Cagewash Technician I - LAR

Department:

RSC Lab Animal Resource (LAR) Administration

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Cage Wash

Position Title:

Cagewash Technician I - LAR

Job Family Group:

University Support Staff

Job Description Summary:

The University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC) animal resources are comprised of ~100,000 gross assigned sq. ft. in 4 buildings located on the KUMC campus in Kansas City, KS. The entire centralized animal care program at KUMC was fully accredited by the Association for Accreditation and Assessment of Laboratory Animal Care International (AAALAC) in 1992 and has maintained its accreditation since that time. Laboratory Animal Resources has grown to employ 35 persons and provide services for over 100 investigators and 500 research staff. Under Team Leader supervision, performs routine husbandry, janitorial, and cage cleaning procedures related to the care and use of laboratory animals. The incumbent will perform other duties as assigned by Laboratory Animal Resources (LAR) management, including veterinarian. This position needs to possess basic computer skills, be able to follow written and verbal instructions, learn and apply new standard operating procedures and policies.

Job Description:

Key Roles and Responsibilities:

• Complete cage wash assignments according to standard operating procedures.

• Operate and maintain cage washers, autoclaves, and sanitizing equipment.

• Maintain adequate levels of cage wash chemicals.

• Scrape and empty pans and cages of soiled bedding.

• Pre-clean large animal racks for cage wash machinery.

• Wash caging equipment and autoclaves food, bedding, water bottles, nestlets, and appropriate covering.

• Prepare cage orders for LAR staff and researchers.

• Maintain detailed records of preventive maintenance schedules, detergent and disinfectant use, cage washer, and autoclave performance tests.

• Perform preventative maintenance on autoclaves, cage/rack washers, and other equipment.

• Receive and stock feed, bedding, and other supplies in the storage area.

• Perform scheduled decontaminations in cage wash areas.

• Clean and organize storage areas.

• Conduct minor equipment and caging repairs.

• Observe and improve others' techniques, equipment operation.

• Pallet, space check for new animal orders,  manage animals found in cage wash - cage wash report form, feed and set up animals, etc.

• Dispose of waste materials.

• Sweep, mop, and disinfect cage wash area at the end of the shift.

• Operate mechanical cleaning equipment.

• Maintain supply inventory and requests replacements as necessary.

• Organize and clean storage areas.

• Follow established health and safety procedures.

• Follow facility security and traffic flow procedures.

• Continue to develop in education and skills by proactively seeking out training opportunities within KUMC or external organizations.

• Follow written and verbal instructions.

• Learn and apply new standard operating procedures and policies.

Work Environment

• Move 50 pounds with or without accommodation.

• Wear personal protective equipment, including a respirator as needed. 

Required Qualifications

Education:

• High school diploma/GED equivalent.

Work Experience:

• Basic experience using computer.

• Relevant experience may substitute for education.

Preferred Qualifications

Work Experience:

• Prior experience with animals.

Skills

• Customer service, interpersonal and communication skills.

• Multitasking, time management and organizational skills. 

• An ability to work as part of a team and as an individual.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. It is only a summary of the typical functions of the job, not