Animal Care Technician I (Cage Wash)

University of Florida•Gainesville, FL

13d•$16•Onsite

About The Position

Responsible for carrying out the Animal Care Services' (ACS) directives and SOPs as governed by the Animal Welfare Act and all applicable rules and regulations. Will be assigned to cage wash operations and will perform routine duties associated with cage sanitation, inspection and preparation for reuse in a research setting. Operates cage wash equipment and performs assigned cleaning and preventive maintenance on machinery, including routine start-up and shut down procedures. Operates autoclave to sterilize or decontaminate caging equipment. May provide guidance and instruction to cage wash trainees following directives provided by facility manager. Processes soiled bedding exposed to potentially hazardous chemicals correctly to the proper waste stream. Ensures equipment exposed to biohazards is processed following strict guidelines. Ensures all trash and disposable items are discarded in the appropriate waste stream, as dictated by UF Environmental Health & Safety or ACS SOPs. Sanitizes equipment and animal support facilities (storage rooms and hallways). Collects swabs and Biological Indicators and delivers samples for assessment of sanitizing/sterilizing efficacy to our Clinical Diagnostic Lab. Will assist in requesting, receiving, and rotating bedding and other supplies. Transports caging supplies between clean storage areas and cage washrooms. Required to keep up to date on SOPs in Policy Manager and other required trainings using facility computers during normal working hours. Clocks in/out according to approved schedule and ensures leave requests are submitted timely in Timeclock Plus. Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.

Nice To Haves

Prefer HS degree or higher with at least 1 years’ experience with research animal care at a research institution or other appropriate environment and one year of relevant experience; or certification as Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science.
Appropriate college coursework or vocational/technical training may substitute at an equivalent rate for the required experience.
Maintains a valid state driver’s license.
Able to be accepted by Veterans Administration as a WOC or contract employee as required and maintain status.

Responsibilities

Cage sanitation, inspection and preparation for reuse in a research setting.
Operate cage wash equipment and performs assigned cleaning and preventive maintenance on machinery, including routine start-up and shut down procedures.
Operate autoclave to sterilize or decontaminate caging equipment.
Provide guidance and instruction to cage wash trainees following directives provided by facility manager.
Processes soiled bedding exposed to potentially hazardous chemicals correctly to the proper waste stream.
Ensures equipment exposed to biohazards is processed following strict guidelines.
Ensures all trash and disposable items are discarded in the appropriate waste stream, as dictated by UF Environmental Health & Safety or ACS SOPs.
Sanitizes equipment and animal support facilities (storage rooms and hallways).
Collects swabs and Biological Indicators and delivers samples for assessment of sanitizing/sterilizing efficacy to our Clinical Diagnostic Lab.
Assist in requesting, receiving, and rotating bedding and other supplies.
Transports caging supplies between clean storage areas and cage washrooms.
Keep up to date on SOPs in Policy Manager and other required trainings using facility computers during normal working hours.
Clocks in/out according to approved schedule and ensures leave requests are submitted timely in Timeclock Plus.
Other duties as assigned.