Description du poste
This position is located at United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Services (ARS), The National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF), Animal Care Unit located in Manhattan, Kansas. The mission of the NBAF Animal Resources Unit (ARU) is to support all aspects of the care and use of animals at NBAF.
PRINCIPALES MISSIONS :
Participates in short- and long-range planning with the supervisor, overseeing animal management programs that support scientists' needs. Directs and coordinates staff and work assignments through team leaders to meet operational requirements.
Participates in discussions with research scientists and operations staff, providing expertise on project planning, including animal needs, space, equipment, transportation, and decontamination requirements to ensure effective support services.
Develops plans and schedules for support activities, oversees coordination and completion of work, maintains communication between research and operations staff, and coordinates with facilities personnel on space adjustments as needed.
Identifies and implements changes to animal protocols and enrichment activities, oversees critical equipment maintenance, recordkeeping, animal handling, drug administration, and biological sample collection to support research objectives.
Participates in the several stages with the supervisor and scientific staff in support of scientific objectives, including animal needs and experimental design to ensure successful completion of the research studies.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUISES :
Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement, 11/23/2026, including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. Specialized Experience: Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. The specialized experience requirements for this position are: Qualifying experience for GS-11 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-09 which is directly related to the work of this position, and which has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. For this position, specialized experience is experience overseeing the care, health, housing, welfare and handling of animals used in research or teaching programs; planning, coordinating, or overseeing animal research activities in environments requiring strict biosecurity, biosafety, and containment procedures; and ensuring compliance with animal care regulations, research protocols, and institutional policies. OR Education: Three years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree, or equivalent doctoral degree, if related. Related degrees may include Agricultural Science, Veterinary Science, Animal Science, or Biology. OR Successful combination of specialized experience and graduate level education. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Physical Demands: The incumbent performs activities involved in the care, treatment, and management of animals in a high containment facility. Moderate to heavy physical exertion is required daily for restraining large animals and moving feed and equipment (75-100 pounds) with appropriate support and within safety protocols. May be required to move large animal carcasses and/or portion of carcasses in carts weighing up to 300 pounds with the support of handling equipment. Strength and agility may be necessary to handle recalcitrant livestock. Certain phases of the work