Cage Wash Technician

Job Description

Processes all animal cage components and related equipment through mechanical cage, bottle, rack or tunnel washers. Ensures proper sanitation using standard temperature assurance indicators and reports any failures immediately to the Supervisor.

• Processes all waste bedding material using either a vacuum bedding disposal or HEPA filtered bedding disposal unit.
• Wears appropriate personal protective equipment when handling waste bedding.
• Operates mechanical cage wash units according to department standard operating procedures and manufacturer instructions. Reports all deficiencies immediately to the Supervisor.
• Stages cage components into units using appropriate bedding and enrichment material. Ensures that cage components are excellent working condition and reports and deficits to the Supervisor immediately.
• Operates steam autoclaves to sterilize equipment as required. Ensures proper sterilization using cycle assurance indicators. Records all results on the Autoclave Assurance Log. Reports failures immediately to the Supervisor.

Required Qualifications

• A high school diploma or GED.
• 0-1 years related work experience required.
• Ability to work well as part of a team and follow detailed instruction and carry through with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work under conditions of odors, heat, humidity.
• Ability to routinely lift weights of 50 lbs.
• No known allergies to animals that would affect ability to work with laboratory animals.
• Basic familiarity with computers.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of and experience with operation of mechanical cage wash equipment.
• Familiarity and experience maintaining a clean and sanitary environment for animals.

Competencies

• Decision Making: Ability to make decisions based on specific instructions, standard practices and established procedures.
• Problem Solving: Ability to address routine, somewhat repetitive problems by following clear directions and procedures and identifying opportunities for process improvements.
• Independence of Action: Ability to follow general instructions and procedures as provided.
• Written Communications: Ability to read and write in English to understand basic safety instructions and take direction from supervisors; communicate effectively with patients, families and other medical center staff; and respond to basic questions.
• Oral Communications: Ability to understand and speak English in order to follow basic safety instructions and take direction from supervisors; communicate effectively in basic English with patients, families and medical center staff in response to routine questions.
• Knowledge: Ability to demonstrate basic knowledge of fundamental concepts, practices and procedures.
• Team Work: Ability to interact respectfully with other employees, professional staff and/or external contacts to offer ideas, identify issues, obtain information or deliver services.
• Customer Service: Ability to demonstrate a positive attitude and respond to requests in a timely and respectful manner.

Physical Nature Of The Job

• Medium work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and or up to 20 pounds of force frequently.

Pay Range

The pay range listed for this position is the base hourly wage range the organization reasonably and in good faith expects to pay for this position at this time. Actual compensation is determined based on several factors, that may include seniority, education, training, relevant experience, relevant certifications, geography of work location, job responsibilities, or other applicable factors permissible by law. Compensation may exceed the base hourly rate depending on shift differentials, call pay, premium pay, overtime pay, and other additional pay practices, as applicable to the position and in accordance with the law.