Cage Wash Technician - Comparative Medicine

Washington University in St. Louis; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university is seeking a Cage Wash Technician to operate and maintain cage washers and sterilize animal research equipment. This role involves ensuring cleanliness and safety in animal facilities, contributing to quality animal care, and requires weekend and holiday work. Ideal candidates should have a high school diploma and a commitment to animal welfare.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• No specific work experience is required.

Responsibilities

• Operates mechanical cage washers and bulk autoclaves.
• Conducts daily maintenance of cage wash equipment.
• Transports animal cages and supplies within facilities.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

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Position Summary

Operates and maintains mechanical cage washers and bulk autoclaves in accordance with departmental SOPs to sanitize/sterilize animal caging and related equipment. Sanitize animal research procedure labs and support spaces according to departmental SOPs and in accordance with guidelines of Animal Welfare Act and Public Health Service. Stock feed, bedding, and laboratory supplies including personnel protective equipment. Contribute to the quality animal care program that supports the research and teaching at Washington University. This position requires work on weekends and Holidays.

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

1. Operates mechanical cage washers and bulk autoclaves in accordance with departmental SOPs to sanitize/sterilize animal caging and related equipment. Reports promptly any equipment problems to supervisor or manager.
2. Fills clean animal cages with proper amount and type of bedding and fill clean water bottles.
3. Conducts daily, weekly and other periodic maintenance of cage wash equipment including conducting and logging quality assurance test. Observe and support good health and safety practices regarding the use of chemicals and equipment.
4. Transports animal cages, large equipment, water bottles and feed and bedding supplies within the animal facilities.
5. Conducts general cleaning and housekeeping of cage wash and service areas, including washing walls, floors, equipment, air vents, sinks, doors, door frames and feed containers.
6. Performs additional duties as required by supervisor/manager/department.

Working Conditions

Job Location/Working Conditions

• Requires extensive safety training.
• Stockroom or warehouse.
• Alternative work schedules.
• Exposure to chemicals.
• High noise environment.
• Requires protective devices.
• Dust, dirt, grease or other disagreeable elements.
• Exposure to moving machinery.
• Exposure to animals.

Physical Effort

• Typically standing or walking.
• Typically bending, crouching, stooping.
• Repetitive wrist, hand or finger movement (PC typing).
• Frequent lifting (42 lbs. or more).
• Pass pre-employment physical exam.

Equipment

• Lab/research equipment.
• Simple hand tools.
• Heavy equipment (buffers, mowers, forklift, etc.).
• Other: Rack washers, tunnel washers, steam autoclaves, water bottle filler stations, pallet jack, etc.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent high school certification or combination of education and/or experience.

Certifications

Animal Care Learning Program - Purina Institute, Animal Care Learning Program within 6 months - Purina Institute

Work Experience

No specific work experience is required for this position.

Skills

Not Applicable

Driver's License

A driver's license is not required for this position.

Additional Information

WashU seeks highly motivated individuals who are able to perform duties in a manner consistent with our core mission and guiding principles.