Laboratory Animal Cage Wash Technician
: Job Details :


Laboratory Animal Cage Wash Technician

University of Maryland

Job Location : College Park,MD, USA

Posted on : 2025-08-08T05:25:10Z

Job Description :
Job Description SummaryOrganizational Summary:The University of Maryland-College Park animal care and use program provides a humane and compliant environment for all animals involved in research, teaching and testing activities. This program is overseen by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. Veterinary care and other aspects of this program are managed by the University Attending Veterinarian, who also serves as the Director, Department of Laboratory Animal Resources (DLAR).DLAR is a research support unit in the Division of Research. Reporting to the Vice President for Research, the DLAR team is composed of animal care technicians and veterinarians with specialty training and certifications specific to laboratory animal medicine and care, as well as dedicated administrative support staff.DLAR provides the expertise, care and resources necessary to ensure the welfare of university animals through humane care and use. The UMD Animal Care and Use Program has been fully accredited by AAALAC, International since 2011.Position Summary:This position is for a Laboratory Animal Cage Wash Technician in the Department of Laboratory Animal Resources.This is an essential position in the Department of Laboratory Animal Resources (DLAR). Reporting to the Lead Animal Coordinator, the Cage Wash Technician will conduct routine animal facility-related tasks and support research staff as required. Under minimal supervision, the candidate will work in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, industry standards governing animal research (NIH/OLAW/AAALAC), University guidelines, departmental procedures, and all safety procedures according to University standards and standard operating procedures (SOPs). Primary responsibilities include: all core processes of animal care, operating washing and sterilization equipment, maintenance of biosecurity and quality assurance, recording daily activities, providing general facility maintenance and cleanliness, and operation of various types of facility machinery including, but not limited to, biological safety cabinets, autoclaves, industrial washers, etc.This essential position supports the animal care program and requires attendance on weekends, holidays and during emergency conditions, such as inclement weather and power failure. Additional weekday overtime work may occasionally be required. This position may also include one weekend day as part of the normal work schedule.Job Risks:Animal Handling, Occupational Related Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure , Respiratory Protection, Work with agents that are infectious to humans (other than Blood Borne PathogensPhysical Demands:•Mandatory wear and work in personal protective clothing and equipment;•The ability to lift/push/pull a minimum of 50 lbs.;•The ability to maneuver large, cumbersome equipment;•The ability to withstand sustained periods of physical activity (such as standing, bending, walking or stooping); and•The ability to work safely with chemical disinfectants, handle some unpleasant elements and tolerate normal odors/airborne particulate matter routinely encountered in a laboratory animal facility.This individual may be exposed to potential hazards related to animals and the animal care environment including, but not limited to:•Allergens, dust, cleaning chemicals, noise, sharps, hot/humid environments, and ergonomic hazards;•Zoonotic diseases, other animal diseases and/or animals with research-associated diseases.This essential position supports the animal care program and requires attendance on weekends, holidays and during emergency conditions, such as inclement weather and power failure. Additional weekday overtime work may occasionally be required. This position may also require working one weekend day as part of the normal work week schedule.Licenses/ Certifications:Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) certification preferredMinimum QualificationsEDUCATION: High School Diploma or GED.EXPERIENCE: Six months in a laboratory animal facility supporting a research project similar to the type being recruited for.OTHER: Biosafety Laboratories Level 3 (BLS3) requires successful completion of Department of Justice security clearance for work with Select Agents and Toxins, as required by Federal regulation.REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:Working knowledge of husbandry practices as routinely required in a laboratory animal environment. Ability to operate standard laboratory animal equipment including scales, autoclaves, pressure washers, cage washers, steam cleaners, etc.; to lift bags of feed and bedding; to follow standard operating procedures; to move heavy stainless steelracks, clean cages, etc.; to wear and work in personal protective equipment; to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.OTHER:Except for qualifications established by law, additional related experience and formal education in which one has gained the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for full performance of the work of the job class may be substituted for the education or experience requirement on a year-for-year basis with 30 college credits being equivalent to one year of experience.CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:Candidates selected for employment may be subject to medical inquiries and/or medical examinations to determine ability to perform the job. Certification by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) as an Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician may be required. Biosafety Laboratory Level 3 have additional guidelines specific to working in BLS3 environments requiring the receipt of BLS3 training, ability to demonstrated proficiency in BLS3 practice and techniques, and participate in medical surveillance. May be required to have current tetanus and/or diphtheria shots.Additional Job DetailsPreferences:•At least one year's experience as a cage wash technician in a laboratory animal facility supporting research projects similar to those conducted at the University of Maryland, College Park.•AA/AS/BA/BS preferable along with AALAS certification at a minimum of ALAT•Greater than two year's experience working in a laboratory animal setting with rodents and other species is preferred.•Eligibility and willingness to complete additional certification through AALAS in the future is desired.•Initiative, dependability, accuracy, maturity, trustworthiness, and dedication to working with and around animals;•The ability to follow instructions precisely and perform work according to prescribed standard operating procedures (SOPs);•Solid written and verbal communication skills, keen attention to detail and the ability to diligently record and maintain laboratory records;•Problem-solving, time-management and organizational skills;•Strong teamwork, interpersonal and observational skills;•The essential ability to interface in a professional manner with coworkers, supervisors, DLAR customers, scientific researcher staff, and vendor personnel.Required Application Materials: NAPosting Close Date: August 15, 2025Open Until Filled: NAJob RisksAnimal Handling, Occupational Related Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure, Respiratory Protection, Work with agents that are infectious to humans (other then Blood Borne Pathogens)Financial Disclosure RequiredNoFor more information on Financial Disclosure, please visit Maryland's State Ethics Commission website.DepartmentVPR-Laboratory Animal ResourcesWorker Sub-Type Staff RegularSalary Range$42,770.00 - $51,324.00Benefits SummaryFor more information on Regular Nonexempt benefits, select this link.Background ChecksOffers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify anyone from employment. Before any adverse decision, the finalist will have an opportunity to provide information to the University regarding disclosable background check information. The University reserves the right to rescind the offer of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.Employment EligibilityThe successful candidate must complete employment eligibility verification (on Form I-9) by presenting documents that establish identity and work authorization within the timeframe required by federal immigration law, and where applicable, to demonstrate renewed employment authorization. Failure to complete employment eligibility verification or reverification within the timeframe set forth by law may result in suspension or termination of employment.EEO StatementThe University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please read the University's Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy.Title IX Non-Discrimination NoticeResources
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