Employment Type : Full-Time
POSITION OBJECTIVE The Cage Wash Technician 1 is a member of the Animal Resource Center (ARC) cage wash operations/ animal husbandry team. Working under close supervision, the cage wash technician is responsible for washing animal cages and other materials, and cleaning and filling water bottles in compliance with ARC’s standard operating procedures. This position also performs basic cage washer repair and preventative maintenance. This position will work with animals. ARC staff members are responsible for maintaining the health and well-being of Case Western Reserve University's research animals; and therefore, play a vital role in supporting the Case School of Medicine’s research efforts. Cage Wash Technicians and all other ARC staff must enjoy working with and caring for animals and appreciate the value of animals in research. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Department: Daily contact with supervisor, co-workers, and other ARC staff to keep cage wash and animal husbandry operations functioning. University: Regular contact with university staff working with the ARC to help address cage wash related issues. External: Regular contact with outside vendors/contractors to coordinate supply deliveries and facility repairs. Students: Frequent contact with graduate and research students who are performing medical research in the Animal Resource Center. Will assist with cage wash and husbandry needs. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY None. Experience: 0 to 3 months of experience in a laboratory animal facility. The employee will receive regular on-the-job training in responsibilities and in recognizing basic signs of animal health, chemical safety, microbiological and physical hazards associated with the workplace, and handling of animal waste materials. Education/Licensing: High school education required. The employee will be encouraged and assisted with obtaining certification through the American Association of Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) as an Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT), and certifications that are more advanced. This position will work in the Animal Resource Center facility, working directly with animal cage and cage equipment cleaning machinery. Potential hazards include cuts from broken water bottles and sharp edges of cages, burns from steam and hot water used in cleaning procedures, and dermatitis resulting from exposure to strong cleaning compounds, insecticides and organic chemicals. This position may work directly with laboratory animals, including rodents, rabbits, dogs, cats, pigs, sheep, goats, and non-human primates. Animal bites, scratches, kicks, etc., may be encountered, as well as unpleasant odors, noises and temperatures associated with working with animals, soiled cages, and other equipment. The employee must pass a physical examination, including tuberculin test and/or chest x-ray (to be repeated periodically). This position may have direct contact with, or exposure to, the following biological and chemical hazards: bloodborne pathogens, chemical agents (hazardous agents as well as routine cleaning agents), select agents and infectious agents (including zoonotic diseases), waste from prion-injected animals (generally trace amounts), exposure to radiation from isotope-injected animals (generally trace amounts), X-rays, human blood and tissue, animal blood and tissue, and formaldehyde. This position will perform moderately repetitive tasks. This position may require the ability to independently lift or assist with lifting animals ranging from small to large size. Potential hazards include strain or accident associated with frequent moving of heavy (up to 50 lbs.) equipment and animals, feed sacks, and bagged or baled bedding. Where appropriate, the nature of this position may require the use of a respirator (must have prior health evaluation) or surgical mask. This position also requires baseline evaluation of hearing and vision. Hazards to health and safety are minimized by prior training and proper instruction in handling animals, and operation of equipment. Training and personal protective equipment (hearing, eyewear, gowns, respirator and gloves) will be provided. There is a necessity for completing the job before leaving work. Animal care cannot be held over to the next day. Animal care is a 7-day per week, 365-days per year job. All tasks must be performed in compliance with the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (NRC2011), the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Public Health Service, and the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC). Compliance with any university, state, and local regulations is also enforced. An individual will be scheduled to work for every third weekend and every third holiday. The Animal Resource Center adheres to a strict attendance policy. This position may require travel by driving to satellite facilities on campus, as well as off campus to Metro Health Medical Center, the VA Medical Center and the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. Case Western Reserve University’s animal facilities are accredited by the Association for the Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC) and is managed according to the "Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals” appropriate Federal Animal Welfare Regulations, and the Public Health Service “Policy on the Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals." This position, and all animal research personnel, are subject to internal compliance to Animal Resource Center Standard Operating Procedures and to compliance regulations of the Animal Welfare Act, Public Health Service Policy, AAALAC guidelines, the State of Ohio Veterinary Practice Act, Federal Drug Enforcement Administration regulatory guidelines, US Food and Drug Administration Center for Veterinary Medicine regulations and other applicable regulatory guidelines.
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