Cage Wash Technician - Comparative Medicine

UNKNOWN; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington University in St. Louis seeks a dedicated Cage Washer to operate and maintain mechanical cage washers and bulk autoclaves, sanitize animal caging and related equipment, and stock feed and supplies in the animal facilities.

The role requires lifting up to 42 lbs, adherence to SOPs, weekend and holiday work, and a commitment to safety and quality care for animals used in research and teaching.

Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
• Certifications/Professional Licenses: Animal Care Learning Program - Purina Institute within 6 months.
• Work Experience: No specific work experience required.
• Skills: Not Applicable.

Responsibilities

• Operates mechanical cage washers and bulk autoclaves in accordance with departmental SOPs to sanitize/sterilize animal caging and related equipment.
• Fills clean animal cages with proper amount and type of bedding and fill clean water bottles.
• 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.
• Transports animal cages, large equipment, water bottles and feed and bedding supplies within the animal facilities.

Skills

Heavy Lifting

Equipment Maintenance

Sanitation Management

Quality Care

Safety Compliance

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Animal Care Learning Program - Purina Institute

Job description

Location ST. LOUIS, MO 63110 Scheduled Hours 40

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:

• 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.
• Fills clean animal cages with proper amount and type of bedding and fill clean water bottles.
• 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.
• Transports animal cages, large equipment, water bottles and feed and bedding supplies within the animal facilities.
• 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.
• Performs additional duties as required by supervisor/manager/department.

Working Conditions

Must be able to lift 42 lbs and pass a pre-employment physical exam. Appropriate vaccinations and hearing protection and other PPE are required through participation in the Occupational Health and Safety Program.

• 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) 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.

Required Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent high school certification or combination of education and/or experience.
• Certifications/Professional Licenses: The list below may include all acceptable certifications, professional licenses and issuers. More than one credential, certification or professional license may be required depending on the role.
• 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.

More About This Job

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

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: No additional education unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.
• Certifications/Professional Licenses: No additional certification/professional licenses unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.
• Work Experience: No additional work experience unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.
• Skills: Cleaning Work Area, Equipment Maintenance, Heavy Lifting, Quality Care, Sanitation Management.

Grade R02-H Salary Range

$15.25 - $20.29 / Hourly

The salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.

Questions

For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ.

Accommodation

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email [e-mail] or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request. All qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

Pre-Employment Screening

All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Benefits Statement

Personal Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.

Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.

Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees.

WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.

Wellness Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!

Family We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? We’ve got you covered. WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.

EEO Statement

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, citizenship (where prohibited by federal law), age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

Useful Links

Who We Are Human Resources Benefits Living in St. Louis Frequently Asked Questions Accommodation If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email [e-mail] or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request. Regulatory Postings Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal Poster (English; Spanish)