Cage Wash Supervisor

Overview

Job : 372115

Location: Twin Cities

Job Family: Campus Operations

Full/Part Time: Full-Time

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Job Code: 7422OS

Employee Class: Civil Service

Cage Wash Supervisor

Department: Research Animal Resources (RAR)

Campus

Location:

Twin Cities (multiple vivarium sites)

Appointment Type: Continuous, Full-time, Non-exempt

Reports to: Cage Wash Manager

The Cage Wash Supervisor oversees and coordinates cage wash operations across multiple Research Animal Resources (RAR) facilities at the University of Minnesota. This position is responsible for ensuring that all caging, equipment, and supplies are properly cleaned, sanitized, and sterilized according to institutional policies, AAALAC standards, and federal regulations.

The incumbent provides leadership and direction to a team of cage wash technicians, ensuring operational consistency, safety, and efficiency across multiple locations. This role requires strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills, as well as technical expertise in automated washing systems, sterilization, and facility management.

• Working hours are 6:00am-2:30pm and may require occasional evening, weekend, or on-call hours to meet operational needs.
• This role is designated as an Essential Employee and must report to work on site during a University State of Emergency per the University's policy on University State of Emergency:
  Human Resources Implications.
• Work is performed in animal research facilities with exposure to noise, heat, humidity, detergents, and biological materials.
• There will be exposure to animal allergens.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds, stand for extended periods, and wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Proof of current Tetanus vaccine is required within the first week of hire.
• An annual test for Tuberculosis will be completed for working with certain species.
• Due to the high level of noise, a hearing test is performed annually when assigned to a hearing conservation area.
• Rabies vaccines or titer will be completed when working with certain species or the employee may complete a declination form.
• An annual flu vaccine is a requirement to work with some animal species.
• Measles titer may be drawn.
• The employee may work in wet rooms or around large industrial cage washers.
• Employee may work in an outside environment in any weather conditions.
• Employee may be required to wear a powered air purifying respirator (PAPR) or N95 mask.

• Operational Oversight - 40% - Supervise cage wash operations at multiple vivarium sites to ensure consistency in sanitation, sterilization, and service quality.
• Coordinate cage wash operations, including appropriate use of bedding dispensers, dump stations, tunnel washers, rack washers, autoclaves, and bottle filling systems in multiple facilities with different layouts.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for cage wash and sanitation processes.
• Monitor equipment performance, coordinate preventive maintenance with internal and external entities, and ensure timely repair of equipment.
• Evaluate processes for efficiency and recommend improvements to meet throughput and service goals.

• Supervision and Leadership - 30% - Supervise, hire, schedule, and evaluate cage wash staff across multiple facilities.
• Provide and document training in the proper use of equipment, safety practices, and sanitation protocols.
• Promote a positive, safe, and team-oriented work environment.
• Conduct performance evaluations, support professional development, and initiate corrective action when necessary, in accordance with applicable collective bargaining unit agreements.

• Safety and Compliance - 15% - Ensure compliance with university safety policies, AAALAC standards, and applicable federal and state regulations (USDA, OLAW, PHS).
• Maintain accurate logs for sanitation cycles, autoclave validation, and safety inspections.
• Conduct and document safety training sessions and ensure proper use of PPE.
• Participate in facility inspections, AAALAC site visits, and internal audits.

• Administrative and Collaborative Support - 15% - Manage inventory and ordering of detergents, PPE, and cage wash consumables.
• Collaborate with veterinary, operations, and research staff to ensure coordinated facility support.
• Assist with departmental planning, budgeting, and emergency response coordination.
• Support the implementation of standardized operating procedures and best practices across all vivarium locations.
• Assist other members of the infrastructure team during absences or projects.
• May act as the Manager's designee when the Manager is unavailable.

Required Qualifications (must be documented):

• BA/BS plus at least two years of experience or a combination of related education and work experience to equal at least six years.
• Experience in cage wash operations, sanitation procedures, and sterilization processes.
• Ability to coordinate operations across multiple facilities and…