Vivarium Technician I

Job Description

Job Description

Role Summary

The Vivarium Technician I will be responsible for the maintenance and cleaning of the vivarium facility and its associated laboratory and equipment.

 

Role Responsibilities

• Clean and sanitize animal caging and ancillary equipment
• Cleaning and maintenance of empty animal rooms
• Maintenance and cleaning of laboratory facility and equipment throughout the vivarium
• Clean, maintain, and stock animal receiving garage, waste garage, autoclave, vivarium bathrooms, and PPE stations
• Collect, discard, and store vivarium waste appropriately
• Operation and maintenance of pressure washers, rack washers and biowaste autoclave
• Maintenance and cleaning of vivarium bathrooms and hallways
• Data collection and review 
• Perform and document routine inspection and maintenance activities, including but not limited to adjusting and minor repairs to cleaning equipment and routine inspections 
• Maintain cagewash facilities in a clean and organized manner, in adherence with all SOP and facility requirements 
• Understand the functions and operations of all cage wash equipment
• Carry out heavy cleansing tasks and special projects 
• Notify facilities of occurring deficiencies or needs for repairs 
• Follow all health and safety regulations 
• Ability to push, pull, and lift heavy equipment weighing over 50 lbs.
• Other duties as assigned

 

Role Requirements

• HS Diploma/GED required. 
• 1 year of janitorial or animal care support preferred
• Ability to handle heavy equipment and machinery
• Knowledge of cleaning chemicals and supplies 
• Familiarity with Safety Data Sheets preferred
• Basic understanding of Microsoft Office core applications

 

Behavioral Expectations

• Dependability 
• Teamwork 
• Problem Solving 
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Ability to multi-task 

 

Special Requirements

• This role works predominately in a laboratory setting. There will be exposure to animal pathogens and chemicals. There will be handling of and/or exposure to animal tissues and zoonotic organisms.
• Ability to don and wear personal protective gear, including N95 masks and respirators.
• Physical activity including lifting (up to 75lbs), carrying (up to 40lbs for up to 50 feet), pushing/pulling (up to 75lbs force), reaching, gripping/pinching, standing and ascending ladder without restriction.
• Regular exposure to wet and/or humid conditions. 
• Ability to spend most of the day standing and/or walking. 
• Ability to work beyond typical work schedule including but not limited to evenings, weekends, extended shifts with short notice.