What Does an Animal Facility Manager Do?
As long as research uses animals, someone has to make sure they are housed, fed and treated humanely under strict federal rules. The animal facility manager runs that operation at a university or research institute, leading animal care staff, the facility budget and inspections. Most work closely with veterinarians and the IACUC, the committee that approves animal research.
Also known as: Animal Resources Manager
Animal Facility Manager Duties and Responsibilities
The primary responsibilities of an animal facility manager include:
- Supervise animal care technicians, setting daily husbandry schedules for feeding, cage changes and health checks.
- Keep the facility ready for USDA inspections and AAALAC accreditation site visits.
- Work with the attending veterinarian and IACUC on protocols, health reports and corrective actions.
- Prepare the facility budget and set per diem rates charged to research grants.
- Order feed, bedding, cages and supplies, and manage vendor contracts.
- Monitor temperature, humidity, lighting and ventilation in animal rooms; respond to alarms after hours.
- Train staff and researchers on handling, biosafety and occupational health requirements.
- Maintain census and billing records for every animal housed in the facility.
- Plan cage wash, sanitation and pest control routines that meet federal standards.
- Investigate animal welfare concerns and report findings to the IACUC and veterinarian.
Required Skills and Qualifications
To succeed as an animal facility manager, you will need the following skills and qualifications:
- AALAS certification, such as LATG or CMAR
- Knowledge of the Animal Welfare Act and PHS Policy
- Staff supervision and scheduling
- Budgeting and per diem rate setting
- Colony management software
- Biosafety and occupational health practice
- Calm judgment during facility emergencies
- Bachelor's degree in animal science or biology
Education and Training
AALAS certification, awarded by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science, is the credential many employers ask for. Most managers came up through animal care technician and supervisor jobs, often with a bachelor's degree in animal science or biology. Those aiming for director roles add the Certified Manager of Animal Resources credential.
Salary and Job Outlook
Typical pay: varies widely for this role, and BLS does not publish pay for it separately. In the wider BLS group it belongs to (Managers, All Other), the middle half of earners made $102,880 to $186,300 a year, and the median was $141,900.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, Managers, All Other.
For managers not classified elsewhere, the broad BLS group this job falls under, employment is projected to grow about 5 percent from 2025 to 2035, with roughly 100,900 openings a year. Hiring often is tied to research funding, but managers with AALAS credentials and inspection experience tend to be in demand.
Outlook source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections, 2025 to 2035, Managers, all other.