UNIV-Agricultural Animal Assistant II - Cage Wash- DLAR

Medical University of South Carolina•Charleston, SC

About The Position

Performs routine duties associated with cage sanitation and preparation in a research setting to ensure compliance with existing regulations and departmental SOPs. Foster an environment of care, respect, and support for animals, researchers, and staff. Must be able to work under general supervision, follow written instructions, and demonstrate exceptional customer service skills in communication with researchers, staff, and management. Must be able to work on a rotating schedule to provide coverage on weekends, holidays, and during hazardous weather events.

Requirements

A high school diploma and one year of experience in agricultural research or animal care that is directly related to the area of employment.
An associate degree in animal health technology or a discipline related to agriculture may be substituted for the required work experience.
Certification as a laboratory animal technician may be required for positions responsible for the care of laboratory animals.

Responsibilities

Perform Cage Sanitation & Preparation Duties. Weight: 35%
Provide consistently high standards of cage sanitation and preparation.
Perform routine start-up and shut down procedures of all cage wash machines.
Ensure that cage washing, and related equipment are in proper working order.
Wash and sterilize animal caging, racks, and associated accessories.
Assemble and disassemble animal caging and equipment for sanitization without damaging equipment.
Dispense bedding into rodent cages accurately and consistently.
Safely operate rack, tunnel washers, bedding dispensers, and autoclaves.
Prepare appropriate chemicals to sanitize and disinfect cages, racks, and associated accessories, etc.
Maintain cage wash and storage areas in a clean and organized manner.
Dispose of hazardous waste in accordance with university and DLAR safety guidelines.
Maintain appropriate documentation and records of cage wash equipment and sanitation activities.
Perform Maintenance Duties. Weight: 35%
Follow established equipment maintenance requirements to ensure continuous operations.
Perform routine preventative maintenance procedures on mechanical cage washers, animal caging systems and other equipment used to provide animal husbandry and care.
Perform quality assurance procedures on tunnel washers, rack/cage washer, and autoclaves using temperature strips, tape and biological indicators.
Maintain appropriate documentation and records of cage wash equipment maintenance, quality assurance, and operation activities.
Perform Housekeeping Duties. Weight: 25%
Follow established inventory control, cleaning, and sanitization standards within the facility.
Transport animal feed, bedding, caging, racks and supplies between various facilities using vans, carts, and dollies.
Receive deliveries, stack, store and transport animal food, bedding, caging racks and supplies to appropriate storage areas.
Monitor and ensure availability of animal care supplies, food, bedding, chemical supplies, and equipment.
Ensure all sweeping, mopping, garbage removal, and washing tasks assigned are complete according to SOP.
Sanitize all supplies, equipment, and other animal care related equipment assigned according to SOP.
Follow established safety policies and procedures throughout the vivarium.
Appropriately mix and use all cleaning solutions according to established SOPs and/or manufacturers’ instructions.
Perform Other Duties as Assigned.
Under the guidance of the supervisor, provide absentee support for cage wash technicians (potentially in other facilities).
Provide assistance during unusual and/or unanticipated circumstances.