Animal Care & Cage Wash Technician

Job title

ANIMAL CARE & CAGE WASH TECHNICIAN

Reports to

Vivarium Manager

Job purpose

Work alongside a team of Animal Care staff in a vivarium that maintains a small colony of mice. Will participate in performing routine Animal Caretaking duties, housekeeping duties, and Cage Wash activities. This is a full time position that reports to the Vivarium Manager. Full time vivarium staff general hours will be 6AM to 2PM Mon-Fri but flexible and will include weekend and holiday rotational work. Help assist with other duties, ensuring compliance with all local, state, & federal regulations and AAALAC standards for the vivarium. Work closely as part of a team on the following duties:

Job purpose

• Ensures the humane, responsible, and scientifically or instructionally sound use of animals by maintaining current knowledge of laboratory animal science as well as regulations and standards affecting the use of animals in research and education, ensuring that the care of animals and condition of facility environment are in compliance with federal regulations, and prepare for regular inspections of Animal Care and use facilities.
• Changing animal cages
• Feeding & watering animals according to their prescribed diets
• Observing animals regularly during the day, noting & reporting variances in eating, drinking or deviation from normal habits to include obvious health issues, to Vivarium Manager.
• Observing & reporting changes in environmental parameters (i.e., temperature, humidity, lighting, etc.)
• Assists with medical treatments for animals if any health issues are found.
• Assisting in maintaining records of animals, such as entry of date of birth or death.
• Cleans & sterilizes cages, equipment, supplies, rooms
• Maintains efficient organization & flow through Cage Wash area.
• Monitors & maintains Cage Washer in proper working condition
• Utilizes PPE when changing/cleaning cages
• Operates the Cage Wash, autoclave, and boiler
• Routine laundry of lab coats
• Disposal of biohazardous and general waste
• Delivers clean and/or dirty cages to and from Cage Wash as required.
• Supports Cage Wash and other cleaning activities with other vivarium staff to ensure protections against cross contaminating specific pathogen-free mice.
• Assists principal investigators and research technicians when needed
• Performs other duties as assigned, including shift work outside of normal business hours (weekend and holiday rotations).
• Consult with Attending Veterinarians, IACUC Chair, Vivarium Manager, and research personnel on animal health and welfare related issues.
• Abides by IACUC Policies and Vivarium SOPs
• Other duties as assigned by Vivarium Manager

Qualifications

Qualifications include:

• A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Ability to work independently.
• At least 6 months to 1 year of animal husbandry/handling experience
• ALAT (Associate Laboratory Animal Technician) certification from AALAS preferred or must obtain in 1 year from hire date.

Physical requirements

• Work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks, which require following basic safety precautions.
• Requires the ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and push/move heavy racks a short distance.
• Requires the ability to bend, stand for some periods of time, kneel, and/or squat.
• The ability to wear respiratory equipment if necessary, or be fitted for an N95 mask.