UNIV-Agricultural Animal Assistant II-Cage Wash-1-DLAR

Job Description Summary

Execute the daily husbandry of the animal facility to ensure compliance with existing regulations and DLAR SOP’s. Arrives for work in a timely manner and follows DLAR attendance policy. Follows all DLAR safety protocols including those for lifting, PPE, equipment failure, hygiene, etc.

Entity

Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC - Univ)

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type​

Classified

Cost Center

CC001152 DLAR Division Of Laboratory Animal Resources

Pay Rate Type

Hourly

Pay Grade

University-03

Pay Range

27,510.00 - 39,207.50 - 50,905.000

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Work Shift

Job Description

1.1 Perform Cage Sanitation & Preparation. Weight 35%.

Provide consistently high standards of cage sanitation and preparation. Examples of required tasks to accomplish this objective include:

• 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 based on facility need.
• Assemble and disassemble animal caging and equipment for sanitization without damaging equipment.
• Dispense bedding into cages accurately and consistently.
• Safely operate rack, tunnel washers, bedding dispensers, autoclaves, and other associated equipment.
• Prepare appropriate chemicals to sanitize and disinfect cages, racks, and associated accessories, etc. and follow appropriate safety guidelines/grooming standards.
• Maintain cage wash and storage areas in a clean and organized manner.
• Dispose and process any hazardous waste in accordance with university and DLAR safety guidelines to patiently include ABSLII hazardous waste.

1.2 Perform Maintenance. Weight: 35%.

Follow established equipment maintenance requirements to ensure continuous operations. Examples of required tasks to accomplish this objective include:

• 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.
• Follow appropriate safety measures as described in DLAR SOPs when performing these tasks.

1.3 Perform Housekeeping. Weight: 15%.

Follow established inventory control, cleaning, and sanitization standards within the facility. Examples of required tasks to accomplish this objective include:

• Transport animal feed, bedding, caging, racks and supplies between various facilities using trucks, pallet jacks, carts, and dollies.
• Receive deliveries, stack, store, organize 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 DLAR SOP.
• Sanitize all supplies, equipment, and other animal care related equipment assigned according to DLAR SOP.
• Follow established safety policies and procedures throughout the vivarium.
• Appropriately mix and use all cleaning solutions according to established DLAR SOPs and/or manufacturers' instructions.
• Communicate with facility supervisor any needs for bedding, food, and other necessary supplies when stocks are low.
• Assist in room prep for H2O2 disinfecting.
• Properly dispose of all expired chemicals.

1.4 Perform Clerical duties and communicate clearly. Weight 10%.

• Provide consistently high standards of record keeping.
• Maintain appropriate documentation and records of cage wash equipment and sanitation activities.
• Communicate with facility supervisor any equipment that is not in working order.
• Maintain appropriate documentation and records of cage wash equipment maintenance, quality assurance, and operation activities.

1.5 Perform Other Duties as Assigned. Weight 5%.

• Under the guidance of the supervisor, provide absentee support for cage wash technicians (often in other facilities).
• Provide assistance during unusual and/or unanticipated circumstances.
• Provide animal care as needed.
• Ensure completion of mandatory/required training.

MUSC Minimum Training and Experience Requirements:

A high school diploma. Some positions require a val