Cagewasher - Full Benefits
Company: Case Western Reserve University
Location: Warren
Posted on: January 15, 2023
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Job Description:
Job Description
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POSITION OBJECTIVE
The Animal Husbandry Technician is a member of the Animal Resource
Center (ARC) animal husbandry team. -The animal husbandry
technician is responsible for the day-to-day care of research
animals according to established protocols and in compliance with
applicable regulations. This position will maintain the health and
well-being of research animals and monitor animals to identify
health-related problems, dietary needs, overcrowding and cage
conditions. -The husbandry technician is primarily responsible for
identifying and documenting conditions that adversely affect the
health of the animals. This documentation provides researchers and
veterinary personnel with critical information to ensure that
research progresses without interruptions caused by disease,
damaged equipment and overcrowded conditions. -The husbandry
technician also has the primary responsibility of administering
special diets, assuring animals have adequate water and food and
administering any other special needs.
Animal Resource Center staff members are responsible for
maintaining the health and well-being of the university's research
animals; and therefore, play a vital role in supporting the School
of Medicine's research efforts. Animal husbandry technicians and
all other Animal Resource Center staff must enjoy working with and
caring for animals and appreciate the value of animals in research.
The university's animal facilities are accredited by the
Association for the Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory
Animal Care (AAALAC) and is managed according to the "Guide for the
Care and Use of Laboratory Animals" appropriate Federal Animal
Welfare Regulations, and the Public Health Service "Policy on the
Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals." This position, and all
animal research personnel, are subject to internal compliance to
ARC standard operating procedures and to compliance regulations of
the Animal Welfare Act, Public Health Service Policy, AAALAC
guidelines, the State of Ohio Veterinary Practice Act, Federal Drug
Enforcement Administration regulatory guidelines, US Food and Drug
Administration Center for Veterinary Medicine regulations and other
applicable regulatory guidelines.
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ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Feed and water animals, change cage bedding, change animals from
dirty to clean cages and disinfect animal quarters. Observe animals
during this process and note and report anything unusual that may
indicate problems with the animals such as health related problems,
housing/caging, overcrowded conditions, food or water problems.
(34%) Inspect animals in assigned area daily and reports
abnormalities to animal husbandry manager, team leader and/or
veterinary staff. (10%) Use a handheld or stationary tablet device
to perform animal health observations, animal inventory and daily
checklist in a data software application. -(10%) Perform routine
housekeeping duties to maintain animal rooms. Clean and keep -areas
neat and free of clutter per United States Department of
Agriculture (USDA) and the Association for Assessment and
Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC) guides (counters,
sinks, carts, -etc.). (8%) Remove dead animals from cages, tag and
label with identifying data, prepare death certificates, and place
in post-mortem refrigerator and notify responsible veterinarian.
(6%) Assist research investigators and attending veterinarians in
handling, manipulation and treatment of animals within the Animal
Resource Center. Following specific instructions, administer
medication or experimental materials to animals. (6%) Maintain
compliance to ARC policies and all applicable regulations for
animal research care and attend training as required. (6%) Wear
necessary personal protective clothing and equipment per policy;
take additional precautions when assigned to special areas housing
animals, e.g., in microisolators, laminar flow hoods, those under
quarantine or animals used for radioisotope, carcinogen or other
biohazard research. Observe special precautions for handling and
the disposal of contaminated material per established protocols.
(6%)
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NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Uncrate newly arrived animals and place them in cages and label
appropriately, taking care to record all necessary information and
ensure that animals are properly housed. (4%) Postmortem room
maintenance and euthanasia. Observe all animals in postmortem and
make sure all cages have feed and water. Euthanize rodent cages
using CO2. Thoroughly clean table, floors and counters. (3%) Food
preparation. Set up the hood using Micro-isolator technique,
transfer the food pellets from the standard food bags into sterile
container. Label the container with prepared food labels. (3%) Wash
cages as needed, receive and store bedding materials and food
supplies. (2%) Perform other related duties as may be assigned by
animal husbandry manager, operations manager, and/or team leaders.
(2%)
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CONTACTS
Department: Daily contact with other employees to assist with daily
job assignments. Daily contact with supervisor regarding ongoing
activities and standard operating procedural issues.
University: Daily contact with investigative staff regarding daily
investigative needs, special animal care needs, and requests for
additional services, as well as, providing equipment availability
status.
External: Regular contact with suppliers of animals and animal care
products and feed to ensure the timely arrival of both animals and
materials.
Students: Regular contact with student employees regarding daily
investigative needs, special animal care needs, and requests for
additional services, as well as, providing equipment availability
status.
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SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
This position has no direct supervision of staff employees.
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QUALIFICATIONS
Experience: 0 to 3 months of related experience required,
preferably in laboratory animal facility. The employee will receive
regular on-the-job training in responsibilities and in recognizing
basic signs of animal health, chemical safety, microbiological and
physical hazards associated with the workplace, and handling of
animal waste materials.
Education: High school education required.
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REQUIRED SKILLS
Must demonstrate compliance with Animal Resource Center policies
and procedures and compliance to regulations of the Animal Welfare
Act, Public Health Service Policy, AAALAC guidelines and other
applicable regulatory guidelines. Must demonstrate compassion for
animals within the Center facilities and dedication to the Center's
mission. Must handle animals with care and respect at all times.
