UNIV-Agricultural/Animal Assistant II-DLAR

Job Description Summary

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 DLAR safety protocols including, PPE, equipment failure, hygiene, etc.

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-03

Pay Range

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Work Shift

Job Description

1.1 Perform Cage Sanitation & Preparation. 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 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, and associated accessories, etc. and follow appropriate safety.

1.2 Perform Maintenance. Weight: 35%.

Follow established 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.
• Follow appropriate safety measures as described in DLAR SOPs when performing these tasks.

1.3 Perform Housekeeping. Weight: 15%.

Follow established inventory control, cleaning, and sanitization standards within 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.

1.4 Perform Clerical duties and communicate clearly. Weight 10%. 

• Provide consistently high standards of record keeping.
• Maintain appropriate documentation and records of cage wash equipment and sanitation activities.
• Communicate with facility supervisor any equipment that is not in working order.
• Maintain appropriate documentation and records of cage wash equipment maintenance, quality assurance, and operation activities.

1.5 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.

MUSC Minimum Training and Experience Requirements:

A high school diploma. some positions require a valid driver's license. Certification as a laboratory animal technician may be required for position responsible for the care of laboratory animals.

Physical Requirements:

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.

Physical Requirements: (DLAR Specific):

Must be able to lift 50 lbs. above waist routinely. Must be able to work with animals. May be exposed to animal allergens. May be exposed to zoonotic diseases. Must be able to work in dusty environments. May have to work in wet areas. Must be able to properly wear DLAR issued PPE. Must be able to work in reverse light cycle rooms. May have to work in confined spaces. Must be able to understand safety requirements for autoclave rack washer and tunnel washer.
 

Additional Job Description

Minimum Requirements: A high school diploma and two years 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. 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.

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