Bear Center Manager

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.

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 yearforyear 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.

COVID-19 Vaccine Information:

In accordance with Washington State Governor's Proclamation 21.14.2, as a condition of employment, you must be fully vaccinated or have an approved medical/religious accommodation by time of hire. People are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving their last shot in a vaccine series. Full vaccination status or an approved accommodation will be verified prior to your first day of work. Should you not be fully vaccinated or have an approved medical/religious accommodation you will not be able to start employment with WSU. Information regarding vaccine verification and/or requesting a medical/religious accommodation is available at https://hrs.wsu.edu/covid-19/vax-verification/. Please contact HRS at hrs@wsu.edu or 509-335-4521 if you have questions.

Area/College:

College of Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences

Department Name:

School of the Environment - Bear Research Center

City, State, Zip:

Pullman, WA 99163

Department Link:

https://bearcenter.wsu.edu/ | https://environment.wsu.edu/

Monthly Salary:

Commensurate upon Qualifications and Experience

FTE:

100%

Position Type:
Permanent

Screening Begin Date:

This position has been posted as Open until Filled. The screening of applicants will begin March 15, 2022.

The expected start date of a successful applicant is anticipated as May 1, 2022.

Background Check:

This position has been designated by the department to require a background check.

Applicant Instructions:

Applicants must attach the following documents to their online application: 1) resume and 2) cover letter. Application materials should clearly communicate how the applicant meets all required qualifications and additional requirements. Applicants are required to include contact information for 3 (three) professional references within the application.

Required Documents:

1) Resume

2) Cover Letter

3) List of three (3) professional references