DescriptionUniversityof Colorado | CU Anschutz Medical Campus

Department: Office of Laboratory AnimalResources (OLAR)

Job Title: Cage Wash OperatorPosition#705757 – Requisition #19405

 * Applications are acceptedelectronically ONLY at www.cu.edu/cu-careers *

 The University of Colorado Denver l Anschutz Medical Campus seeksindividuals with demonstrated commitment to creating an inclusive learning andworking environment.  We value theability to engage effectively with students, faculty and staff of diversebackgrounds.

 Who We Are:The University of Colorado AnschutzMedical Campus is a public education, clinical and research facility serving4,500 students, and a world-class medical destination at the forefront oflife-changing science, medicine, and healthcare. CU Anschutz offers more than42 highly rated degree programs through 6 schools and colleges, and receivesover $500 million in research awards each year. We are the single largesthealth professions education provider in Colorado, awarding nearly 1,450degrees annually. Powered by our award-winning faculty, renowned researchersand a reputation for academic excellence, the CU Anschutz Medical Campus drivesinnovation from the classroom to the laboratory to the delivery of unparalleledpatient care. Read CU AnschutzQuick Facts here.

 The Officeof Laboratory Animal Resources (OLAR) hasan opening for a full-time UniversityStaff (unclassified) Cage Wash Operator position.

 Job Summary:Thepurpose of this position is to facilitate the normal day-to-day operations ofthe Center for Comparative Medicine by processing laboratory animal equipmentand supplies. This position will ensure that the procedure and storage areasare cleaned, maintained, and organized. This position is also responsible forgeneral housekeeping of the facility including all hallways, office areas, andall rooms located within the Center for Comparative Medicine that do not houselaboratory animals. In addition, the position will be responsible for thelaundering of supplies used within the facility. This position will reportinventory needs, and stock and store supplies and equipment. This position willbe responsible for assisting with the preparation of animal carcasses fortissue digestion and disposal. This position will follow instructions, rules,regulations, procedures, and safety protocols. This position will also performbasic computer functions and office duties.

 Examples of Work Performed:

• TheCage Wash Operator ensures clean and sterilized laboratory animal supplies,cages, and equipment is available for research projects by assisting with cagewash operations. The position will physically load and unload caging on cagewash conveyor belts; assist with the operation of the cage wash room, whichcontains multiple large steam sterilizers, rack washers, index washers, roboticequipment, vacuum disposal and bedding dispensers. Operate sterilizers tosterilize the equipment and supplies. Assist with operating andtrouble-shooting electronic equipment. Ensure proper sanitation of the cagewash area by following standard operating procedures.
• Performwork that is mechanical and physical in nature and frequently standing,walking, squatting, bending, and reaching. Constantly lift and carry 10 lbs. and frequently lift and carry up to 50lbs. Push and pull material handling carts that house animal cages. Assembleand disassemble material handling carts generated by and for the animal carestaff. Perform basic equipment repairs and preventive maintenance on machinery,material handling carts and various housing racks. Load and unload items on apallet. Utilize equipment throughout the facility such as a pallet jack, drumdolly, dip tank, pressure washer, Strahman hoses, foamer and dolly (two-wheeler).
• Assembleand tear down sterile and non-sterile animal cages and equipment. Check andfill the animal bedding dispenser on the loading dock. Handle and dispose ofsoiled animal bedding and animal waste from rodent cages. Provide clean cagesand bins for aquatic animal species. Prepare nesting material for mice,hamsters, gerbils, rats, or rabbits. Operate a radio and/or PTT toupdate staff on progress of work.
• Performcleaning and maintenance duties on the cage wash equipment such as: drain tanksand washing units; check and clean filters in index and rack washers;clean/maintain conveyor system in the cage wash; use alkaline detergents, acidand acid neutralizers; use proper cleaning agent dilutions; Maintain Clidoxstation and fill foot sanitation bath. Handle hazardous chemicals, animalwaste, infectious materials, and/or human blood or bodily materials. Wearinghearing protection, eye protection and N95 is required for some tasks in thisposition.
• Cleanvarious areas within the CCM facility by sweeping, mopping, floor buffing, andtrash removal.  Also assisting withlaundering, folding, and putting away surgical drapes, scrubs, and any othersupplies used within the facility.
• Preparationof all animal carcasses for disposal in the tissue digester at least once aweek
• Ensurethat freezers are emptied, thawed, cleaned and sanitized at least once a month 
• Theposition will also perform other duties as assigned

This description is a summary only and is describing the general levelof work being performed, it is not intended to be all-inclusive. The duties ofthis position may change from time to time and/or based on business need. Wereserve the right to add or delete duties and responsibilities at thediscretion of the supervisor and/or hiring authority.

 Salary and Benefits:

• The starting salary range for this position has beenestablished at $28,692 to $33,692 and is commensurate with skills andexperience
• This position iseligible for overtime compensation
• Your totalcompensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University ofColorado provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributionsthat add to your bottom line.
• Here is a link to an overview ofthe benefits package
• Here is a link toa Total Compensation Calculator

Diversity and Equity:

• The Universitywill provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilitiesthroughout the employment application process. To request an accommodationpursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the HumanResources ADA Coordinator at hr.adacoordinator@ucdenver.edu
• The University ofColorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus is committed to recruiting andsupporting a diverse student body, faculty and administrative staff. Theuniversity strives to promote a culture of inclusiveness, respect,communication and understanding. We encourage applications from women, ethnicminorities, persons with disabilities and all veterans. The University ofColorado is committed to diversity and equality in education and employment.
• The University ofColorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus is dedicated to ensuring a safe andsecure environment for our faculty, staff, students and visitors. To assist inachieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospectiveemployees.

QualificationsMinimum Qualifications:

• Atleast one (1) year of experience loading and unloading equipment, goods, orinventory, or one year of experience working in a veterinary laboratory,breeding, or boarding facility
• Collegecoursework in veterinary technology, animal science, biology, or a relatedfield of study related to the work assignment may substitute year-for-year forthe general experience

Conditions of Employment:

• NOTE:This position has been designated as essential personnel, “Subject to call 24hours per day, seven days per week” and may be required to carry a pager.Position may also be required to “Stay over late” or “Come in early” to “Cover”shifts, as needed and may be required to respond to any emergencies as needed.If hired, you will be required to provide effective off-hours phone contactinfo for emergency call-in purposes.
• Mustbe willing and able to sit, climb stairs, stoop, crouch, and kneel on anoccasional basis, with or without accommodation
• Mustbe willing and able to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 100 lbs. on anoccasional basis, with or without accommodation
• Mustbe willing and able to type/enter data on an occasional basis, with or withoutaccommodation
• Mustbe willing and able to stand, walk, squat, bend, and reach above shoulders on afrequent basis, with or without accommodation
• Mustwilling and able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. on a frequent basis, with orwithout accommodation
• Mustbe willing and able to use near vision, far vision, peripheral vision and depthperception on a frequent basis, with or without accommodation
• Mustbe willing and able to lift and carry up to10 lbs. on a constant basis, with orwithout accommodation
• Mustbe willing and able to handle, finger and feel objects on a constant basis,with or without accommodation
• Mustbe willing and able to use hearing and verbal communication on a constant basis
• Mustbe willing and able to operate moving equipment or work around machinery ormoving equipment
• Mustbe willing able to work around noise and vibrations
• Mustbe able to walk on uneven surfaces and work in small, confined spaces
• Mustbe willing and able to work around hazardous chemicals, infectious agents,radioactive agents and work within controlled hazardous environment
• Mustbe willing and able to wear appropriate respiratory protection
• Mustbe willing and able to wear appropriate hearing protection
• Mustbe willing and able to euthanize small animals
• Mustbe willing and able to work straight or rotating shifts, weekends and holidays

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experienceentering data into a database (e.g. Topaz Software, Excel, and Access)
• Experiencekeeping activity logs and managing inventory
• Experiencein an animal research facility
• Experienceoperating complex machinery

Competencies:

• Excellentoral communication skills with the ability to handle stressful situations in acalm and professional manner
• Abilityto communicate effectively in written form which includes the ability to checkfor typographical, grammatical and spelling errors
• Abilityto enter data in a database such as Topaz Software of Microsoft Access
• Stronginterpersonal skills, the ability to establish rapport with persons of diversebackgrounds, and ability to work in a team environment
• Abilityto handle a variety of species and the carcasses used in research
• Knowledgeof an animal research facility
• Abilityto maintain an activity log
• Planningand organization skills
• Abilityto work with complex machinery, mechanical ability
• Physicalability

Job Category: Health Care
Primary Location: Aurora
Schedule: Full-time
Posting Date: Oct 21, 2020
Unposting Date: Oct 31, 2020, 12:59:00 AM