FLSA: Hourly

Job Summary: Job purpose
• Performs routine duties associated with cage sanitation and preparation in a research setting to ensure compliance with existing regulations and DLAR SOPs.
• Arrives for work in a timely manner and follows DLAR attendance policy.
• Follows all DALR safety protocols including those for lifting, PPE, equipment failure, hygiene, etc.

Job Duties: 

• 40%% - Perform Cage Sanitation & Preparation. Weight: 40% Provide consistently high standards of cage sanitation and preparation. Examples of required tasks to accomplish this objective include: • Perform routine start-up and shut down procedures of all cage wash machines. • Ensure that cage washing and related equipment are in proper working order. • Wash and sterilize animal caging, racks, and associated accessories based on facility need. • Assemble and disassemble animal caging and equipment for sanitization without damaging equipment. • Dispense bedding into cages accurately and consistently. • Safely operate rack, tunnel washers, bedding dispensers, autoclaves, and other associated equipment. • Prepare appropriate chemicals to sanitize and disinfect cages, racks, and associated accessories, etc. and follow appropriate safety guidelines/grooming standards. • Maintain cage wash and storage areas in a clean and organized manner. • Dispose and process any hazardous waste in accordance with university and DLAR safety guidelines to patiently include ABSLII hazardous waste. • Maintain appropriate documentation and records of cage wash equipment and sanitation activities. • Communicate with facility supervisor any equipment that is not in working order. - (Essential)
• 40%% - Perform Maintenance. Weight: 40% Follow established equipment maintenance requirements to ensure continuous operations. Examples of required tasks to accomplish this objective include: • Perform routine preventative maintenance procedures on mechanical cage washers, animal caging systems and other equipment used to provide animal husbandry and care. • Perform quality assurance procedures on tunnel washers, rack/cage washer, and autoclaves using temperature strips, tape and biological indicators. • Maintain appropriate documentation and records of cage wash equipment maintenance, quality assurance, and operation activities. • Follow appropriate safety measures as described in DLAR SOPs when performing these tasks. - (Essential)
• 15%% - Perform Housekeeping. Weight: 15% Follow established inventory control, cleaning, and sanitization standards within the facility. Examples of required tasks to accomplish this objective include: • Transport animal feed, bedding, caging, racks and supplies between various facilities using trucks, pallet jacks, carts, and dollies. • Receive deliveries, stack, store, organize and transport animal food, bedding, caging racks and supplies to appropriate storage areas. • Monitor and ensure availability of animal care supplies, food, bedding, chemical supplies, and equipment. • Ensure all sweeping, mopping, garbage removal, and washing tasks assigned are complete according to DLAR SOP. • Sanitize all supplies, equipment, and other animal care related equipment assigned according to DLAR SOP. • Follow established safety policies and procedures throughout the vivarium. • Appropriately mix and use all cleaning solutions according to established DLAR SOPs and/or manufacturers’ instructions. • Communicate with facility supervisor any needs for bedding, food, and other necessary supplies when stocks are low. • Assist in room prep for H2O2 disinfecting. • Properly dispose of all expired chemicals. - (Essential)
• 5%% - Perform Other Duties as Assigned. Weight: 5% • Under the guidance of the supervisor, provide absentee support for cage wash technicians (often in other facilities). • Provide assistance during unusual and/or unanticipated circumstances. • Provide animal care as needed. • Ensure completion of mandatory/required training. - (Essential)

Preferred Experience & Additional Skills: 

A high school diploma. Some positions require a valid driver's license.