Assistant Director - Animal Complex
New Today
Current Employees and Students
: If you are currently employed or enrolled as a student at The Ohio State University, please log in to to use the internal application process.
Welcome to The Ohio State University's career site. We invite you to apply to positions of interest. In order to ensure your application is complete, you must complete the following:
Ensure you have all necessary documents available when starting the application process. You can review the additional job description section on postings for documents that may be required.
Prior to submitting your application, please review and update (if necessary) the information in your candidate profile as it will transfer to your application.
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.
Explore our extensive benefits .
Work-life: Flexible and remote work arrangement opportunities where applicable, childcare program, and access to educational, athletic and cultural events. Retirement: State pension and alternative options with competitive employer contributions, as well as optional supplemental plans. Health: Medical, dental, vision and prescription coverage, life insurance, flexible spending accounts and wellness programming. Time off: Paid vacation and sick time, parental and medical leave plus 11 paid holidays. Short and long-term disability options also available. Financial: Tuition assistance for employees and their dependents, adoption assistance and discounts with preferred vendors and university partners. Wellness: Lifestyle spending account, employee assistance program, health reimbursement account, and employee wellness program.
- Location:
- Columbus
- Job Type:
- FullTime