Cage Washer

Beth Israel Lahey Health; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 18,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

Beth Israel Lahey Health is seeking an entry-level sanitation associate to maintain cleanliness of animal cage components and related equipment. You will process items through cage washers, follow safety and SOP guidelines, and report any issues to supervision.

The role emphasizes teamwork, adherence to procedures, and ability to lift up to 50 lbs in a fast-paced animal facility environment.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required.
• 0–1 years related work experience required.
• Able to work in a team and follow detailed instruction.

Responsibilities

• Processes all animal cage components and related equipment through mechanical cage washers using standard procedures.
• Handles waste bedding with appropriate disposal methods and PPE.
• Operates cage wash units per SOPs and reports deficiencies to the Supervisor.
• Stages components with bedding and enrichment materials, reporting deficits immediately.
• Operates steam autoclaves to sterilize equipment and records results.

Skills

Teamwork

Follow instructions

Basic computer skills

Physical stamina

Lift 50 lbs

Animal care awareness

Education

High School diploma or GED

Tools

Mechanical cage wash equipment

Job description

When you join the growing BILH team, you're not just taking a job, you’re making a difference in people’s lives.

Job Summary

Responsible for the sanitation of all cage components and related equipment. Processes equipment through mechanical cage, rack, bottle or tunnel washers according to standard operating procedures as well as guidelines set forth in the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. Reports to the Supervisor of the Animal Facilities.

Job Description

Essential Responsibilities

• Processes all animal cage components and related equipment through mechanical cage, bottle, rack or tunnel washers. Ensures proper sanitation using standard temperature assurance indicators and reports any failures immediately to the Supervisor.
• Processes all waste bedding material using either a vacuum bedding disposal or HEPA filtered bedding disposal unit. Wears appropriate personal protective equipment when handling waste bedding.
• Operates mechanical cage wash units according to department standard operating procedures and anufacturer instructions. Reports all deficiencies immediately to the Supervisor.
• Stages cage components into units using appropriate bedding and enrichment material. Ensures that cage components are excellent working condition and reports and deficits to the Supervisor immediately.
• Operates steam autoclaves to sterilize equipment as required. Ensures proper sterilization using cycle assurance indicators. Records all results on the Autoclave Assurance Log. Reports failures immediately to the Supervisor.

Required Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required.
• 0-1 years related work experience required.
• Must be able to work well as part of a team and follow detailed instruction and carry through with minimal supervision.
• Must be able to work under conditions of odors, heat, humidity. Must be able to routinely lift weights of 50lbs.
• Must not be overly allergic to animals so as to affect ability to work with laboratory animals.
• Basic familiarity with computers. Ability to navigate at a basic level within web-based applications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of and experience with operation of mechanical cage wash equipment.
• Familiarity and experience maintaining a clean and sanitary environment for animals.

Competencies

• Decision Making: Ability to make decisions that are based on specific instructions, standard practices and established procedures which generally require little or no supervision.
• Problem Solving: Ability to address problems that are routine, somewhat repetitive and generally solved by following clear directions and procedures and by identifying opportunities for process improvements.
• Independence of Action: Ability to follow general instructions and procedures as provided. Work is monitored by supervisor/manager.
• Written Communications: Ability to read, and write in English in order to understand basic safety instructions and take direction from supervisors; communicate effectively with patients, families and other medical center staff; and respond to basic questions.
• Oral Communications: Ability to understand spoken English in order to follow basic safety instructions and take direction from supervisors; communicate effectively in basic English with patients, families and medical center staff in response to routine questions.
• Knowledge: Ability to demonstrate basic knowledge of fundamental concepts, practices and procedures with the ability to use them in routine situations. Specialized knowledge not required.
• Team Work: Ability to interact respectfully with other employees, professional staff and/or external contacts to offer ideas, identify issues, obtain information or deliver services.
• Customer Service: Ability to demonstrate a positive attitude and respond to requests in a timely and respectful manner.

Physical Nature Of The Job

Medium work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and or up to 20 pounds of force frequently. Job is physical in nature and employee needs to stand and/or move around through the majority of their shift.

Pay Range

$17.95 - $21.46

The pay range listed for this position is the base hourly wage range the organization reasonably and in good faith expects to pay for this position at this time. Actual compensation is determined based on several factors, that may include seniority, education, training, relevant experience, relevant certifications, geography of work location, job responsibilities, or other applicable factors permissible by law. Compensation may exceed the base hourly rate depending on shift differentials, call pay, premium pay, overtime pay, and other additional pay practices, as applicable to the position and in accordance with the law.

As a health care organization, we have a responsibility to do everything in our power to care for and protect our patients, our colleagues and our communities. Beth Israel Lahey Health requires that all staff be vaccinated against influenza (flu) as a condition of employment.

More than 35,000 people working together. Nurses, doctors, technicians, therapists, researchers, teachers and more, making a difference in patients' lives. Your skill and compassion can make us even stronger.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled