Vivarium Technician I

Role Summary

The Vivarium Technician I will be responsible for the maintenance and cleaning of the vivarium facility and its associated laboratory and equipment.

Role Responsibilities

• Clean and sanitize animal caging and ancillary equipment
• Cleaning and maintenance of empty animal rooms
• Maintenance and cleaning of laboratory facility and equipment throughout the vivarium
• Clean, maintain, and stock animal receiving garage, waste garage, autoclave, vivarium bathrooms, and PPE stations
• Collect, discard, and store vivarium waste appropriately
• Operation and maintenance of pressure washers, rack washers and biowaste autoclave
• Maintenance and cleaning of vivarium bathrooms and hallways
• Data collection and review
• Perform and document routine inspection and maintenance activities, including but not limited to adjusting and minor repairs to cleaning equipment and routine inspections
• Maintain cagewash facilities in a clean and organized manner, in adherence with all SOP and facility requirements
• Understand the functions and operations of all cage wash equipment
• Carry out heavy cleansing tasks and special projects
• Notify facilities of occurring deficiencies or needs for repairs
• Follow all health and safety regulations
• Ability to push, pull, and lift heavy equipment weighing over 50 lbs.
• Other duties as assigned

Role Requirements

• HS Diploma/GED required.
• 1 year of janitorial or animal care support preferred
• Ability to handle heavy equipment and machinery
• Knowledge of cleaning chemicals and supplies
• Familiarity with Safety Data Sheets preferred
• Basic understanding of Microsoft Office core applications

Behavioral Expectations

• Dependability
• Teamwork
• Problem Solving
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Ability to multi-task

Special Requirements

This role works predominately in a laboratory setting. There will be exposure to animal pathogens and chemicals. There will be handling of and/or exposure to animal tissues and zoonotic organisms. Ability to don and wear personal protective gear, including N95 masks and respirators. Physical activity including lifting (up to 75lbs), carrying (up to 40lbs for up to 50 feet), pushing/pulling (up to 75lbs force), reaching, gripping/pinching, standing and ascending ladder without restriction. Regular exposure to wet and/or humid conditions. Ability to spend most of the day standing and/or walking. Ability to work beyond typical work schedule including but not limited to evenings, weekends, extended shifts with short notice.