STEPS Vivarium Cage Wash Technician

University of Kentucky; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 29,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

The Division of Laboratory Animal Resources at University of Kentucky is seeking a STEPS Facility Maintenance Assistant to support cage wash operations and related maintenance tasks. You will ensure cages, rooms, and equipment are cleaned, sterilized and organized while following SOPs and safety guidelines.

The role requires attention to detail, ability to work in a team, and adherence to attendance and shift schedules.

Qualifications

• Microsoft Office and basic computer skills required.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Leads activities in cage wash area, ensures completion of all cage wash activities.
• Cleans and sterilizes cages, equipment, supplies, rooms, including floor maintenance.
• Performs more complex operations including ongoing maintenance of equipment.
• Maintains efficient organization and flow of supplies and equipment through cage wash area.
• Prepares refuse for disposal or incineration.

Skills

Microsoft Office

Basic computer skills

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Oral & written communication

Job description

Required License/Registration/Certification

Requires heavy lifting, pushing or pulling of objects over 50 pounds; Able to work in hot, wet areas and wear personal protective clothing; exposure to temperature extremes, must be able to stand for long periods, ability to walk to various locations on campus in a timely manner.

Physical Requirements

Requires heavy lifting, pushing or pulling of objects over 50 pounds; Able to work in hot, wet areas and wear personal protective clothing; exposure to temperature extremes, must be able to stand for long periods, ability to walk to various locations on campus in a timely manner.

Shift

Monday – Friday; 7:00 am – 3:30 pm (40 hours per week) Occasional mandatory overtime may be necessary to meet staffing needs

Job Summary

The Division of Laboratory Animal Resources is seeking a STEPS Facility Maintenance Assistant to assist with the following:

• Leads activities in cage wash area, ensures completion of all cage wash activities.
• Cleans and sterilizes cages, equipment, supplies, rooms (primary and secondary enclosures), etc., including floor maintenance.
• Completes more complex operations including on-going maintenance of equipment
• Maintains efficient organization and flow of supplies and equipment through cage wash area.
• Prepares refuse for disposal or incineration.

All actions are expected to be completed by strictly & consistently following applicable
DLAR Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) including safety procedures and guidelines.

The STEPS assistant will:

• report any suspected or actual deviations to SOPs or non-routine situations immediately to the Supervisor
• arrive, leave and take breaks at work as scheduled
• strictly adhere to DLAR attendance policy

About DLAR : The Division of Laboratory Animal Resources is a support unit for animal-based research at the University of Kentucky. Our highly skilled and dedicated staff is comprised of technicians and technologists, certified by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science, an internationally recognized leader for education in the field of laboratory animal care. Among our staff are registered and licensed veterinary health technicians who monitor the health of the research animals daily and provide care and treatment where needed under the direction of our veterinary staff. In addition to our animal care program, we offer several other services including technical services, complete surgical resources, pathology, breeding colony management, and species-specific training just to mention a few.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

Microsoft office, basic computer skills. Ability to work independently, as part of a team is essential. Strong attention to detail. Oral and written communication skills also required.

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No

Preferred Education/Experience

Deadline to Apply

Deadline to Apply 12/31/2026

Our University Community

We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.
The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.
Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.

Posting Specific Questions

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