Animal Cage Washer Tech 1

Augusta University; Augusta (GA); On-site; USD 17,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

Retirement plan

Vacation time

Sick leave

13 paid holidays

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Augusta University is seeking a dedicated Laboratory Animal Services technician to perform cage washing, processing and equipment logistics for a large, complex program on campus. The role requires careful handling of cages, proper sanitation, and adherence to safety protocols in a busy lab setting.

You will work under supervision, may lead in the cage wash area, and assist in general facility operations while maintaining compliance with OSHA standards and institutional policies.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Preferred: degree or certifications in Laboratory Animal Science or related field.

Responsibilities

• Receive soiled cages into cage wash area and pre-cleanings.
• Load cages into automated cage washing machines and unload.
• Maintain records of sanitization and cage washing processes.
• Perform preventative maintenance and monitor equipment operation.
• Assist in stocking and organizing vivarium supplies.
• Follow OSHA and safety protocols when handling hazardous materials.

Skills

Physical stamina

Lifting up to 50 lbs

Manual dexterity

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Preferred: degree in Laboratory Animal Science or related field

Job description

About Us

Augusta University is Georgia's innovation center for education and health care, training the next generation of innovators, leaders, and healthcare providers in classrooms and clinics on four campuses in Augusta and locations across the state. More than 12,000 students choose Augusta for educational opportunities at the center of Georgia's cybersecurity hub and experiential learning that blends arts and application, humanities, and the health sciences. Augusta is home to Georgia's only public academic health center, where groundbreaking research is creating a healthier, more prosperous Georgia, and world-class clinicians are bringing the medicine of tomorrow to patient care today. Our mission and values https://www.augusta.edu/about/mission.php make Augusta University an institution like no other.

Augusta University is Georgia's innovation center for education and health care, training the next generation of innovators, leaders, and healthcare providers in classrooms and clinics on four campuses in Augusta and locations across the state. More than 12,000 students choose Augusta for educational opportunities at the center of Georgia's cybersecurity hub and experiential learning that blends arts and application, humanities, and the health sciences. Augusta is home to Georgia's only public academic health center, where groundbreaking research is creating a healthier, more prosperous Georgia, and world-class clinicians are bringing the medicine of tomorrow to patient care today. Our mission and values https://www.augusta.edu/about/mission.php make Augusta University an institution like no other. Augusta University's distinct characteristics in education and research include real-world experiences and community engagement, as well as a culture of building community, corporate and government partnerships that address health, security, economic and societal concerns locally and across the state. The University System of Georgia https://www.usg.edu/hr/orientation/welcome_to_the_board_of_regents_university_system_office is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct. Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Location

Augusta University

Our Health Sciences Campus: 1120 15th Street, Augusta, GA 30912

Our Summerville Campus: 2500 Walton Way, Augusta, GA 30904

College/Department Information

The Division of Laboratory Animal Services at Augusta University is a service organization, which facilitates the research and teaching mission of the University by meeting the animal research needs of the research community while concurrently providing for the safe and ethical treatment of research animals. Our emphasis on customer service is demonstrated by providing high quality animal care and research support in a timely manner while being courteous, professional, and responsive to our customers. We maintain a centralized animal care program with administrative management of 6 on-campus and 1 off-campus animal facilities. We report to the Vice President of Research, consult, and collaborate with the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. The animal use program is accredited by AAALAC, a Registered Research Facility with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA No. 57-R-0002) and has an Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare Assurance number.

Job Summary

This position will perform cage washing, cage processing, cage assembly, autoclaving, caging and equipment logistics, sanitization, housekeeping, and materials management for a large, various, and complex laboratory animal services program. May provide guidance and direction to Cage Wash Trainees. Works independently. May act in a lead capacity in the cage wash area in the absence of their supervisor. Takes the necessary precautions, in keeping with OSHA standards and other applicable federal and state regulations, when working with hazardous chemicals, materials, animals and power equipment. Uses personal protective equipment as required. Performs related responsibilities as required.

Responsibilities

• Receive soiled cages into cage wash area. Perform pre-cleaning of cages; disassemble cages as necessary to prepare for loading into automated cage washing machines as directed by supervisor and in accordance to standard operation procedures.
• Empty soiled bedding and waste from soiled cages; dispose of soiled bedding as directed by supervisor and standard operating procedures.
• Load cages into automated cage washing machines in accordance with standard operating procedures.
• Remove clean cages from automated cage washing equipment, add bedding, and reassemble cages as directed by supervisor and in accordance with standard operating procedures.
• Assess and maintain records of sanitization and effectiveness of cage washing and sanitizing processes in accordance with standard operating procedures.
• Perform preventative maintenance, start up and shut down of equipment in accordance with standard operating procedures. Assess daily cage washing and cage processing equipment for proper operation.
• Notify Supervisor of any abnormalities in the physical environment of the animal facilities. Disinfect animal areas at routine intervals.
• Keep vivarium common use supply levels adequately maintained.
• Keep storage areas clean and organized.
• Load and unload supplies as required.
• Participate in continuing education courses of Laboratory Animal care.
• Fill orders for processed cages and equipment for specific work areas based on input from animal care technicians and supervisors.
• Perform all other related duties/tasks incidental to work described herein as required.

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED from a recognized State or Federal accredited organization with the ability to lift up to 50 lbs.

Preferred Qualifications

• A degree from an accredited college or university, certification, training or experience in the field of Laboratory Animal Science or animal related field is desired.
• Knowledge of animal husbandry/care is preferred/desired.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Must have the ability to perform physical duties which may include standing, pushing, pulling and lifting; pushing or pulling loaded bulk trucks and racks.
• Must have the ability to withstand extensive exposure to disagreeable elements such as elevated temperatures, high humidity, dust, and excessive noise; possess manual dexterity skills to assemble and disassemble cages, load caging into automated washing machines, and re-assemble cleaned cages.
• Must have ability and willingness to use disinfecting and sterilizing chemical agents; ability and willingness to wear the protective gear provided by the department.

Shift/Salary/Benefits

Shift: Days: Monday - Friday (Work outside of normal business hours may be required).

Pay Band: 1

Minimum: $15.00/hr

Salary to be commensurate with qualifications of the selected candidate within the established range (generally minimum-midpoint) of the position

Recruitment Period: 10/16/26 - Until Filled

• health insurance
• dental insurance
• life insurance
• Teachers Retirement System (or Optional Retirement Plan)
• earned vacation time
• sick leave
• 13 paid holidays
• Tuition Assistance Program

Conditions of Employment

• All selected candidates are required to successfully pass a Background Check review prior to starting with Augusta University.
• If applicable for the specific position based on the duties: the candidate will also need to have a credit check completed for Positions of Trust and or approved departmental Purchase Card usage.
• Motor vehicle reports are required for positions that are required to drive an Augusta University vehicle.
• For Faculty Hires: Final candidates will be required to provide proof of completed academic degree(s) as well as post-secondary coursework in the form of original transcript(s). Those candidates trained by a foreign institution will also be required to provide an educational/credential evaluation.
• All employees are responsible for ensuring the confidentiality, availability, and integrity of sensitive [patient, student, employee, financial, business, etc.] information by exercising sound judgment and adhering to cybersecurity and privacy policies during their employment and beyond.

Driver's License Statement

The Human Resources Division will request a driver's history report for the identified top candidate(s) for this position. We will initiate this through our Background Check Vendor; this report will come from the Department of Motor Vehicles. The selected candidate must have a valid driver's license.

Other Information

This position is also responsible for promoting a customer-friendly environment and providing superior service to our patients, students, faculty, and employees. "Augusta University is a patient-and family-centered care institution, where employees partner every day with patients and families for success." Augusta University is a tobacco-free environment, and the use of any tobacco products on any part of the campus, both inside and outside, is strictly prohibited.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Augusta University is proud to be an equal opportunity employer welcoming applicants from underrepresented groups, including individuals with disabilities and veterans.