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, including climbing ladders.

Additional Information:

This job profile is a Manager 2, Agriculture Operations (M2 level) position on the career roadmap.

The offer for this position will fall within this range based on internal equity, unit’s available budget, and the candidate’s qualifications

Location:

Waterman - Multispecies Animal Learning Complex (1321)

Position Type:

Regular

Scheduled Hours:

40

Shift:First Shift

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.

Thank you for your interest in positions at The Ohio State University and Wexner Medical Center. Once you have applied, the most updated information on the status of your application can be found by visiting the Candidate Home section of this site. Please view your submitted applications by logging in and reviewing your status. For answers to additional questions please review the frequently asked questions.

The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.

As required by Ohio Revised Code section 3345.0216, Ohio State will: educate students by means of free, open and rigorous intellectual inquiry to seek the truth; equip students with the opportunity to develop intellectual skills to reach their own, informed conclusions; not require, favor, disfavor or prohibit speech or lawful assembly; create a community dedicated to an ethic of civil and free inquiry, which respects the autonomy of each member, supports individual capacities for growth and tolerates differences in opinion; treat all faculty, staff and students as individuals, hold them to equal standards and provide equality of opportunity with regard to race, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.

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