Animal Facility Manager Job Description

Salary Range

Varies by employer

Experience

Mid-career to senior

Work Environment

Research animal facility

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

Other Job Titles for This Work

Workers in this occupation report titles such as CMC Director (Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls Director), Compliance Director, Global RA Director (Global Regulatory Affairs Director), Global RA Manager (Global Regulatory Affairs Manager), RA Director (Regulatory Affairs Director), RA Manager (Regulatory Affairs Manager), RA QA Director (Regulatory Affairs Quality Assurance Director), RA VP (Regulatory Affairs Vice President).

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

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.

Animal Facility Manager Pay Range

Highest-Paying States for Animal Facility Managers

The states with the highest median pay for this occupation are Massachusetts ($182,950), District of Columbia ($175,720), California ($174,560), Colorado ($171,140), Delaware ($168,060). Pay is lowest in Tennessee ($99,430), Arkansas ($87,520), Indiana ($79,900).

What the Work Is Like

O*NET surveys people who work as managers, all other about their daily conditions. Of those surveyed:

• 100% use email every day
• 100% say teamwork is very or extremely important in their job
• 95% spend more than half the workday sitting
• 87% say being exact and accurate is very or extremely important
• 74% work indoors in a climate-controlled space every day
• 64% are on the phone every day
• 61% usually work more than 40 hours a week

Education Workers Say the Job Needs

Tools and Software Animal Facility Managers Use

Tools and equipment

• Computer laser printers
• Desktop computers
• Laptop computers
• Laser facsimile machines
• Multi-line telephone systems
• Personal computers
• Photocopying equipment

Software

• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Office software
• Microsoft Outlook
• Microsoft PowerPoint
• Adobe Acrobat
• Microsoft Access
• Microsoft Project
• Microsoft SharePoint
• Microsoft Visio
• Microsoft Windows
• Microsoft Word
• SAP software

Is This Job a Good Fit for You?

People who do well in this job tend to enjoy leading, persuading and making business decisions as well as organized work with data, records and clear procedures.

Skills O*NET rates most important: Writing, Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Speaking, Critical Thinking, Complex Problem Solving.

Knowledge areas used most: English Language, Law and Government, Administration and Management, Biology, Education and Training.

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Applying for an Animal Facility Manager Job

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