Cage Washer​/Animal Care Assistant

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Summary:

Unit:

VP Research MBU

Animal Care Facility

Welcome to VCU ... a world unlike any other. Wecombine learning, research, creativity, service and discovery witha commitment to excellence. Ranked by U.S. News as one of the 30“most innovative” public universities in the country, VCU is apremier, urban, public research university home to multiple nationally ranked programs. Here, your success is supported andyour career can thrive. VCU offers a generous leave package, career paths for advancement, competitive pay and mission-driven work.

Weadvance a conscientious drive to support a climate where excellence and success for all people are valued and differences are celebrated.

Office of Research & Innovation, Division of Animal Resources invites applicants to apply for an outstanding opportunity to joinour Animal Care Team as a Animal Care Assistant.

Together, we can be unstoppable!

Employee will be responsible for the cleaning a variety of soiled animal cages and racks. The employee will clean, disinfect and sterilize animal cages using the guidelines established by the regulatory agencies and the Division. Monitor and clean equipment daily to ensure that it is working properly and know the established procedure to follow when equipment is malfunctioning.

Maintain records of operation. Using the guidelines established bythe Division, assemble animal cages, bedding and water bottles into setups. Using the established procedures, these setups areautoclaved and used for animals requiring sterile housing. Ensuresan inventory of sterile cages are kept on hand to supply theday-to-day demands as well as emergency situations. Unpack feed and bedding off pallets and store appropriately. Keep working areaclean and organized and ensure supplies that are needed are on handat all times.

Other duties as assigned.

For barrier facilities or aseptic holding spaces, the employee will autoclave assembled cage setups and accessories used for animals requiring sterile housing. The employee will ensure a sufficient inventory of sterile cages and sterile cage accessories is kept onhand to supply the day-to-day demands of the animal care team, aswell as to anticipate emergency situations. The employee will fillwater carboys for autoclaving if necessary.

Weekly, unpack feed and bedding off pallets and store in designated storage areas. Test functionality of eyewash stations. Keep the working area clean and organized to maintain both functionality and workplace safety. Ensure sufficient supplies are on hand e racks containing full cage setups, Hydro Pac containers,PPE supplies or other materials. Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment ofrespect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty,staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or acommitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Ability to follow both oral and written instructions required
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs easily
• Stand for long periods of time up
• Must be comfortable working near/around animals.
• Must be able to disinfect walls, floors, and cages; to daily inspect rooms and determine when supplies are needed
• Must be able to properly handle and apply chemicals safely during room cleaning processes; to wear any protective clothing or materials as needed
• Observe and respond to situations in an appropriate manner
• Individual needs to be able to work well with others and tomeet deadline

$31,838

• All full-time university staff are eligible forVCU’s robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annualand holiday leave granted up front, generous tuition benefits,retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity andcash match programs, employee discounts, well-being resources,abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, andmore.

Non-Exempt

Contact Name:
Niki Boyd

Contact Email: tsboyd