Cage Wash Technician

Cage Wash Technician

Clean and disinfect animal housing, feed and water containers using the automated cage washer.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  
•    Assist with Animal Care technical duties such as changing liners and sanitizing animal room walls and floors.
•    Based on laboratory schedule, prioritize the sanitization of animal cages, racks, feeders, bottles and sippers, according to S.O.P.’s, using the automated cage wash machines.
•    Clean and maintain a clean cage wash area. 
•    Ensure preparation of feed jars for washing, including discarding of old feed.
•    Ensure that storage areas are maintained in an organized fashion.
•    Lubricate rack wheels after being washed.
•    Perform daily routine maintenance checks on the automated cage wash machines.
•    Receive, store, and distribute animal husbandry supplies.  Report low inventory to supervisor.
•    Record all required tasks on relevant logbook records accurately and completely.
•    Report the need for equipment repair (cages, racks, cage wash machines, etc.) to the appropriate personnel.
•    Sanitize floors, walls, and other surfaces in the automatic cage wash area.
•    Secure cage wash area and compressor room at the end of the day.
•    Perform all other related duties as assigned.

The pay range for this position is $19.00 an hour. Please note that salaries vary within the range based on factors including, but not limited to, experience, skills, education, certifications, and location.

QUALIFICATIONS:
•    Education:  High School Diploma or General Education Degree (G.E.D.).  
•    Experience:  NA
•    An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for the specific education and experience listed above.
•    Certification/Licensure:  ALAT preferred.
•    Other:  Strong organizational skills necessary.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
•    While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear and lift .  
•    Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
•    Must be able to regularly lift and manipulate up to 50 pounds on a repetitive basis each day.
•    Must be able to regularly manipulate objects on shelves from one and one-half to six and one-half feet above the floor on a repetitive basis each day.
•    Must be able to regularly use a broom and mop to sanitize floors on a repetitive basis each day.
•    Must be able to regularly push wheeled carts weighing up to 1200 pounds on a continuous basis each day.
•    Duties require regularly standing for an average of eight hours a day.
•    Must be able to regularly read, understand, and follow written procedures.
•    Must be able to frequently endure wet, humid and hot conditions daily.
•    Must be able to occasionally work in spaces as narrow as 2 feet.
•    Must be able to regularly communicate with other personnel regarding all aspects of a study.
•    Must wear safety equipment to OSHA regulations.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
•    The noise level in the work environment is moderate to high.  Noise protection devices are provided for use in the cage wash area.  Conditions are wet, hot and humid. 
•    Must be able to wear a respirator where required by OSHA regulations.
•    Works near or with caustic chemicals.
•    Regularly exposed to rodent dander.

COMMENTS:
•    Work schedule will include rotating weekends and holidays.