Cage Wash Technician

Vivarium Cage Wash Technician

ISS offers full-time employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, as well as a comprehensive leave program based on employment status. The hourly pay range for this position is $18.00 - $21.00 based on experience.

The work hours for this position are Mon - Fri + Weekends, 6:30 am - 3:30 pm.

The Vivarium Cage Wash Technician is responsible for cleaning, sanitizing, sterilizing, and maintaining animal caging systems, cage washing equipment, and vivarium spaces to support scientific research and animal welfare programs. Working under the direction of the Lead Technician and Supervisor, this position performs cage processing, facility sanitization, equipment maintenance, and material handling activities in a highly regulated laboratory animal environment.

The technician ensures compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Good Documentation Practices (GDP), AALAS guidelines, AAALAC standards, institutional procedures, and all applicable safety and biosafety requirements.

Success Criteria:

• Consistently follow safety policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Demonstrate a "Safety First, Quality Always" mindset.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and compliant work environment.
• Communicate professionally with supervisors, coworkers, and customers.
• Demonstrate initiative, accountability, and ethical conduct.
• Contribute positively to team performance and operational goals.
• Deliver exceptional customer service.
• Maintain professionalism and integrity in all interactions

Key Areas of Collaboration and Influence:

• Always remember safety first, Quality always
• A solid commitment to the guest experience
• Build respectful relationships with all teammates and guests
• Willingness to take directions from leadership
• Coordinate activities with other internal departments
• Participate in team meetings

Ideal Candidate Experience:

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English.
• Ability to work in a highly regulated environment.
• Ability to follow written instructions, SOPs, and safety procedures.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to stand, bend, reach, push, and pull for extended periods.
• Ability to wear required PPE for extended durations.
• Basic math and documentation skills.
• Ability to manage time effectively and work as part of a team.
• Ability to work flexible shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed.
• Ability to obtain and maintain vivarium access requirements, including required medical surveillance and vaccinations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Microsoft Teams, with the ability to complete documentation, communicate effectively, and manage daily work activities using these tools

Key Accountabilities:

Animal Cage Processing and Sanitization

• Sanitize, sterilize, and prepare animal cages, racks, feeders, water bottles, and accessories for use.
• Set up animal housing according to Technical Training Guidelines (TTG) and facility requirements.
• Collect, transport, process, and distribute primary and secondary animal contact items.
• Manually clean portable equipment, small parts, and accessories.
• Ensure proper clean-to-dirty workflow to prevent cross-contamination.

Cage Wash Operations

• Operate tunnel washers, rack washers, and related cage wash equipment.
• Perform routine inspections and preventative maintenance on cage wash systems.
• Troubleshoot and report equipment issues to management.
• Maintain biological safety within cage wash operations.

Facility Cleaning and Sanitization

• Perform GMP-compliant sanitization of vivarium and production spaces, including floors, walls, ceilings, curtains, and equipment surfaces.
• Empty waste containers and maintain sanitation throughout assigned areas.
• Ensure cleaning supplies and disinfectants are adequately stocked.
• Maintain clean and organized workspaces.

Equipment Maintenance

• Perform minor repairs to caging systems, watering systems, and related equipment.
• Maintain and replace wheels and casters on cages and equipment as needed.
• Operate hand tools safely and effectively.
• Utilize pallet jacks and lift trucks to transport equipment and supplies.

Documentation and Regulatory Compliance

• Complete documentation accurately and in accordance with GDP and GMP requirements.
• Adhere to all SOPs, safety procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain records related to cage processing, cleaning, maintenance, and sanitization activities.
• Participate in investigations, deviations, CAPA activities, and corrective actions when required.
• Escalate incidents, equipment failures, and operational concerns to supervision promptly.

Customer Service and Team Support

• Work collaboratively with animal care staff, researchers, and facility customers.
• Provide professional customer service and support operational needs.
• Anticipate potential caging and equipment issues before they impact operations.
• Participate in team meetings and assist with training new technicians when assigned.
• Support facility operations during staffing shortages and special projects

Physical Demands

• To perform the necessary functions and tasks of the job you are required to: Stand 33%, Walk >66%, Sit <10%
• Use of hands and fingers to, touch, handle, rub, grip, and feel <66%
• Reach above shoulders <33%
• Push/pull and grasp with hands and arms 33-50%
• Climb or balance <33%
• Stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl <33%
• Perform repetitive tasks
• Must be able to stand for extended periods of time (up to 2 hours at a time followed by a 15-minute break) over an entire 8- or 12-hour shift
• Must be able to climb ladders and stairs while wearing special gowning
• Must be able to push and pull up to 100 pounds (with assistance of material handling equipment)
• Must be able to lift a minimum of 10 to 50 pounds
• Frequently lift 0-10 pounds
• Must be able to work under pressure and time deadlines during peak periods

Work Environment

• Laboratory animal research facility (Vivarium).
• Must be able to work in controlled environments requiring special gowning. Will be required to follow gowning requirements and wear protective clothing over the head, face, hands, feet and body.
• No make-up, jewelry, contact lenses, nail polish, or artificial fingernails may be worn in the manufacturing environment.
• Will work in a cold, wet environment.
• Rotating schedules that may include weekends, holidays, and overtime.
• Must be able to work overtime as required.
• May be required to work in a confined area.

HSEQ Compliance: All employees must adhere to Health, Safety, Environment, and Quality (HSEQ) policies and procedures to ensure a safe and compliant work environment. This includes following safety protocols, maintaining environmental responsibility, and upholding quality standards in all tasks. Employees are expected to actively participate in HSEQ training and report any potential hazards or compliance concerns.

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