Cage Wash Technician

Temple University; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 32,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

Paid time off

11 paid holidays

Tuition remission

Job summary

Temple University’s Central Animal Facilities Department is hiring a Cage Wash Service Technician/Senior Cage Wash Service Technician to support high-volume cage cleaning and sanitation on the on-site facility. The role involves operating cage wash equipment, autoclaves, maintaining logs, and training new staff.

Qualified candidates will have a High School/GED, may be ALAT eligible, and must be able to lift 50 lbs. The position offers benefits and a competitive hourly rate in Philadelphia.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required for both levels.
• AALAS ALAT certification eligibility is preferred.
• Experience with cage wash equipment and sterilization processes.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and work flexible shifts.

Responsibilities

• Perform high-volume cage cleaning and sanitation.
• Operate cage wash equipment and autoclaves.
• Train new and rotating employees and manage documentation.
• Maintain logs and ensure safety and QA standards.
• Support animal care and welfare duties as assigned.

Skills

Cage wash equipment

Lifting 50 lbs

Organizational skills

Written and verbal communication

Flexible schedule

Interpersonal skills

Education

High School/GED

AALAS ALAT Certification eligible

Tools

Autoclaves

Tunnel washers

Rack washers

Job description

Temple University's Central Animal Facilities Department is searching for a Cage Wash Service Technician/Senior Cage Wash Service Technician! Become a part of the Temple family, and you will have access to the following: Full medical, dental, and vision coverage Paid time off 11 Paid Holidays Tuition remission - eligible employees and their dependents can obtain a degree TUITION FREE A generous retirement plan and so much more!

Pay Rates

• Cage Wash Service Tech (V11) - $23.11 / hr
• Sr. Cage Wash Service Tech (V12) - $24.74 / hr

Position Summary

The Cage Wash Service Technician/Sr. Cage Wash Service Technician position is based in Temple's University Laboratory Animal Resources Department (ULAR). The individual filling this position will work on the clean and soiled side of cagewash. Responsibilities include performing high-volume cage cleaning, equipment sanitation, equipment and supply autoclaving, water pouch production, stocking supplies, and performing general facility sanitation duties. The Technician also is assigned work responsibilities in storage and procedure rooms, corridors and on the loading dock. In addition to these responsibilities, the individual will be responsible for training new and rotating employees, ensuring all documentation is completed on time and appropriately, and performing sanitation verification procedures.

Required Education and Experience

• Cage Wash Technician (V11) - High School/GED.
• Sr. Cage Wash Technician (V12) - High School/GED and prior experience working with animal caging sanitation and sterilization equipment in private practice, laboratory animal or zoo setting.
• AALAS ALAT Certification eligible.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Required Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated experience and proficiency in working with cage wash equipment and operation.
• Demonstrated ability to continuously lift 50lbs.
• Strong organizational skills, along with the ability to be detail-oriented and to handle multiple tasks.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including early mornings', holidays, overtime, and weekend hours.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to interact with diverse population of students, faculty and staff.

Preferred

• Cage Wash Technician: Previous experience and demonstrated proficiency working with cage wash equipment and operations.
• Prior experience working with industrial equipment such as autoclaves, tunnel washers, and rack washers.
• AALAS ALAT certification.

Essential Duties

• Understand and follow all ULAR SOPs, IACUC policies and guidelines, safety procedures, and Quality Assurance Standards.
• Prioritize caging equipment supply needs and the processing sequence daily.
• Perform quality assurance checks on all equipment to ensure that damaged equipment is documented and remove from circulation.
• Provide cage wash training for new employees on all cage wash SOPs and procedures.
• To make sure new employees can perform all cage wash duties with proficiency.
• Carcasses stored in the cold box on the 4th floor of MRB and the freezer/refrigerator on the 5th floor of MERB are emptied by the Cage Wash Technician.
• Dispose of dead animals according to SOPs and policies and placement of appropriate labels on the barrels.
• Ensure daily documentation is recorded on hallway and all cage wash log sheets.
• Maintain careful handling of animal caging and support equipment.
• Maintain the documentation regarding broken equipment to ensure that equipment needs are apparent.
• Perform routine cleaning, descaling and preventative maintenance on the cage washer and autoclaves, including checking and cleaning filters, and spray manifolds.
• Perform autoclave function test daily and spore testing monthly.
• Process dirty caging to include breaking down set ups, dumping bedding, adhere to waste weight limits and soaking caging components.
• Process clean caging and accessory equipment appropriately, including putting bedding into cages, filling water bottles, and autoclaving cages and supplies.
• Monitor the status of caging equipment production, ensuring that expected quotas are met daily.
• Confirm at the end of the shift, that all workstations are clear of caging equipment and debris; that all leftover equipment is arranged neatly, floors are cleaned and that each piece of machinery is de-energized.
• Other duties as assigned to support animal care and welfare.

This position will be on-site.

Temple University values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity for all persons regardless of age, color, disability, ethnicity, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.

Compliance Statement: In the performance of their functions as detailed in the position description employees have an obligation to avoid ethical, legal, financial and other conflicts of interest to ensure that their actions and outside activities do not conflict with their primary employment responsibilities at the institution. Employees are also expected to understand and be in compliance with applicable laws, University and employment policies and regulations, including NCAA regulations for areas and departments which their essential functions cause them to interact.

Temple University's Annual Security and Fire Safety Report contains statistics, policies, and procedures related to campus safety. Go here to review. You may request a copy of the report by calling Temple University's Department of Public Safety at 215-204-7900.