Job Description
Job Summary:
- The Housekeeping/Cage Wash Technician is responsible for maintaining a clean, safe, and SOP-compliant animal research facility.
- This role supports vivarium operations through housekeeping, sanitization, cage wash activities, inventory management, and general operational support.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Perform general housekeeping duties, including: Removing trash.
- Sweeping and mopping floors.
- Cleaning corridors, stairwells, restrooms, procedure rooms, surgery clinics, and necropsy areas.
- Clean, sanitize, and restock bathrooms and facility areas as needed.
- Scrub and disinfect rooms in accordance with SOPs.
- Transport equipment and supplies between rooms and facilities.
- Operate cage wash equipment and ensure proper functionality.
- Assist with maintenance and minor repairs of cage wash equipment.
- Receive, store, and inventory animal feed, bedding, and facility supplies.
- Maintain accurate records and documentation.
- Assist Animal Technicians with husbandry duties as needed.
- Monitor and maintain housekeeping supply inventory levels.
- Follow all safety procedures and facility protocols.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Education:
- High School Diploma or GED required.
Experience:
- Minimum 1 year of cage wash experience in a laboratory animal facility preferred.
- Experience handling chemicals, detergents, and disinfectants safely.
- Receiving and inventory management experience preferred.
- Experience operating large equipment preferred.
Technical Skills:
- Familiarity with Microsoft Outlook, Email, and Teams.
- Understanding of chemical safety practices.
- Ability to follow SOPs and safety procedures.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
- Adaptable and willing to ask questions when clarification is needed.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Ability to prioritize tasks and solve problems independently.
- Capable of working with minimal supervision.
- Follows instructions accurately and consistently.
Physical Requirements:
- Frequent standing, walking, stooping, kneeling, bending, and reaching.
- Ability to lift, push, pull, and move equipment and materials.
- Regular lifting up to 50 lbs.
- Occasional movement of heavier items up to 100 lbs.
- Ability to work at a fast pace throughout the shift.
- Must possess close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment:
- Laboratory animal facility environment.
- Exposure to:
- Cleaning agents, detergents, and disinfectants.
- Fumes and airborne particles.
- Wet, humid, hot, and cold conditions.
- Moving mechanical equipment.
- Biohazardous materials and infectious agents.
- Potential electrical hazards.
- Moderate noise levels.
- May occasionally work in elevated or restricted-access areas.
- Must comply with all Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements.
Additional Requirements:
- Previous cage wash or laboratory animal facility experience strongly preferred.
- Comfortable working around large equipment.
- Strong teamwork and communication skills.
- Reliable attendance and adherence to schedule requirements.
- Must be approved to wear respiratory, eye, and hearing protection.