Cage Wash Technician – Comparative Medicine Full-time

Job Title

Operate and maintain mechanical cage washers and bulk autoclaves in accordance with departmental SOPs to sanitize/sterilize animal caging and related equipment. Sanitize animal research procedure labs and support spaces according to departmental SOPs and in accordance with guidelines of Animal Welfare Act and Public Health Service. Stock feed, bedding, and laboratory supplies including personnel protective equipment. Contribute to the quality animal care program that supports the research and teaching at WashU. This position requires work on weekends and holidays.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

• Operates mechanical cage washers and bulk autoclaves in accordance with departmental SOPs to sanitize/sterilize animal caging and related equipment. Reports promptly any equipment problems to supervisor or manager.
• Fills clean animal cages with proper amount and type of bedding and fill clean water bottles.
• Conducts daily, weekly and other periodic maintenance of cage wash equipment including conducting and logging quality assurance test. Observes and supports good health and safety practices regarding the use of chemicals and equipment.
• Transports animal cages, large equipment, water bottles and feed and bedding supplies within the animal facilities.
• Conducts general cleaning and housekeeping of cage wash and service areas, including washing walls, floors, equipment, air vents, sinks, doors, door frames and feed containers.
• Performs additional duties as required by supervisor/manager/department.
• Requires extensive safety training.
• Stockroom or warehouse.
• Alternative work schedules.
• Exposure to chemicals.
• High noise environment.
• Requires protective devices.
• Dust, dirt, grease or other disagreeable elements.
• Exposure to moving machinery.
• Exposure to animals.

Working Conditions:

• Must be able to lift 42 lbs. and pass a pre-employment physical exam. Appropriate vaccinations and hearing protection and other PPE are required through participation in the Occupational Health and Safety Program.
• Requires extensive safety training.
• Stockroom or warehouse.
• Alternative work schedules.
• Exposure to chemicals.
• High noise environment.
• Requires protective devices.
• Dust, dirt, grease or other disagreeable elements.
• Exposure to moving machinery.
• Exposure to animals.

Physical Effort:

• Typically standing or walking.
• Typically bending, crouching, stooping.
• Repetitive wrist, hand or finger movement (PC typing).
• Frequent lifting (42 lbs. or more).

Equipment:

• Lab/research equipment.
• Simple hand tools.
• Heavy equipment (buffers, mowers, forklift, etc.).
• Other: Rack washers, tunnel washers, steam autoclaves, water bottle filler stations, pallet jack, etc.

Required Qualifications

Education: High school diploma or equivalent high school certification or combination of education and/or experience.

Certifications/Professional Licenses: Animal Care Learning Program – Purina Institute, Animal Care Learning Program within 6 months – Purina Institute

Work Experience: No specific work experience is required for this position.

Skills: Not Applicable

Driver's License: A driver's license is not required for this position.

More About This Job

WashU seeks highly motivated individuals who are able to perform duties in a manner consistent with our core mission and guiding principles.

Preferred Qualifications

Education: No additional education unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.

Certifications/Professional Licenses: Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) – American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS), Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) – within 2 years – American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS)

Work Experience: Cage Wash Facility (1 Year)

Skills: Biomedical Research, Cleaning Work Area, Effective Written Communication, Equipment Maintenance, Following Instructions, Heavy Lifting, Interpersonal Communication, Oral Communications, Organizing, Prioritization, Quality Care, Sanitation Management, Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), Writing Instructions

Grade

R02-H

Salary Range

$15.25 – $20.29 / Hourly

Benefits Statement

Personal: Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time. Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance. Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees. WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.

Wellness: Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!

Family: We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? We've got you covered. WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.

EEO Statement

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups. It is the University's policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information. Washington University is dedicated to building a community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment – fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.