Operations Technician I - Comparative Medicine at CEDARS-SINAI

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Under the general supervision of the Supervisor, Comparative Medicine - Operations, the Operations Technician I (OTI) is responsible for performing routine duties related to the operation within the Clean and Soiled Operations areas, including sanitization of animal cages and their accessories, stagging clean supplies, handling disinfectants, maintaining the areas clean and organized as well as operating and maintaining equipment such as rack washers, tunnel washers, steam autoclaves, bedding dispensers, bedding dump stations, and bottle filling stations. The incumbent will operate throughout Comparative Medicine (CM) facilities.They will also be responsible for assembly, distribution, and storage of supplies and equipment, as well as retrieval of dirty caging from husbandry.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Following applicable SOPs, manages detergents and disinfectants used in the area including monitoring levels in the rack and tunnel washers, preparation of solutions, assessment of their concentrations, use, waste, and documentation.
• Organizes, sorts and processes cages and accessories that come to the soiled side of cage wash following proper procedures, safety guidelines and lean management principles.
• Follows proper procedures, runs quality control checks through the equipment including but not limited to temperature indicators and spore vials, logs the tasks and reports to the Supervisor or the Operations Technician III if the machines do not meet the standards.
• Understands the operation of the different machines used in cage wash including but not limited to rack washers, tunnel washers, autoclaves, bedding dispensers, bedding dump stations, and water bottle filling stations.
• Maintains machines used in cage wash clean and in good working conditions and reports issues to the Supervisor.
• Maintains the cage wash and ancillary areas including but not limited to storage areas, feed and bedding rooms and loading docks in an orderly and clean state.
• Cleans and disinfects vertical and horizontal surfaces at the frequency set in the SOPs or more often if needed.
• Understands and practices safety procedures in each working location including but not limited to biosafety, ergonomics, thermal and allergy protection.
• Identifies, segregates the waste, (e.g cardboard vs soiled bedding vs biohazard waste) and disposes of it following applicable SOPs and EHS guidelines.
• Operates support equipment including but not limited to electric pallet jack, Ergo lift, pressure washer, floor buffer and ride on scrubber.
• Assists with weekly and monthly maintenance and sanitization of vivarium support areas and animal holding rooms on a rotation basis.
• Participates in site visits and/or inspections as requested by Supervisor and/or oversight agencies, e.g., CSMC IACUC, AAALAC, USDA.

Educational Requirements:

• High school graduate or GED.
• Able to read and comprehend written and verbal instructions in English.
• Must have a valid California driver license.

Experience:

Preferred skills

• Experience with disinfection and sanitation chemicals
• Inventory organization (storage and distribution)
• Computer skills (Microsoft Office Suite)

Required skills

• Technical warehouse experience
• Logistics

Receive boxed and palleted deliveries

• Unpack and sort items

b. Pallet jacks (Standard and Electronic)

• Use of pallet truck stopper

c. Dolly for transporting chemical barrels

• Pneumatic dock levelers

Physical Demands:

• Able to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Able to work standing up for long periods.
• Able to perform repetitive motions including pushing 1,000 lbs. racks, bending, reaching above and below midline, and pushing/pulling.
• Ability to work within a closed biocontainment/bioexclusion operation that requires the wearing of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): nuisance to N95 mask, head cover, gloves, hearing protection, back support, dedicated water proof shoes, eye protection, splash protection (gloves/apron).

Why work here?

Beyond outstanding benefits, competitive salaries and health and dental insurance, we take pride in hiring the best employees. Our talented staff reflects the culturally and ethnically diverse community we serve. They are proof of our dedication to creating a dynamic, inclusive environment that fuels innovation and the gold standard of patient care we strive for.