Previous experience working with animals preferred. Individuals
with an interest to pursue a career in veterinary services or
animal care/training strongly desired. Ability to assist veterinary
technicians handing, restraining and administering substances to a
wide range of animal species including but not limited to rodents,
rabbits, dogs, cats, and livestock. Effective oral and written
communication skills; and good interpersonal skills with the
ability to work and communicate with various individuals within and
external to the university. Must be able to articulately relay
information to researcher, management and veterinary services
personnel regarding, both verbally and in writing, regarding animal
health and well-being and possible or observed problems. Good
organization skills: ability to multi-task, prioritize and meet
deadlines. Must demonstrate attention to detail and accuracy, time
management, and follow-through. Must be observant of issues that
might impact the animals' health and well-being. Ability to work
effectively independently and collaboratively within a team. Must
demonstrate sound judgment and good decision-making. - Must
demonstrate flexibility and ability to work under pressure; must be
able and willing to work in a fast-paced, changing environment, and
conform to shifting priorities, demands and timelines. - Basic
computer skills. - Must demonstrate willingness to learn new
concepts, protocols, procedures, processes, and computer programs
as needed. Must be able and willing to assist veterinary services
staff with handling animals and assisting cage washing if need.
Must be able and willing to maintain a high standard of personal
cleanliness and utilize protective gear to protect the health the
animals. Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors and
customers face to face. Ability to meet consistent attendance.
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WORKING CONDITIONS
This position will work directly with laboratory animals, including
rodents, rabbits, dogs, cats, pigs, sheep, goats, and non-human
primates. Animal bites, scratches, kicks, etc., may be encountered,
as well as unpleasant odors, noises and temperatures associated
with working with animals, soiled cages, and other equipment. The
incumbent must pass a physical examination, including tuberculin
test and/or chest x-ray (to be repeated periodically).
There is a necessity for completing the job before leaving work.
Animal care cannot be held over to the next day. Animal care is a
7-day per week, 365-days per year job. All tasks must be performed
in compliance with the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory
Animals (NRC2011), the United States Department of Agriculture
(USDA), the Public Health Service, and the Association for
Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC).
Compliance with any university, state, and local regulations is
also enforced. An individual will be scheduled to work for every
third weekend and every third holiday. The Animal Resource Center
adheres to a strict attendance policy.
This position may have direct contact with, or have exposure to,
the following biological and chemical hazards: bloodborne
pathogens, chemical agents (hazardous agents as well as routine
cleaning agents), select agents and infectious agents (including
zoonotic diseases), waste from prion-injected animals (generally
trace amounts), exposure to radiation from isotope-injected animals
(generally trace amounts), X-rays, human blood and tissue, animal
blood and tissue, and formaldehyde. May sustain cuts from broken
water bottles and sharp edges of cages, burns from steam and hot
water used in cleaning procedures, dermatitis resulting from
exposure to strong cleaning compounds and insecticides and organic
chemicals.
This position requires baseline evaluation of hearing and vision.
This position may require the ability to independently lift or
assist with lifting animals ranging from small to large in size.
Strain or accident associated with frequent moving of heavy (up to
50 lbs.) equipment and animals, feed sacks, and bagged or baled
bedding. Where appropriate, the nature of this position may require
the use of a respirator (must have prior health evaluation) or
surgical mask. This position also requires baseline evaluation of
hearing and vision. Hazards to health and safety are minimized by
prior training and proper instruction in handling animals, and
operation of equipment. Training and personal protective equipment
(hearing, eyewear, gowns, respirator and gloves) will be provided.
This position may require travel by driving to satellite facilities
on campus, as well as off campus to MetroHealth Medical Center, the
VA Medical Center, the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, as well as
transport of biohazardous waste including clinical samples, human
blood or tissue, animals, contaminated equipment, etc. This
position is subject to an FBI background check and
fingerprinting.
Diversity Statement
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In employment, as in education, Case Western Reserve University is
committed to Equal Opportunity and Diversity. - Women, veterans,
members of underrepresented minority groups, and individuals with
disabilities are encouraged to apply.
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Reasonable Accommodations
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Case Western Reserve University provides reasonable accommodations
to applicants with disabilities. - Applicants requiring a
reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring
process should contact the Office of Equity -at 216-368-3066 -to
request a reasonable accommodation. - Determinations as to granting
reasonable accommodations for any applicant will be made on a
case-by-case basis.
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COVID Vaccination
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Case Western Reserve University has implemented a COVID Vaccination
policy requiring evidence of COVID-19 vaccination for all students,
faculty and staff with an on-campus presence. Religious and medical
exemptions may be provided in accordance with applicable federal
and state laws. For more information go to:
https://case.edu/equity/covid-19-accommodations. Applicants may
contact the Office of Equity at 216-368-3066 /equity@case.edu for
information regarding religious or medical exemptions as an
accommodation.
Keywords: Case Western Reserve University, Warren , Cagewasher - Full Benefits, Other , Warren, Ohio
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