Cagewash Training Specialist in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania at University of Pittsburgh

Cagewash Training Specialist

DLAR-Animal Husbandry - Pennsylvania-Pittsburgh - (26003196)

The Division of Laboratory Animal Resources (DLAR) Cagewash Training Specialist will:

• Train DLAR personnel to operate equipment, perform cagewash activities, follow safety and ergonomic practices, and/or other training topics as assigned,
• Maintain timely and accurate training records and provide progress reports to training leadership,
• Develop, revise, and present training materials using a combination of instructor-led, computer-based, and interactive training methods, and
• Perform equipment maintenance and repair.

The successful candidate must demonstrate: ability to work with research animals, effective teaching and coaching techniques, dedication to safe work practices and adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), ability to perform minor to moderate equipment repairs using hand and power tools, professional and positive verbal, written, interpersonal and customer service skills, and excellent time management. The position requires proficiency with technology to use common applications (e.g. email, Microsoft Office, Zoom) and DLAR business application software.

The preferred candidate will have 3-5 years’ relevant experience working in animal research facilities, working knowledge of all animal facility functional areas and operations, including cage wash facilities, demonstrated mechanical aptitude for troubleshooting and repairing equipment, and prior instructional or training experience. Duties may be assigned at any DLAR managed facility across campus. The candidate must pass the mandatory criminal and social background checks, successfully enroll in the University of Pittsburgh Animal Exposure Surveillance Program, and other medical surveillance programs, as dictated by the current research activities.

Vaccinations and/or TB testing may be required.

Job Summary

Provides hands-on cagewash training to personnel consistent with business needs, institutional practices and standards, and regulatory requirements. Develops educational training materials across a variety of mediums. Performs preventative maintenance and repairs to cagewash systems and equipment.

Essential Functions

The employee must be able to:

• Read, understand, and follow DLAR and other institutional guidance documents (SOPs, policies), including IACUC approved animal protocols when applicable,
• Follow written and verbal instructions,
• Have sufficient visual and hearing acuity to:
- Operate and maintain facility equipment utilized in animal care and cagewash and in the cash wash areas,
- Recognize and identify normal and abnormal species-specific clinical appearances and behavior patterns, and
- Safely handle and restrain the animal species involved with his/her duties,
• Work with a variety of biohazards, chemical and radiation hazards,

• Wear facility specific Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required by the job duties based on risk assessment from EH&S,
• Work directly with live or dead animals and clean or soiled bedding and caging,
• Accurately and legibly document written information in English in a timely manner, including electronic formats and applications,
• Communicate effectively in English, in written and verbal formats, including the use of email,
• Work proficiently with various software programs,
• Receive vaccinations and health assessments, including TB testing, required to work in some animal holding or procedure areas in accordance with DLAR and/or EH&S policies and practice, and
• Successfully enroll in the University of Pittsburgh Animal Exposure Surveillance Program (AESP) and other medical surveillance/immunization programs as dictated by current research activities.

Physical Effort

The employee must be able to:
• Stand for extended periods of time throughout the majority of the workday,
• Demonstrate sufficient dexterity to perform equipment repair tasks,
• Lift and move objects weighing up to 50 pounds including but not limited to caging and equipment, bags or boxes of animal diet and animal bedding, and operate flatbed hand trucks or pallet jacks to move heavier objects or weights exceeding 50 pounds,
• Perform repetitive motion tasks that involve pushing, pulling, reaching, and/or bending, and
• Negotiate and navigate around animal facility caging, equipment, and the physical plant.

Assignment Category: Full-time regular

Job Classification: Staff.Cagewash Training Specialist

Job Family: Research

Job Sub Family: Animal Research

Campus: Pittsburgh

Minimum Education Level Required: High School Diploma/GED

Minimum Years of Experience Required: 1

Will this position accept substitution in lieu of education or experience: Combination of education and relevant experience will be considered in lieu of education and/ or experience requirement.

Additional details about Required Licensure/Certification: AALAS Certification at the Laboratory Associate Animal Technician (ALAT) level required within 12months.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.; some weekends and holidays

Work Arrangement: On-Campus: Teams that work on campus, in an office, or in a lab.

Hiring Range: Commensurate with experience.

Relocation_Offered: No

Visa Sponsorship Provided: No

Background Check: For position finalists, employment with the University will require successful completion of a background check

Child Protection Clearances: Not Applicable

Required Documents: Resume

Optional Documents: Not Applicable