The Office of Laboratory Animal Resources (OLAR) at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for a Cage Wash Assistant.

About the Opportunity

As a Cage Wash Assistant, you will perform cage washing, cage processing, cage assembly, autoclaving, caging and equipment logistics, sanitization, housekeeping, record keeping and materials management in OLAR.

We strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU offers generous benefits, including:

• 37.5-hour work week
• 13 paid holidays ()
• 15 annual leave (vacation) days per year or more based on years of service (employee leave)
• 18 sick days per year (for when you're ill, for when you need time to care for sick family, for your own, or your family's, regularly scheduled medical appointments. Who is family for the purpose of this leave? A lot of people in your life including immediate relatives and in-laws as well as others considered to be members of your household living under the same roof)
• WVU offers a range of
• 401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks. Looking for ? Check out retirement health insurance benefits, retirement income, and FAQ's.
• Wellness programs

PAY GRADE: 7

What you'll do:

Cage Wash & Autoclave

• Receive soiled cages into cage wash area.
• Perform pre-cleaning of cages, disassemble cages as necessary to prepare for loading into automated cage washing machines.
• Load cages into automated cage washing machines.
• Remove clean cages from automated cage washing equipment, add bedding, and reassemble cages.
• Autoclave pertinent equipment.
• Fill orders for processed cages and equipment for specific work areas based on input from animal care technicians and supervisors.
• Perform all duties as directed by supervisor and in accordance with standard operating procedures.

Preventative Maintenance, Sanitizing and Record Keeping

• Perform preventative maintenance, start up and shut down of equipment in accordance with standard operating procedures.
• Assess daily cage washing and cage processing equipment for proper operation.
• Sanitize/disinfect related work areas daily.
• Assess and maintain records of sanitization and effectiveness of cage washing and sanitizing processes in accordance with SOP's.
• Notify Supervisor of any abnormalities in the physical environment or equipment in cage wash operations.

Storage & Supply

• Keep vivarium common use supply levels/storage areas adequately maintained.
• Keep areas clean and organized.
• Receive and store incoming supplies.
• Perform laundry and general custodial duties to support OLAR operations.
• Ensure adequate supplies of cages are available and assembled for husbandry staff.
• Ensure cage storage areas are adequately stocked with clean supplies.

• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 0-6 months relevant experience preferred.

• Medical Monitoring -- This position may or may not require Medical Monitoring, including periodic health monitoring and/or training.

Physical Demands & Physical Coordination:

• Lift/push/pull up to 50 lbs.
• Wear required PPE.
• Exposure to elements such as elevated temperatures, high humidity, dust and excessive noise.
• Ability to use disinfecting and sterilizing chemical agents.

At West Virginia University, we leverage our talents and resources to create a better future for our state and the world. As West Virginia's land-grant university, WVU has three campuses that touch each corner of the state. The WVU System includes 518 buildings on 15,880 acres, Extension Service offices in all 55 counties, ten experimental farms and four forests.

From the groundbreaking R1 research of our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs of WVU Potomac State in Keyser to the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley - the contributions of WVU employees directly impact the 1.8 million people of West Virginia every day, no matter their role or position.

Service, curiosity, respect, accountability, and appreciation are the core values that unite Mountaineers, inspiring one another to work tirelessly and support others as they seek to reach new heights. After all, when you're a Mountaineer, impossible is just another mountain to climb.

Creating an inclusive, engaged, and dynamic learning environment is core to WVU's academic mission. We welcome candidates who can contribute a range of ideas, approaches and experiences.

To learn more about West Virginia University, visit go.wvu.edu. View current career opportunities at careers.wvu.edu.

West Virginia University is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer and is the recipient of an NSF ADVANCE award for gender equity. The University values diversity among its faculty, staff, and students, and invites applications from all qualified applicants regardless of race, ethnicity, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, nationality, genetics, disability, or Veteran status.