VIVARIUM TECH - Cage Wash Technician

Roskamp Institute, Inc•Sarasota, FL

4d•$17 - $19•Onsite

About The Position

This is a full-time position in a vivarium that maintains a small colony of mice. The role involves performing routine animal caretaking duties, housekeeping duties, and cage wash activities. The position reports to the Vivarium Manager and requires participation in weekend and holiday rotational work. Staff are expected to ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations and AAALAC standards for the vivarium.

Requirements

A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
Ability to work independently.
At least 6 months to 1 year of animal husbandry/handling experience

Nice To Haves

ALAT (Associate Laboratory Animal Technician) certification from AALAS preferred or must obtain in 1 year from hire date.

Responsibilities

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.
Ensures 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