Cage Wash Technician

About the Cage Wash Technician Role at Washington University in St. Louis

As a Cage Wash Technician, you will play a critical role in supporting research and teaching activities at Washington University in St. Louis. This position involves operating and maintaining mechanical cage washers and bulk autoclaves to sanitize and sterilize animal caging and related equipment. You will also be responsible for sanitizing animal research procedure labs and support spaces, adhering to departmental SOPs and guidelines from the Animal Welfare Act and Public Health Service. Maintaining stock levels of feed, bedding, and laboratory supplies, including personnel protective equipment, is also a key part of the role. Your contributions ensure a high-quality animal care program.

This role requires flexibility, as it includes work on weekends and holidays.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Operate mechanical cage washers and bulk autoclaves following departmental SOPs for sanitization and sterilization of animal caging and equipment. Promptly report any equipment issues to supervisors.
• Prepare clean animal cages by filling them with appropriate bedding and water bottles.
• Perform daily, weekly, and periodic maintenance on cage wash equipment, including logging quality assurance tests. Adhere to health and safety practices for chemical and equipment use.
• Transport animal cages, large equipment, water bottles, and feed/bedding supplies within animal facilities.
• Conduct general cleaning and housekeeping of cage wash and service areas, including washing walls, floors, equipment, vents, sinks, doors, and feed containers.
• Undertake additional duties as assigned by supervisor, manager, or department.

Working Conditions

This position requires the ability to lift 42 lbs and successful completion of a pre-employment physical exam. Participation in the Occupational Health and Safety Program is mandatory, including appropriate vaccinations and the use of hearing protection and other PPE.

The work environment involves extensive safety training and is typically located in a stockroom or warehouse. You may experience alternative work schedules, exposure to chemicals, a high noise environment, dust, dirt, grease, moving machinery, and animals. Protective devices are required.

Physical Effort

• Typically involves standing or walking.
• Frequent bending, crouching, and stooping.
• Repetitive wrist, hand, or finger movement.
• Frequent lifting of 42 lbs or more.

Equipment Used

You will operate various lab and research equipment, simple hand tools, and heavy equipment such as rack washers, tunnel washers, steam autoclaves, water bottle filler stations, and pallet jacks.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent high school certification, or a combination of education and/or experience.
• Must obtain Animal Care Learning Program certification (Purina Institute) within 6 months of employment.
• No specific prior work experience is required.

Key skills/competency

• Equipment Operation
• Sanitation & Sterilization
• Animal Care Support
• Health & Safety Compliance
• Logistics & Supply Management
• Housekeeping
• Preventative Maintenance
• Quality Assurance
• Attention to Detail
• Team Collaboration