Cage Wash Technician

Northwestern University; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 24,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Job summary

Northwestern University’s Ctr for Comparative Medicine seeks a detail‑oriented cage wash worker to perform cleaning, sterilization and basic animal caretaking as part of a training program. Tasks include following CCM SOPs, maintaining washers and supplies, and reporting deviations to the Group Leader.

Duties emphasize safety, attendance, and documentation. This full‑time role offers a comprehensive benefits package and opportunities for professional growth within a respected biomedical research

Qualifications

• A high school diploma or its equivalent.
• Valid state driver's license if driving animal transport van.

Responsibilities

• Cleans and sterilizes cages, equipment, supplies, and rooms.
• Prepares refuse for disposal.
• Maintains efficient organization and flow of supplies and equipment through cage wash area.
• Monitors and maintains washers and sterilizers in proper working condition.
• Delivers clean and/or dirty equipment and cages to and from cage wash as required.
• May complete daily and periodic housekeeping of other areas as assigned (e.g., bathrooms, locker rooms and surgery space).
• Completes cage wash activities check-lists, logs, and documentation accurately and within appropriate timeframes.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Department: Ctr for Comparative Medicine

Completes primarily cage wash activities; & limited amount (no more than 10% of overall job duties & responsibilities) of simple, routine animal caretaking duties as part of training program; & other duties as requested by Group Leader or their designee. All actions are completed by strictly & consistently following applicable CCM SOPs including safety procedures & guidelines. Reports any suspected or actual deviations to SOPs or non-routine situations immediately to Group Leader or their designee. Arrives, leaves & takes breaks at work as scheduled. Strictly adheres to CCM attendance policy.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Cleans & sterilizes cages, equipment, supplies, rooms (primary and secondary enclosures), etc.
• Prepares refuse for disposal or incineration.
• Maintains efficient organization & flow of supplies & equipment through cage wash area.
• Monitors & maintains washers & sterilizers in proper working condition.
• Delivers clean and/or dirty equipment and cages to and from cage wash as required.
• May complete daily and periodic housekeeping of other areas as assigned, i.e., bathrooms, locker rooms and surgery space within CCM..
• Restocks and maintains appropriate inventory levels of housekeeping and bathroom supplies.
• Removes dirty scrubs from receptacles and ensures adequate supply of clean scrubs.
• Monitors first aid kits, eye wash stations and functioning emergency exit on cage wash equipment.

Animal Care: Obtains training in animal caretaking duties according to CCM SOPs such as:

• Feeding & watering animals according to their prescribed diets.
• Observing animals regularly during the day, noting & reporting any variances in eating, drinking or deviation from normal habits, to include obvious health issues with behavior, skin conditions, etc.
• Observing & reporting changes in environmental parameters (i.e., temperature, humidity, lighting, etc.).
• Assisting in maintaining records of animals such as: weight, inoculation, experimentation, breeding, etc.

Incoming Animals: Obtains training in animal caretaking duties according to CCM SOPs such as:

• Transferring animals between buildings, cages, laboratories & holding areas.
• May drive van to transfer animals.
• Completes these duties on a very limited basis - no more than 10% of overall job duties & responsibilities.

Administration:

• Completes cage wash activities check-lists, logs & documentation accurately & within appropriate time-frames.
• Documents & reports equipment malfunctions to management.
• Maintains proper record keeping of washer & sterilizer quality assurance testing.
• Completes room daily activity sheets and other documentation accurately and within appropriate timeframes..
• Maintains appropriate inventory levels of housekeeping supplies

Training:

• Attends CCM sponsored training sessions, species specific identification & treatment sessions. Obtains training regarding cage wash, animal care taking and housekeeping duties as appropriate.

Miscellaneous

• Performs other duties as assigned

Preferred Qualifications: (Education and experience)

• A high school diploma or its equivalent.
• Valid state driver's license if driving animal transport van.

Target hiring range for this position will be between $17.75-$19.00 per hour. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data

Benefits:

At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful and competitive benefits. The available benefits package for this position will include health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; paid vacation and holidays; paid medical/sick and parental leave; tuition benefits for the employee and dependents; pre-tax and flex spending accounts for commuting and dependent care; generous retirement savings options; and wellness programs. For a comprehensive overview of available benefits, including eligibility details, visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:

Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles. We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:

Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.

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