Cage Wash Technician
Southern Research + You
Discover a career where your work truly matters. Southern Research has been translating science into real-world solutions since 1941. Join our innovative team and enjoy benefits like medical, dental, vision, 401(k) match, life insurance, PTO, an employee assistance program, and more.
General Summary
This position is responsible for providing support in processing equipment and rooms in the animal housing facilities. The Cage Wash Technician has a basic understanding of the technical aspects involved in processing and sanitation of equipment and a proven ability to work well in a team setting. The incumbent also assists in the sanitation and setup of rooms in the animal care facilities. This position is a member of an animal care team led by the Group Leader. The position reports directly to the Manager Laboratory Animal Resources who will have direct management responsibility.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
- Handles and works with laboratory animal equipment, supplies, and materials required to provide for humane conditions.
- Provides support to the animal care facility. This includes, but is not limited to: vermin control, measuring and recording facility environmental factors (light intensity, directional airflow, quantitative airflow, water sample collection, timer checks, etc.), air filter changes, and lab cleaning/decontamination.
- Provides support to animal care technicians.
- Executes key activities to maintain the care of laboratory animals, including but not limited to:
- Cleans cages, equipment, and work area, and decontaminates animal rooms, this includes operating sanitizing equipment.
- Transfers clean caging/racks, and materials from storage to work areas.
- Transports laboratory equipment and materials to and from animal rooms.
- Stores and stacks feed, bedding, materials and equipment.
- Operates and adjusts animal watering system.
- Provides environmental enrichment and/or socialization to animals as directed.
- Verifies and documents the operational status of various pieces of equipment and environmental conditions in animal facilities.
- Observes appropriate safety and study requirements by reading, understanding, and following Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and study protocols.
- Assists the group lead, manager, and veterinarian team, as necessary.
- Other responsibilities, as needed.
Requirements/Minimum Qualifications
- HS diploma or equivalent; Associate's Degree preferred
- Ability to work overtime when necessary and participate in weekend/holiday rotations.
- Ability to work in a team environment and willingness to learn new tasks.
- Ability to work in an A/BSL-2 & 3 environment
Core Values
Cultivating human connection – putting people first. We know that every individual makes a difference and that no one can do it alone. We believe the world’s most powerful resource is human potential. We are an inclusive and courageous team where innovation and diversity of though go hand in hand. We understand that relationships move at the speed of trust.
Operating with precise execution – measuring what matters and owning results as a team. We leverage data to drive decisions that advance science. We recognize the importance of a stable foundation coupled with an agile mindset. We hold ourselves accountable and take pride in our work. We give and receive candid feedback as a gift that keeps us growing.
Harnessing relentless curiosity – our unstoppable, innovative force. We are driven to ask sharp questions and push the boundaries of knowledge. We use creativity and critical thinking as catalysts for finding solutions that change lives. We learn by doing, consistently striving to improve our relationships, training, methodologies, questions and results.
Stewarding a healthy community – implementing sustainable operations for a safe, engaging environment. We don’t compromise on safety and health for our employees, customers or community. We believe a healthy community begins with inclusive economic opportunities. We respect the dignity of the patients we ultimately serve. We are motivated to serve communities that are underserved and markets that are overlooked.
Job Specific Behaviors
Attention to detail - Utilizes established monitoring system(s), ensures accuracy of and records data in a timely manner.
Communicates effectively - Creates a team environment in which information flows freely and decision-making is based on a win-win philosophy.
Planning and Organization - Systematically identifies issues to be addressed and present them to the supervisor with possible course of action.
Physical Demands
This position requires significant physical abilities including (but not limited to):
- Standing, walking, or climbing for extended periods of time
- Ability to sit for extended periods of time without being able to leave the work area
- Ability to push/pull up to 100 lbs.
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
- Ability to perform repetitive and strenuous activities that require standing or stooping/crouching by bending at waist or legs.
- Ability to withstand exposure to constant or intermittent high noise levels
- Clear vision with corrective lenses at 20 feet or more
- Fine motor skills and manual dexterity
- Wearing a respirator for extended periods of time
- Ability to perform work utilizing a computer for extended periods of time
- Withstanding exposure to constant or intermittent high temperatures/humidity
Work Authorization
Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Southern Research is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of race, color, national origin, ancestry, gender, sex, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
We are an equal opportunity employer and seek to create a diverse and inclusive workplace. Our hiring, training, promotion, and compensation practices are based on the principles of fairness, equality, and merit.
Southern Research prohibits discrimination or harassment of any kind, including harassment based on any protected characteristic. We are committed to maintaining a work environment where all individuals are treated with respect, dignity, and fairness.
In addition, we provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state laws. We also offer support for individuals who require accommodations due to religious practices or beliefs.
If you have any concerns about discrimination or harassment, please contact
[email protected] immediately. We are committed to investigating all concerns thoroughly and promptly and taking appropriate corrective action when necessary.
