Cage Washer and Logistics Technician
UW CODE AND REPRESENTATIVE GROUP
17716 (NE SEIU Local 925 Nonsupervisory)
23053 (NE H SEIU Local 925 Nonsupervisory)
CLASS SERIES CONCEPT
The Department of Comparative Medicine (DCM), manages numerous multi species vivaria located on the Seattle campus of the University of Washington. Positions in this classification perform specialized cage washing duties and provide logistical support in DCM-managed vivaria.
Jobs in the Cage Washer and Logistics Technician series do not provide animal care. Positions providing animal care should be in the Animal Technician classification series.
BASIC FUNCTION
Perform routine tasks involved in: disassembling and assembling; cleaning and sanitizing; and transporting animal cages and ancillary items. Order materials and maintain inventory. Operate specialized cage washing equipment or machinery that requires the use of protective garments and equipment, such as tunnel washers, rack washers, drinking water sanitation systems and autoclaves.
Under direct supervision, transport and store cages and ancillary items. Taking appropriate safety precautions, wash and sterilize cages and ancillary items, clean and maintain cage washer rooms, and prepare materials orders and assist with inventory procedures. Maintain all necessary documentation in a neat and legible manner.
TYPICAL WORK
Operate and participate in the routine upkeep and maintenance of all cage wash equipment including tunnel washers, rack washers, drinking water sanitation systems, and autoclaves. Operate associated computer interfaces and computer monitoring systems;
Ensure that cage wash and associated areas are cleaned and sanitized daily;
Process caging and waste containing biologic or chemical hazards in a safe and efficient manner;
Operate and participate in the routine upkeep and maintenance of drinking water delivery and drinking water packaging systems (e.g., automatic water pouch packaging systems);
Ensure availability of adequate caging, equipment, and supplies necessary for daily facility operation and to facilitate the research processes and programs supported by the University;
Use computer to create forms, documents, records, and letters and to perform data entry in established computer databases;
Maintain cage washroom equipment and perform daily quality control checks. Contact manufacturers and vendors as directed by supervisor;
Move equipment and supplies between locations (e.g. vivaria, equipment storage or surplus locations) on a daily basis or as-needed basis. Document all equipment and supply pick-ups and deliveries;
Transport boxed or crated animals between locations. Document all pick-ups and deliveries of animals;
Maintain, operate, and organize vehicles including cars and trucks used to support people, animal, and equipment movement; notify supervisor of necessary vehicle repairs, maintenance, and modifications;
Organize, inventory, and track animal husbandry equipment (excluding computer equipment);
Transfer items to and from storage locations, including off-campus storage locations. Maintain accurate inventory of items contained in each storage location;
Schedule, provide and document completion of routine maintenance procedures for select moveable equipment (e.g., ventilated cage racks, laminar flow hoods) and cage wash equipment (e.g., rack washers and tunnel washers);
Order and distribute select consumables (e.g. animal feed, bedding, personal protective equipment (PPE);
Assist in the training of new Cage Washer and Logistics Technicians;
Assist and communicate with research staff regarding animal facility procedures, policies, and activities;
Interact with customers (including research personnel and DCM animal care staff) as required to respond to customer requests and inquiries, to resolve complaints, and to provide technical assistance;
Operate powered lift devices, such as walking stacker, forklift, pallet jack, etc. to move and deliver supplies, equipment and materials;
May lift heavy cages, supplies and/or equipment;
Assist with process improvement;
Attend meetings and participate in educational events to further professional growth and development;
May assist with a variety of custodial duties; and
Perform related duties as required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Physical ability to do required work; ability to read and write. High school graduation or equivalent AND possession of a valid motor vehicle operator’s license AND a minimum of one year of full time experience operating light trucks, delivery vehicles and related equipment
OR
equivalent education/experience.
CLASSIFICATION HISTORY
New Class: 3-27-2019, as negotiated with SEIU 925.