Cagewash Technician - I

Cagewash Technician I

Summary
The Cagewash Technician I provides cleaning, sanitation, and maintenance of laboratory animal caging, equipment, and support areas. This role ensures the quality and readiness of equipment used in animal care and research while adhering to regulatory standards and established procedures.

Responsibilities

• Clean and sanitize caging and related equipment using cage washers, pressure washers, or hand washing as required.
• Dump and scrape soiled bedding from cages; prepare clean cages and racks for use.
• Properly dispose of bedding and waste in designated receptacles.
• Monitor and record cagewash water temperature and cleaning results using approved methods (e.g., temperature strips, cultures).
• Complete logbooks, checklists, and records accurately and on time.
• Flush animal racks and perform microbiological sampling per SOP.
• Prepare and bed clean cages for animal housing.
• Check chemical levels and report replenishment needs to supervisor.
• Report mechanical issues or equipment failures promptly.
• Assist with animal husbandry duties such as cage changing, feeding, and monitoring watering systems.
• Maintain cleanliness of cage prep areas, storage areas, and animal support facilities.
• Operate specialized equipment, including the Super Tube washer, in compliance with SOPs.
• Support housekeeping activities in laboratories, offices, and ancillary areas.
• Follow all federal, state, and local regulatory requirements for sanitation and safety.
• Collaborate effectively as part of a team and maintain professional conduct at all times.
• Perform additional job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or General Education Degree (G.E.D.).
• Experience: 0–2 years of related experience.
• Certification/Licensure: None required.
• Skills: Ability to read, write, understand, and follow directions. Strong communication skills to identify and report issues in a timely manner.

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to walk, stand, sit, reach, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and handle objects or controls.
• Frequently lift up to 50 pounds; move racks/carts with supplies and equipment weighing more than 50 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities include close vision and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

• Work may involve exposure to high places, fumes, airborne particles, moving mechanical parts, wet/humid conditions, extreme temperatures, toxic or caustic chemicals, biohazardous materials, infectious disease, and risk of electric shock.
• Noise levels range from moderate to high.
• Must be able to wear respiratory, eye, and hearing protection as required.