HCSS Animal Attendant (Cage Wash Processing)
JOB SUMMARY:
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Prepares soiled caging for washing.
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Operates washing equipment and ensures proper working order during daily operating procedures, routine cleaning, and preventive maintenance.
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Operates autoclave to sterilize or decontaminate caging equipment.
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Performs daily quality control checks and documents effectiveness of cleaning and sanitizing.
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Assembles clean and sanitized caging for distribution according to supply orders.
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Maintains sanitary conditions of cage washing rooms and other ancillary areas, such as hallways and storage areas.
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Disposes of soiled waste and trash.
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Transports caging and supplies between animal rooms and cage washing rooms.
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Provides daily husbandry care, including feeding and watering, for all species.
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Changes and sanitizes animal caging as scheduled.
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Maintains enrichment program as specified for each species.
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Sanitizes rooms, equipment and hallways as scheduled.
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Documents daily, weekly and monthly duties accurately.
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Observes animals for behavior change and/or evidence of disease and notifies veterinary staff as appropriate.
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Receives transports and distributes incoming animals as specified.
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Ensures accurate cage cards and census.
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Provides specialized animal care, including quarantine, biohazard and sterile housing.
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Ensures equipment in animal rooms are functioning properly.
Cage Washing and Husbandry:
- Adheres to internal controls and reporting structure.
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Attends in-house training programs to become more knowledgeable in the field of laboratory animal science.
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Provides superior customer service.
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Follows safety precautions and wears correct protective equipment.
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Follows rules and regulations related to laboratory animal care.
MARGINAL OR PERIODIC JOB FUNCTIONS:
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May assist ARC logistics team with transport of caging or materials and with the receipt and storage of supplies.
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Performs related duties as required.
REQUIRED EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE:
High school or equivalent. No experience required. Candidate must have a 2-step TB skin test prior to starting work. Proof of successful completion is required.
EQUIPMENT:
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Support equipment used in a laboratory animal science multi-species facility and standard office equipment.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT/LOCATION OF POSITION:
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Standard research facility environment.
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Able to lift 50 pounds.
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Work weekends, holidays, and some overtime when needed.
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Frequent contact with animal allergens, such as hair and dander.
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Frequent exposure to animal odors, heat and humidity from cage washing rooms, and chemicals used in the cleaning process.
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Possible contact with zoonotic diseases and or research materials could be hazardous to a fetus.
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Potential exposure to radiation and biohazards.
*This is a contract position through UTMB HealthCare Systems Staffing (the in-house staffing agency). Therefore, no benefits are associated with this position.
