Sanitation Technician

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 42,900 - 46,200; Full time

Job summary

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is looking for a Sanitation Technician in Boston, MA, responsible for the sanitation and sterilization of animal caging systems. This role entails operating mechanical cage wash equipment, preparing clean materials, and maintaining cleanliness in the cage wash areas. Candidates should have a High School Diploma or GED and preferably some experience in a laboratory animal facility. The role offers a salary range of $42,900.00 - $46,200.00.

Qualifications

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to follow established SOPs consistently.
• English verbal and written communication skills required.

Responsibilities

• Operate mechanical cage wash equipment and maintain sanitation protocols.
• Prepare and monitor clean cage setups for animal care staff.
• Maintain clean and orderly cage wash areas and sanitation of equipment.

Skills

Cleaning

Attention to detail

Verbal and written communication

Education

High School Diploma or GED preferred

Job description

Overview

The Sanitation Technician is responsible for the sanitation and sterilization of animal caging systems necessary to maintain a high-level rodent colony health program. Location: Boston, MA.

Responsibilities

• Operate mechanical cage wash equipment in accordance with manufacturer and department SOPs, including automation, tunnel, rack, high-pressure autoclaves, dry heat sterilizers, and automatic bedding dispensing units (e.g., SureFlo bedding removal system and SureVac vacuum system).
• Remove, receive, and dispose of soiled rodent cages and water bottles in preparation for washing.
• Handle, store, and prepare clean materials that have been processed through cage wash equipment.
• Fill sanitized water bottles with reverse osmosis (RO) water from RO stations when needed.
• Prepare clean cage setups for animal care staff. Use, clean, and maintain the SureVac system as needed.
• Maintain chemical mixing stations, including filling and preparing chemicals. Provide animal care staff with clean forceps and containers for properly mixed chemicals daily.
• Handle, dump, remove, and package chemical or biohazard treated bedding and debris at ABSL1/2 levels and chemical hazard levels 1/2. Weekly removal of carcasses and packaging when required.
• Maintain clean and orderly cage wash areas (clean and dirty sides). Perform routine sanitation of walls, ceilings, floors, cage wash equipment, and storage racks in cage wash and sterile holding areas. Remove recycling, soiled material, and trash daily to designated holding areas and dumpsters.
• Monitor environmental changes in cage wash areas and report deviations to supervision. Immediately report mechanical problems to senior/lead sanitation technicians, Sanitation supervisor, or management when equipment is not functioning properly.
• Complete daily floor decontamination, including use of an electronic floor machine scrubber.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required

• Ability to work independently as well as in a team.
• Ability to follow established SOPs consistently.
• English verbal and written communication, cleaning, and phone/PDA usage.
• Skilled at cleaning and following directions.
• Ability to work in an organized manner with attention to detail, and to communicate effectively with management, take direction, and learn new tasks.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED preferred.
• None required; 1 year of experience in an accredited/non-accredited laboratory animal facility and/or veterinarian technician program preferred. English reading, writing, and computer skills are required.
• AALAS technician certification at the ALAT level is preferred but not required.

Supervisory Responsibilities

No

Patient Contact

No

Dan a-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) has strict guidelines regarding the presence of rodents in employees' homes due to potential impact on research integrity and patient safety. Employees in designated roles must ensure their living environment does not pose a risk of contamination or interference with DFCI’s work. If applicable, employees may be required to confirm that they do not have pet rodents at home or rehome them before starting employment. Failure to comply may affect eligibility for employment in specific roles at DFCI.

At Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, we strive to create an innovative, caring, and inclusive environment for patients, families, and staff. We encourage qualified applicants to apply.

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is an equal opportunity employer and affirms the right of every qualified applicant to receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, age, ancestry, military service, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

EEO Poster

Pay Transparency Statement: The hiring range is based on market pay structures, with salaries determined by factors such as business needs, market conditions, internal equity, and the candidate’s relevant experience, skills, and qualifications. For union positions, the pay range is determined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

$42,900.00 - $46,200.00