Vivarium Specialist I/II

Job Summary

Assists in the daily operation of the Animal Facility, in feeding of and caring for animals used in experiments.

Essential Functions

• Consistently implements sterile techniques using a barrier microisolator cage system.
• Tracks animal health and notify supervisors and animal care staff of observations.
• Keeps records of animal mortalities.
• Maintains records such as animal inventory, Animal Husbandry, and Room Maintenance Records for each assigned room.
• Reports all facility and environmental issues to the animal technician supervisor.
• Attends staff and educational meetings as scheduled by supervisory staff.

Vivarium Duties

Under the supervision of the Vivarium Manager (or Supervisor), the Vivarium Specialist is responsible for the sanitation and sterilization of animal caging systems that are required to maintain a high-level animal research program.

• Disassembling and emptying dirty cages
• Loading cage components into cage wash machines with and without automation
• Unloading cage wash machine
• Loading and unloading sterilizers
• Reassembling cage components
• Disinfection of animal-related supplies prior to use
• General cleaning and maintenance of cage wash machines and sterilizers
• General cleaning and maintenance of cage wash area
• Other duties as assigned by the supervisor

The ability to perform all duties while strictly adhering to established SOPs and in compliance with local, state, federal and institutional guidelines and regulations is a requirement. Computer skills are required for computerized management of cage wash machinery in addition to record keeping in accordance with established procedures. Can perform day to day preventative cleaning and maintenance on all equipment including automation.

Working Conditions

• Ability to work directly with animals (including mice and rats), with no preexisting allergies to animals, hair, dander, or biproducts
• Must be able to perform in this environment with exposure to potential allergens for prolonged periods of time
• Must be able to walk or stand for a full 8 hour shift
• Ability to lift 50 lbs., push or pull up to 100 lbs., and perform other physical tasks
• Must be willing to be fit tested and wear a N95 mask or alternatively a PAPR as required
• Ability to work in Biosafety levels up to BSL-3
• Ability to work with biological and chemical hazards
• May occasionally need to report to work in the event of a disaster or weather-related event
• May be required to work on weekends, holidays, and off hours