Animal Care Technician I (Cage Wash)

Classification Title:

Animal Care Technician I

Job Description: Responsible for carrying out the Animal Care Services' (ACS) directives and SOPs as governed by the Animal Welfare Act and all applicable rules and regulations.

Will be assigned to cage wash operations and will perform routine duties associated with cage sanitation and preparation for reuse in a research setting including cage maintenance, monitoring equipment for proper functioning and maintaining sanitary conditions. Operates washers and ensures that cage washing and related equipment are in proper working order by cleaning, and preventive maintenance. Will perform routine start-up and shut down procedures of cage wash operations.

Operates autoclave to sterilize or decontaminate caging equipment. Will sanitize cage washing rooms and other support areas, such as hallways and storage rooms. May provide guidance, instruction and direction to cage wash trainees following directives provided by facility supervisor/manager.

Performs daily observation of the Edstrom watering system and documents daily water parameters. Ensures proper levels of chemicals/water in treatment tanks as required.

Will assist in receiving and rotating feed and supplies. Receive and disconnect gas tanks (i.e.: CO2 and O2) Process equipment exposed to hazards following strict guidelines for decontamination. Ensure potentially hazardous soiled bedding and water are processed correctly to the proper waste stream

Sanitizes equipment and animal support facilities (storage rooms and hallways); collects Biological Indicators from machinery and delivers samples for assessment of sanitizing efficacy to our Clinical Diagnostic Lab. Transports caging supplies between animal rooms and cage washrooms.

Ensures trash and disposable items are discarded in the appropriate waste stream, that is dictated by UF Environmental Health & Safety or ACS SOP's.

Required to keep up to date on SOP's in Policy Manger and input their time worked using facility computers or assigned equipment during normal working hours. Ensure that Leave Request, OT, Weekend requests are submitted timely to area supervisor/manager.

Other duties as assigned.

Expected Salary:

$15.00/hour

Minimum Requirements:

A high school diploma or equivalent. Maintains a valid FL state driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications:

Prefer HS degree or higher with at least 1 years' experience with research animal care at a research institution or other appropriate environment and one year of relevant experience; or certification as Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science. Appropriate college coursework or vocational/technical training may substitute at an equivalent rate for the required experience.