Vivarium Technician I

NorthernBio; Muskegon (MI); On-site; USD 38,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

NorthernBio is seeking a Vivarium Technician I to maintain and clean the vivarium facility and related laboratory equipment. Responsibilities include cleaning cages, rooms, and lab spaces, handling waste, and ensuring SOP compliance.

The role requires a HS Diploma/GED, ability to lift up to 75 lbs, willingness to work evenings/weekends, and familiarity with safety data sheets. You will work in a laboratory setting with animal care support.

Qualifications

• HS Diploma/GED required.
• 1 year of janitorial or animal care support preferred.
• Ability to handle heavy equipment and machinery.
• Knowledge of cleaning chemicals and supplies.
• Familiarity with Safety Data Sheets preferred.
• Basic understanding of Microsoft Office core applications.

Responsibilities

• Clean and sanitize animal caging and ancillary equipment
• Cleaning and maintenance of empty animal rooms
• Maintenance and cleaning of laboratory facility and equipment throughout the vivarium
• Clean, maintain, and stock animal receiving garage, waste garage, autoclave, vivarium bathrooms, and PPE stations
• Collect, discard, and store vivarium waste appropriately
• Operation and maintenance of pressure washers, rack washers and biowaste autoclave
• Maintenance and cleaning of vivarium bathrooms and hallways
• Data collection and review
• Perform and document routine inspection and maintenance activities, including but not limited to adjusting and minor repairs to cleaning equipment and routine inspections
• Maintain cagewash facilities in a clean and organized manner, in adherence with all SOP and facility requirements
• Understand the functions and operations of all cage wash equipment
• Carry out heavy cleansing tasks and special projects
• Notify facilities of occurring deficiencies or needs for repairs
• Follow all health and safety regulations
• Ability to push, pull, and lift heavy equipment weighing over 50 lbs.
• Other duties as assigned

Skills

Dependability

Teamwork

Problem Solving

Fast-paced environment

Multi-tasking

Education

HS Diploma/GED

Job description

Role Summary

The Vivarium Technician I will be responsible for the maintenance and cleaning of the vivarium facility and its associated laboratory and equipment.

Role Responsibilities

• Clean and sanitize animal caging and ancillary equipment
• Cleaning and maintenance of empty animal rooms
• Maintenance and cleaning of laboratory facility and equipment throughout the vivarium
• Clean, maintain, and stock animal receiving garage, waste garage, autoclave, vivarium bathrooms, and PPE stations
• Collect, discard, and store vivarium waste appropriately
• Operation and maintenance of pressure washers, rack washers and biowaste autoclave
• Maintenance and cleaning of vivarium bathrooms and hallways
• Data collection and review
• Perform and document routine inspection and maintenance activities, including but not limited to adjusting and minor repairs to cleaning equipment and routine inspections
• Maintain cagewash facilities in a clean and organized manner, in adherence with all SOP and facility requirements
• Understand the functions and operations of all cage wash equipment
• Carry out heavy cleansing tasks and special projects
• Notify facilities of occurring deficiencies or needs for repairs
• Follow all health and safety regulations
• Ability to push, pull, and lift heavy equipment weighing over 50 lbs.
• Other duties as assigned

Role Requirements

• HS Diploma/GED required.
• 1 year of janitorial or animal care support preferred
• Ability to handle heavy equipment and machinery
• Knowledge of cleaning chemicals and supplies
• Familiarity with Safety Data Sheets preferred
• Basic understanding of Microsoft Office core applications

Behavioral Expectations

• Dependability
• Teamwork
• Problem Solving
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Ability to multi-task

Special Requirements

• This role works predominately in a laboratory setting. There will be exposure to animal pathogens and chemicals. There will be handling of and/or exposure to animal tissues and zoonotic organisms.
• Ability to don and wear personal protective gear, including N95 masks and respirators.
• Physical activity including lifting (up to 75lbs), carrying (up to 40lbs for up to 50 feet), pushing/pulling (up to 75lbs force), reaching, gripping/pinching, standing and ascending ladder without restriction.
• Regular exposure to wet and/or humid conditions.
• Ability to spend most of the day standing and/or walking.
• Ability to work beyond typical work schedule including but not limited to evenings, weekends, extended shifts with short notice.