Palatability Execution Supervisor

This opportunity is located within our AFB International business, the global science and technology leader in pet food palatability. We develop and produce a full range of liquid and dry palatability enhancers using high-quality ingredients proven to optimize companion animal response and consumption.

Job Description

Provide care and maintenance for all animals by performing the following duties in accordance with the Animal Welfare Act (AWA). Palatability Execution supervisor is responsible for guiding the work and processes of the function, problem solving and working collaboratively with the other function supervisors. It is the responsibility of the Supervisor to demonstrate a commitment to safety, animal welfare, and teamwork. Supervisors will be responsible for recruiting, hands-on training, or delegation to another team member, of new employees in accordance with the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) and New Employee Training Program.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Provide compassionate care for all animals.
• Maintain USDA compliance with respect to Animal Welfare policies and procedures.
• Member of IACUC committee, engages in meetings, facility inspections, protocol review, etc.
• Make decisions for personnel schedule, duties & communicates decisions with internal PARC team.
• Responsible for team recruitment strategy, execution and new team members onboarding.
• Support new employee training, SOP management, and overall facility procedures & efficiency.
• Support facility security needs; serves as after-hours point of contact for facility security purposes.
• Recognize animal behaviors/aggression/anxiety and report as necessary.
• Create a safety culture, advise head of PARC of any conditions that are unsafe including unrecognized hazards or infractions of safety rules, as well as demonstrate a continuous improvement mindset.
• Abide by all PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) requirements and Safety Absolutes.
• Complete delegated projects and tasks proficiently and within a regularly scheduled cadence.
• Set an example of expectations in professional maturity, time management, job responsibilities.
• Work collaboratively to cultivate a culture of inclusion, belonging, and accountability.
• Contributes to the animal health and training programs at PARC utilizing experience and knowledge.

• Guide the work of the Palatability Execution Team.
• Complete routine 1:1's with Pal Execution Technician team
• Complete employee tag-ups as required throughout the year
• Review employee performance and prepare/conduct year-end-reviews
• Perform compensation review every end-of-year cycle
• Complete trial execution schedule including food preparing responsibilities as assigned.
• Develop & implement research protocols independently for palatability execution and data collection.
• Train team members in the preparation of food for feeding trials in accordance with guidelines.
• Make decisions for protocol, schedule and testing timelines and communicates decisions with various internal staff including but not limited to R&D scientists, animal kennel staff, Process Lab staff, etc.
• Validation of current testing methods with assistance of the Pal data coordinator, and make suggestions for improved reporting tools to develop and improve data integrity
• Use spreadsheet and database technology to relay data in a timely fashion and to monitor, track and trend testing schedules and results.
• Prepare reports of completed projects for use in further applied or theoretical research activities.
• Document necessary animal information for management or veterinary staff
• Support facility security needs; serves as afterhours point of contact for facility security purposes.
• Validation of current animal population with assistance of the Pal data coordinator.
• Provide assistance in conducting food trials & in preparing food for animals not on feeding trials.
• Report necessary information at daily huddle
• Take inventory of stock supplies as needed
• Problem solving of daily work
• Training of new employees
• Other duties as assigned

Supervisory Responsibilities

Directly supervises Palatability execution team members in a team environment. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Qualifications To perform this job successfully, the employee must be proficient in the job duties of their perspective area. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education/Experience

• Required:
  • Bachelor's degree. Preferred in food science, animal nutrition but not limited to these.
  • Two years of experience in research, preferably in trial execution for food science or animal nutrition
• Preferred:
  • Four years of animal care experience or equivalent combination of education and experience
  • One year of experience in a leadership role

Schedule 40h work week from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and weekends on a need basis.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities To perform this job successfully, an individual must have the following knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Ability to work safely and follow all established Safety Absolutes

• Ability to treat animals with care and respect and feel comfortable socializing animals off leash
• Ability to assess animal health conditions
• Ability to work independently as well as be a team player
• Ability to lead teams as well as to follow instructions and respond to management direction
• Ability to write legibly and read documents

• Ability to maintain accurate records relating to jobs as they are planned performed and completed. Skill to use electronic means for recording data.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills to interact effectively with peers, co-workers, scientists, researchers, supervisors, customers and vendors as required.
• Knowledge of safety practices applicable to food research laboratory environments and ability to follow designated safety procedures.
• Knowledge of properties and applications of ingredients and materials involved in testing and the skill to safely handle them.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical materials.
• Advanced skill level in MS Office Applications such as Word, Excel, Access.
• Knowledge of algebraic and calculus mathematical concepts, theory, and application.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Ability to work after hours, on weekends, and on holidays as needed to provide adequate facility coverage and staffing levels.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here represent those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Lifting and Carrying: Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds regularly, including pet supplies, food bags, and animals.
• Standing and Walking: Extended periods of standing and walking on various surfaces, including indoors, outdoors, and uneven terrain.
• Bending, Stooping, and Kneeling: Frequent bending, stooping, and kneeling when cleaning kennels, interacting with animals at ground level, and performing maintenance tasks.
• Handling and Restraining Animals: Ability to safely handle, restrain, and control dogs of varying sizes, weights, and temperaments using appropriate equipment and techniques.
• Repetitive Motions: Frequent use of hands and arms for tasks such as leash handling, cleaning, feeding, and grooming.
• Sensory Requirements: Ability to hear barking, alarms, or calls for assistance; ability to see clearly for monitoring animal behavior and safety hazards.
• Weather Exposure: Willingness to work in varied weather conditions when walking or exercising animals outdoors.
• Physical Stamina: Ability to perform job duties in a fast-paced environment with occasional high levels of noise and activity.\

Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

AFB International is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, national origin, or veteran status.