Cage Processing Technician

Staff – Union

Job Category

CUPE 116

Job Profile

CUPE 116 Salaried – Research Assistant /Technician 1

Job Title

Cage Processing Technician

Department

Research Support | Centre for Disease Modelling | Animal Care Services

Compensation Range

$3,612.00 – $3,791.00 CAD Monthly

Posting End Date

April 28, 2021

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the Posting End Date above.

Job End Date

Job Description Summary

This position will be responsible for providing daily cleaning and maintenance tasks required for the health and cleanliness of research animals and their housing facilities within any one of the Animal Care Services research facilities. The work includes an assortment of cleaning tasks, inspection, and repair of equipment and some routine laboratory work. The incumbent is expected to have a general familiarity with day-to-day activities and processes in multiple facilities working with multiple species.

Work may involve the use of potentially hazardous material or may be located in areas where such materials are used. Work will require the use of personal protective equipment. The work is very repetitious and physical, including lifting up to 25 kgs. Work schedule may include evenings, weekends and statutory holidays. This position will be expected to work closely with team members or independently with supervisory support available. Orientation and training will be provided on the job.

Organizational Status

The Operations Managers within Animal Care Services are ultimately responsible for this position, however day to day direction will be determined by the current organizational chart and operational need.

The Centre for Disease Modeling (CDM) is a 90,000 sq. ft. animal facility capable of holding 27,000 rodent cages. CDM is a barrier facility and operations include Breeding, Research Containment Level 1 & 2, procedural and surgical space, and material management.

Work Performed

Operations, maintenance, quality assurance and troubleshooting of equipment including but not limited to:

-Rack and tunnel washers, bedding vacuum system, bottle filling system, high pressure spray units, autoclaves/bulk sterilizers, sonicators, water bag compactors, vertical form-fill-seal machines, dry heat ovens, barrel mover, floor scrubbers, washer, dryers, chemical dispensing stations, emergency eye wash stations and showers.

-Performs and reports periodic minor maintenance, adjustment, repair, and setup tasks of facility related equipment to support facility activities

-Evaluate facility equipment, trends, and workflow patterns to make recommendations

-Assure remedial action is taken and documented whenever equipment or workflow deviates from established specifications to ensure work is completed

General cleaning duties including but not limited to:

– Cleaning and preparation of cages, accessories, bottles, carts, and racks

– Preparation and use of disinfectants and detergents

– Preparation and disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous waste

– Monitor chlorine levels to ensure proper treatment within facility

– Prioritize laundry tasks, collect and treat soiled laundry to produce clean linen, when required

– Inventory consumable supplies and reorder as required or report to the CP Coordinator

– Cleaning, stocking and maintenance of lunchrooms, washrooms, showers, locker rooms, offices, instrument wash, procedure, loading bay and other common use spaces

– Plan, organize, and monitor workflow so that facility equipment is available and ready at appropriate times, when the CP Coordinator is unavailable

-Complete required reports as needed

-Cleaning, organization of workspace and general upkeep of the facility

-Reading and adhering to SDS and facility SOP s

-Completing all required training

-Performing other related duties

Consequence of Error/Judgement

This person must be willing to pay attention to details; be aware of pitfalls; and be willing to repeat tasks if necessary. Most of the procedures will require following a protocol already in place. Incorrect decisions could result in deterioration of animal health and/ or disruption or ruination of a research study.

Supervision Received

Uses discretion in identifying and resolving laboratory problems. Specific instruction is usually provided and work is reviewed at frequent milestones. Works under minimal supervision; receives specific instructions only on unusual problems or on matters which are not covered under established SOP s and policies.

Supervision Given

Recommends when problems should be escalated to a higher level. There is no formal supervisory responsibility associated with this position, but this person will be expected to share technical knowledge and occasionally demonstrate techniques to others.

Preferred Qualifications

High School graduation.Minimum of 1 year of related experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience.Completion of a Veterinary Office Assistant program or equivalent preferred. Experience in an animal care facility preferred. Required skills include: Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing; Ability to listen actively and attentively, and obtain clarification as required; Ability to work effectively independently and in a team environment; Ability to analyze problems, identify key information and issues, and effectively resolve; Ability to deal with a diversity of people in a calm, courteous, and effective manner; And the physical ability to perform the duties of the job including: working with high temperature steam equipment; exposure to animal dander and urinary proteins; performing repetitive tasks; and the ability to lift 25kg.