measures, set by the leadership team.
- Develops, leads and implements standards and procedures that allow for efficient management of the animal facilities, in compliance with CCAC (Canadian Council on Animal Care) guidelines and established standards at the University of Alberta.
- Leads a team of administrative professional officers, who oversee the administrative and animal operations of the NCAS animal care facilities.
- Liaises with the relevant portfolios within the University of Alberta, including Information Technology, Facilities and Operations, Human Resources, Health, Safety and Environment, and Safeguarding Research, to ensure the safe and effective operations of NCAS as well as across the Animal Care & Use Program.
- Engage with faculty members to discuss efficient animal operations that meet their research needs;
- Implements cost containment strategies and operating efficiencies for all physical sites that comprise NCAS.
- Tracks operational performance, and develops and implements policies and procedures to appropriately manage risks.
- Analyses business needs and develops overall strategies and systems' infrastructures for process efficiencies for animal operations within NCAS.
- Providing strategic oversight for the implementation and control of security measures at all animal facilities, while ensuring the Senior Officers deliver an annual update on the Crisis Management Program to maintain alignment with institutional and regulatory requirements.
Management of NCAS facility space - Develop and implement strategic plans for the effective utilization of animal facility space, ensuring that resources align with research demands and institutional priorities.
- Conduct regular assessments of space utilization and make recommendations for maintenance, modifications or expansions based on changing research needs and compliance requirements.
- Collaborate with university veterinarians, Senior Officers and facility managers (as applicable) on the design and renovation of animal housing and support areas, ensuring that all spaces meet regulatory standards and support animal welfare.
- Ensure that all aspects of facility space management adhere to CCAC and institutional regulations regarding animal research, including proper containment, biosecurity, and health and safety protocols.
- Ensure appropriate training and guidance are in place for all facility staff and researchers on space management practices, ensuring efficient operation and maintenance of the facilities.
Provide financial oversight of the NCAS operations and facilities - In conjunction with the AVP, RIS, the University Veterinarian and relevant NCAS governance committees, provide strategic oversight to the Senior Finance Partner to forecast costs and revenues related to NCAS.
- Participates in and provides input to all budget planning activities;
- Oversees the management of cost recovery efforts in the delivery of services within the NCAS facilities.
- Implements cost containment strategies and operating efficiencies for the facilities of NCAS;
- Takes the lead in developing, strategizing, and managing the long-term operational and maintenance needs of animal care facilities.
- Oversees the negotiation of all purchases, service contracts, and maintenance programs for equipment and infrastructure.
- Oversees the tracking of useful lifetimes of equipment and infrastructure and recommends approaches for renewal.
Ensures effective communication and engagement - Leads, develops and implements strategies to foster open communication, collaboration and teamwork across NCAS and the Animal Care & Use Program.
- Sits as a member of the University Animal Policy and Welfare Committee.
- Leads, develops and implements continuing professional development programs including formulating team-building sessions and ongoing professional development opportunities for all NCAS staff.
- Improves, upholds and communicates the Unit's standards and expectations with respect to all operations within NCAS.
Qualifications
Education: - A Master of Business Administration (MBA), or in a relevant discipline is required, reflecting the pivotal role of this position in establishing a strong foundation of animal care and facility operations within the North Campus Animal Services.
- Certification through the Canadian Association for Laboratory Animal Science (CALAS) or Registered Master Laboratory Animal Technician (RMLAT) is an asset
Experience: - Minimum of 8-10 years of experience in animal care facility operations or facility management, with progressive responsibility in leadership roles.
- Proven experience in managing complex operations within a research or academic setting, including animal care operations, facility management, and compliance oversight.
- Experience working within a multidisciplinary team, preferably in an academic or research institution, coordinating with veterinarians, research staff, and administrative teams.
Leadership and Management Skills: - Strong leadership skills with demonstrated ability to manage and motivate a team, fostering a positive work environment, collaboration and accountability within a high-performance unionized organization.
- Strategic planning and project management experience, with a track record of implementing improvements to enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and meet evolving research needs.
- Skilled in budget management, resource allocation, and cost containment to optimize operational efficiency and ensure fiscal responsibility.
Technical and Regulatory Knowledge: - In-depth understanding of laboratory animal care and use regulations, including CCAC standards, and familiarity with biosecurity, health, and safety requirements in an animal research environment.
- Familiarity with facility management and information technology infrastructure used to support animal care operations.
- Proficiency in developing policies and procedures to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and support high-quality animal care.
Interpersonal and Communication Skills: - Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively interact with faculty, veterinarians, research staff, senior administrators, and external stakeholders to support the animal care program.
- Proven ability to work within a collaborative framework, engaging with university veterinarians and other research support teams to meet shared goals without direct reporting authority.
- Skilled in conflict resolution and problem-solving in a team setting, able to navigate complex relationships within a research institution.
Other Key Competencies: - Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple facilities, projects, and priorities simultaneously.
- Demonstrated commitment to ethical standards and animal welfare, aligned with the university's research integrity and quality standards.
To apply, please visit: https://apps.ualberta.ca/careers/posting/1970
The University of Alberta is committed to an equitable, diverse, and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women; First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons; members of visible minority groups; persons with disabilities; persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression; and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.
 Copyright ©2024 Jobelephant.com Inc. All rights reserved.
Posted by the FREE value-added recruitment advertising agency
jeid-23434a077ee5614181f3f837ba25f851 |