Cagewash Equipment Specialist, Animal Resources Center

Phase2 Technology; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 35,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% employer-paid basic medical

Retirement contributions

Paid vacation and sick time

Paid holidays

Job summary

The University of Texas at Austin's Animal Resources Center seeks a Cagewash Equipment Specialist to care for laboratory animals and manage cagewashing processes. The role involves operating washers and autoclaves, maintaining sanitation, and documenting activities across multiple facilities on campus.

Applicants should have a high school diploma or GED, be able to lift up to 50 pounds, and pass the WorkSteps test.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Experience using tools for routine maintenance and repair.
• Ability to learn new skills and apply training.
• Detail oriented and meticulous.
• Ability to work efficiently in a high-stakes environment.
• Understanding of policies, procedures, and regulations regarding care for lab animals.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Must pass the WorkSteps physical abilities test.

Responsibilities

• Operate cagewashing equipment, sanitize housing equipment, fill bottles and bedding; perform routine maintenance.
• Operate autoclaves to sterilize equipment and maintain sanitation records.
• Accept deliveries, verify items, and document to supervisor.
• Work weekends/holidays as needed and complete required paperwork.
• Prepare and replace animal water bottles on cages.
• Handle detergents/disinfectants and report needed repairs or maintenance.
• Transport feed and bedding materials as required.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Maintenance tools

Detail oriented

Safety procedures

Heavy lifting

WorkSteps physical abilities test

Lab animal care policies

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Job Posting Title: Cagewash Equipment Specialist, Animal Resources Center

Hiring Department: Animal Resources Center

Location: Austin, TX

Weekly Scheduled Hours: 40 hrs/week

FLSA Status: To Be Determined at Offer

Earliest Start Date: Ongoing

Position Duration: Expected to Continue

Job Details

The Animal Resources Center at The University of Texas at Austin covers approximately 150,000 sq. ft. of research animal space. The Center manages three centralized animal facilities and several satellite locations.

Benefits

• 100% employer‑paid basic medical coverage
• Retirement contributions
• Paid vacation and sick time
• Paid holidays

Purpose

Provide animal care for laboratory animals, relating to animal health and environmental conditions, following specified methods and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Operate cagewashing equipment, including rack washers, tunnel washers, and autoclaves. Sanitize animal housing equipment, fill drinking bottles, and bedding/enrichment. Perform routine maintenance. Operate autoclaves to sterilize equipment. Maintain records and ensure sanitation adequacy. Provide consistent coverage during staff absences or census fluctuations.
• Perform routine inspections of cagewashing equipment and validate functionality. Document and report deficiencies. Conduct advanced maintenance and assist with minor repairs.
• Accept deliveries of equipment and supplies from vendors, store them, verify against delivery documentation, and submit documentation to the supervisor.
• Work without onsite supervision on weekends and holidays as needed; complete required documentation.
• Prepare and replace animal water bottles on cages.
• Prepare and use dips, sprays, detergents, and disinfectants. Clean support areas. Report any equipment requiring repairs or maintenance.
• Transfer or transport feed and bedding materials.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED
• Experience using tools for routine maintenance and repair.
• Experience learning new skills and applying training to assigned tasks.
• Demonstrated ability to be detail oriented and meticulous.
• Ability to work efficiently in a high‑stakes environment.
• Understanding of policies, procedures, and regulations regarding care for lab animals.
• Ability to safely lift, carry, push, and/or pull items up to 50 pounds.
• Must pass the WorkSteps physical abilities test.

Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications

• AALAS certification
• Previous vivarium experience, including husbandry, animal feeding, and equipment operation.
• Relevant degree in a related field.

Salary Range

$38,000 per year.

Working Conditions

• Usual research or laboratory animal facility
• Protective clothing required and furnished.
• Contact with animals that may bite or scratch.
• Potential exposure to animal bites, diseases, allergens, and biohazards.
• Exposure to chemical fumes, biohazards or chemicals.
• Work may occur in all weather conditions and extreme temperatures.
• Manual dexterity, climbing stairs & ladders.
• May require lifting, pulling, pushing up to 50 pounds.
• Work hours and shifts may vary with notice.
• Occasional evening, weekend and holiday work.

Inclusive Hiring Statement

The University of Texas at Austin is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and complies with all applicable federal and state non‑discrimination laws. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals.