Animal Technician Cage Washer

Houston Methodist; Houston, Northern (TX, KY); On-site; USD 21,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

Houston Methodist is seeking an Animal Technician Cage Washer to operate cage washing and autoclave equipment in the Comparative Medicine Department. The role supports vivarium operations, PPE prep, and maintenance of housing equipment with emphasis on safety and teamwork.

Responsibilities include daily cleaning, equipment checks, and collaboration with CMP supervisors to ensure compliant, efficient cage wash and related processes in a busy vivarium setting.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent education required.
• No prior experience required for this role.

Responsibilities

• Operates cage washing, tunnel wash, and autoclave machinery to maintain equipment.
• Maintains cleanliness of vivarium areas and ancillary spaces.
• Unpacks and prepares PPE and feed; supports housing equipment maintenance.
• Communicates safety protocols and supports department initiatives.

Skills

Communication skills

English proficiency

Customer service

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Job description

At Houston Methodist, the Animal Technician Cage Washer position is responsible for performing routine duties related to the operation of the tunnel and rack washers, bulk autoclaves, bedding dump station, bedding dispenser, Hydropac machine and water bottle filler located in the Comparative Medicine Department's animal vivariums. This position also regularly participates in daily operational support outside of the cage wash area including unpacking and preparation of PPE and feed, general repairs on housing equipment and maintenance of vivarium ancillary areas.

FLSA STATUS

• Non-exempt

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• High School diploma or equivalent education (examples include: GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education, etc.)

EXPERIENCE

• None

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations
• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Works closely with CMP Animal Care Supervisors to ensure cage wash and autoclave machinery is in working order.
• Promotes a positive work environment and contributes to a dynamic, team focused work unit that consistently helps one other through active communication.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Operates tunnel washer, rack washer, bulk autoclaves, automatic water bottle filler, Hydropak machine, bedding dump station and bedding dispenser; also uses pressure washer and floor scrubber.
• Assists with implementation and education of departmental based safety initiatives and standards of practice.
• Communicates the level of priority for various equipment needing to be processed in the cage wash area based on clean equipment availability and cage changing schedules.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Sanitizes and/or sterilizes animal cages, racks, and related equipment by proper operation and handling of large machinery and chemicals.
• Cleans and maintains ancillary areas such as hallways, cage wash areas, etc.
• Ensures the CMP facility remains prepared for routine Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care and United States Department of Agriculture inspections and meets occupational health and safety standards.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Practices cost control through the proper use and storage of supplies and equipment.
• Uses resources efficiently and appropriately. Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Generates and communicates new ideas and suggestions that improve quality and service for a variety of facility support practices.
• Embraces opportunities to acquire additional knowledge regarding guidelines and regulations that affect CMP’s animal research facility.

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

WORK ATTIRE

• Uniform: No
• Scrubs: Yes
• Business professional: No
• Other (department approved): No

ON-CALL*

*Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. Disaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.

• On Call* No

TRAVEL**

**Travel specifications may vary by department**

• May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area No
• May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area No