Cagewash Equipment Specialist, Animal Resources Center

Cagewash Equipment Specialist, Animal Resources Center

The Animal Resources Center at The University of Texas at Austin covers approx. 150,000 sq. ft. of research animal space. The Animal Resources Center is responsible for managing three centralized animal facilities as well as some of the smaller satellite locations.

Provide animal care for laboratory animals, relating to animal health and environmental conditions. With specific instructions as to methods and procedures.

Operates cagewashing equipment, including rack washers, tunnel washers, and autoclaves. Sanitizes animal housing equipment using cagewashing machines. Fills drinking bottles with fresh water and cages with bedding and/or enrichment. Performs routine maintenance on equipment as required. Operates autoclaves to sterilize equipment as needed. Maintains all required records and performs all required steps to ensure adequacy of sanitation. Consistent coverage during staff absences or fluctuations in animal census.

Performs routine inspections of cagewashing equipment and validates functionality. Documents and reports and deficiencies noted in machine operation. Performs advanced machine maintenance and may assist with minor repairs of cagewashing and animal care equipment.

Accepts deliveries of equipment and supplies from vendors. Processes and stores supplies in assigned storage areas upon delivery. Verifies delivered supplies against delivery documentation and submits delivery documentation to the supervisor.

May work without onsite supervision on weekends and holidays. Completes all required documentation for weekend work.

Prepares and replaces animal water bottles on cages.

Prepares and uses dips, sprays, detergents, and disinfectants. Cleans support areas. Reports any equipment that requires repairs or maintenance to Supervisor.

Transfers or transports feed, and bedding materials.

Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED
• Experience in using tools for routine maintenance and repair.
• Experience learning new skills and application of that training to assigned tasks and responsibilities.
• Demonstrated ability to be detail oriented and meticulous when completing tasks.
• Ability to work efficiently in a high-stakes environment.
• Ability to understand policy, procedure, and regulations regarding care for lab animals.
• Ability to safely lift, carry, push, and/or pull items weighing up to 50 pounds on a regular basis.
• Applicant must complete and pass the WorkSteps physical abilities test.

Preferred Qualifications

• American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) Certification.
• Previous research vivarium experience, including husbandry, animal feeding, and equipment operation.
• Relevant degree in a related field.

Salary Range

$38,000

Working Conditions

• Usual research or laboratory animal facility.
• Use of protective clothing is required and furnished.
• Contact with a variety of animals that may bite or scratch.
• Possible exposure to animal bites, diseases, allergens and bio-hazards.
• May work around chemical fumes, biohazards or chemicals.
• May work in all weather conditions
• May work in extreme temperatures
• Use of manual dexterity
• Climbing of stairs & ladders
• Lifting, pulling, pushing, and moving items weighing up to 50 pounds
• Work hours and shifts may vary and are subject to change with advance notice when possible.
• Occasional evening, weekend and holiday work to meet essential operational standards

Required Materials

Please mark "yes" on the application for required materials. Failure to attach all additional materials listed may affect candidates being considered for the position.

• Resume/CV
• 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor.
• Letter of interest