Cage Wash Attendant

University of Virginia; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 19,320 - 27,517; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Competitive pay

Job summary

An educational institution in Charlottesville, VA is seeking a Cage Wash Attendant to support high-quality animal care. This physically demanding role involves cleaning and maintaining animal caging and adhering to strict sanitation processes. Qualified candidates should have a high school diploma and preferably some experience in lab or animal facilities. Compensation starts at $17.00/hour with benefits, and the position requires working on-site with specific safety protocols.

Qualifications

• Experience in a lab, industrial cleaning, or animal facility setting.
• Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician Certificate (ALAT) or interest in pursuing certification.

Responsibilities

• Empty soiled bedding and process caging through automated washers.
• Prepare and sterilize clean caging.
• Maintain cleanliness of cage wash and storage rooms.
• Assist with general sanitation of common areas.

Skills

Attention to detail

Effective communication

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

The University of Virginia seeks applicants for Cage Wash Attendant opportunities within the Center for Comparative Medicine (CCM). Cage Wash Attendants play a critical role in supporting high-quality animal care by ensuring that all caging, equipment, and sanitation processes meet strict research and welfare standards.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Empty soiled bedding, process caging through automated cage washers, and properly dispose of bedding using required PPE.
• Prepare clean caging, assemble rodent cages, and sterilize caging per set standards.
• Maintain cage wash and storage rooms in a clean, organized condition through sweeping, mopping, spraying, and daily cleaning of washers and sterilizers.
• Assist with general sanitation of hallways and common areas as directed.
• Follow all policies and procedures to ensure compliance and safety.
• Work a Monday‑Friday schedule that includes some holidays as needed to ensure consistent care.
• Additional responsibilities may be assigned to meet operational needs.

Minimum Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Pre‑employment health screening required per UVA Health OCH‑002 policy.

Preferred Requirements

• Experience in a lab, industrial cleaning, or animal facility setting
• Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician Certificate (ALAT) or interest in pursuing professional certification
• Strong attention to detail
• Effective verbal and written communication skills

Physical Demands

This is a highly active, physically demanding role. Employees should expect:

• Frequent standing, walking, pushing, pulling, and repetitive motion (majority of shift).
• Regular bending, squatting, twisting, and reaching.
• Occasional lifting up to 40 lbs. and use of ladders or step stools.

Required personal protective equipment includes gloves, protective clothing, masks, and hearing protection in cage wash areas.

• Sensory Requirements: Vision, depth perception, color vision, near and peripheral vision, hearing, and speaking.

Starting Compensation

$17.00/hour; commensurate with education and experience. This is a non‑exempt‑level, benefited position. This position is based in Charlottesville, VA, and must be performed fully on‑site.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA’s commitment to non‑discrimination and equal opportunity employment.