Cagewash Technician I

Description of Duties:

• Understand and follow appropriate Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), sanitation requirements, safety procedures, and quality assurance guide­lines.
• Proper personnel protective equipment must be worn as required per SOPs, additional protective wear may be required from time to time according to Safety Data Sheets and as required.
• The individual working in the cage wash area must possess the physical stamina to be on their feet all day, lifting, pushing, and pulling equipment in an area that is noisy and has relatively high ambient temperature and humidity.
• Personnel must be able to work in and around water and be able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds.
• Responsible for cleaning, sanitation, and sterilizing of animal caging equipment and facilities.
• Biohazardous agents designated Biosafety Level 2 and chemical hazards may be used in the facilities.
• Clean animal caging and equipment to the degree specified for the item or area. Run no washer or autoclave below required temperature or conduct 100% rewash/re-sterilize.
• Use of detergent-disinfectants, operation of autoclaves, rack washers, tunnel washers, bottle fillers, automatic water line sanitizer and liquid proportioners.
• Dispose of waste from the facility following appropriate SOPs.
• Maintain and perform routine repairs on caging, racks and carts greasing wheel casters.
• Perform routine cleaning and preventative maintenance on the cage and rack washers and autoclaves, including checking and cleaning, greasing doors, screens, filters, and spray manifolds.
• Process clean caging and accessory equipment appropriately, including putting bedding into cages and autoclaving caging and supplies.
• Assist in sanitation and decontamination in all areas of the animal facility.
• Prepare and submit required cage wash records, charts, logs, and inventories as requested.
• Maintain clean and organized work and personal areas.
• Report any abnormal conditions of the animal facility or immediate vicinity to supervisory staff.
• Perform routine cleaning, changing pre-filters of rodent filter tops, and cleaning outside of Bio-bubbles, and bedding disposal dump stations.
• Process clean caging and accessory equipment appropriately, to fill caging requests, which requires putting bedding into cages and autoclaving cage setups and supplies.
• Prepare caging requests for husbandry and investigators and deliver in a timely manner.
• Assist with receiving feed, bedding and supplies orders and proper storage.
• Knowledge of operating autoclaves, cage washers, conveyer belts, bedding dispensers, bottle fillers and high pressure and steam cleaning devises.
• Perform other duties under supervision, as assigned.
• Process clean caging and accessory equipment appropriately, to fill caging requests, which requires putting bedding into cages and autoclaving cage setups and supplies.
• Prepare caging requests for husbandry and investigators and deliver in a timely manner.
• Assist with receiving feed, bedding and supplies orders and proper storage.
• Knowledge of operating autoclaves, cage washers, conveyer belts, bedding dispensers, bottle fillers, floor scrubbers, and high pressure and steam cleaning devises, and be trained to operate such equipment.
• Perform other duties under supervision, as assigned.

Requirements: Must have a high school diploma or equivalent. Must complete the required training and receive clearance on the duties of Cage Wash I. Must possess the physical strength to lift a minimum of 50 lbs., dexterity and endurance to pull, push and handle cages, racks, large pieces of miscellaneous equipment, feed and bedding bags and other materials and equipment normally found in a research animal facility. Ability and stamina to work all day standing to perform duties in an area that is noisy and can have relatively high ambient temperature and humidity. Contractor personnel shall work in a professional and courteous manner, present a neat appearance, and abide by applicable customer rules, regulations, and procedures while working at the customer facilities.