UNIV-Agricultural Animal Assistant II - Cage Wash- DLAR

Job Description Summary

• Performs routine duties associated with cage sanitation and preparation in a research setting to ensure compliance with existing regulations and departmental SOPs.
• Foster an environment of care, respect, and support for animals, researchers, and staff.
• Must be able to work under general supervision, follow written instructions, and demonstrate exceptional customer service skills in communication with researchers, staff, and management.
• Must be able to work on a rotating schedule to provide coverage on weekends, holidays, and during hazardous weather events.

Entity

Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC - Univ)

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type​

Classified

Cost Center

CC001152 DLAR Division Of Laboratory Animal Resources

Pay Rate Type

Hourly

Pay Grade

University-GEN04

Pay Range

30,700.00 - 39,900.00 - 49,100.000

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Work Shift

Job Description

Perform Cage Sanitation & Preparation Duties. Weight: 35% 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.
• Assemble and disassemble animal caging and equipment for sanitization without damaging equipment. 
• Dispense bedding into rodent cages accurately and consistently.
• Safely operate rack, tunnel washers, bedding dispensers, and autoclaves. 
• Prepare appropriate chemicals to sanitize and disinfect cages, racks, and associated accessories, etc. 
• Maintain cage wash and storage areas in a clean and organized manner. 
• Dispose of hazardous waste in accordance with university and DLAR safety guidelines.
• Maintain appropriate documentation and records of cage wash equipment and sanitation activities.

Perform Maintenance Duties. Weight: 35% 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.

Perform Housekeeping Duties. Weight: 25% 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 vans, carts, and dollies.
• Receive deliveries, stack, store 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 SOP.
• Sanitize all supplies, equipment, and other animal care related equipment assigned according to SOP.
• Follow established safety policies and procedures throughout the vivarium.
• Appropriately mix and use all cleaning solutions according to established SOPs and/or manufacturers’ instructions.

Perform Other Duties as Assigned. MUSC Minimum Training and Experience

Weight: 5%

• Under the guidance of the supervisor, provide absentee support for cage wash technicians (potentially in other facilities).
• Provide assistance during unusual and/or unanticipated circumstances.

Additional Job Description

MUSC Minimum Training and Experience Requirements:

A high school diploma and one year of experience in agricultural research or animal care that is directly related to the area of employment. An associate degree in animal health technology or a discipline related to agriculture may be substituted for the required work experience. Certification as a laboratory animal technician may be required for positions responsible for the care of laboratory animals.

MUSC Physical Requirements:

(Note: The following descriptions are applicable to this section: Continuous - 6-8 hours per shift; Frequent - 2-6 hours per shift; Infrequent - 0-2 hours per shift)

Ability to perform job functions in a seated position. (Continuous)
Ability to climb using step stool. (Infrequent)
Ability to work in temperature extremes (32° F to 100 ° F) when required due to assignments in cold rooms and/or foreign countries. (Infrequent)
Ability to work in confined/cramped spaces. (Continuous)
Ability to maintain good olfactory sensory function. (Continuous)
Ability to lift and carry 4 liter waste material bottles a distance of 30 feet, unassisted. (Frequent)
Ability to lift and carry 25 lbs. to 30 lbs. jugs of liquid a distance of 100 feet, unassisted. (Infrequent)
Ability to file boxes from floor level to counter tops, unassisted. (Frequent)
Ability to lift materials up to 20 lbs., unassisted. (Infrequent)
Ability to lift 25 lbs. boxes from floor level to a maximum height of 72". (Infrequent)
Ability to lift 40 lbs. centrifuge rotors, from floor level to a height of 40 inches, then down 20 inches into centrifuge drum. (Infrequent)
Ability to push/pull file boxes from one location to another at floor level, unassisted. (Frequent)
Ability to maneuver heavy equipment on bench tops (Frequent)
Ability to reach, stretch, bend, while moving items/materials from both sitting and standing positions. (Frequent)
Ability to conduct a variety of hand pipefitting operations. (Continuous)
Ability to maintain 20/40 vision in both eyes, corrected. (Continuous)
Ability to match or discriminate between colors. (Continuous)
Ability to hear and recognize various alarms emitting from work area systems. (Continuous)
Ability to work in a darkroom for processing film, etc. (Continuous)
Ability to qualify for the use of cartridge respirators. (Continuous)
Ability to work in dusty areas. (Infrequent)
May require working with animals of various sizes.

If you like working with energetic enthusiastic individuals, you will enjoy your career with us!

The Medical University of South Carolina is an Equal Opportunity Employer. MUSC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, age, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, family or parental status, or any other status protected by state laws and/or federal regulations. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment based upon applicable qualifications, merit and business need.

Medical University of South Carolina participates in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees. For further information about the E-Verify program, please click here: http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify/employees