Laboratory Assistant Cage Wash

This position is a part of the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).

This position offers a comprehensive benefits package which can be viewed at: Faculty & Staff Benefits .

Location – Work primarily takes place at North Campus, Edmonton

Working for the University of Alberta

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all First Peoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is teeming with change makers, community builders, and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to more than 40,000 students in 200+ undergraduate and 500+ graduate programs, over 13,000 faculty and staff, 260,000 alumni worldwide and have been recognized as one of Canada’s Greenest Employers for over a decade.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross section of people—from our students and stakeholders, to our renowned researchers and innovators who are quite literally curing diseases, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger, and more just.

Department Summary

Health Sciences Laboratory Animal Services (HSLAS) provides research support services in the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry (FoMD). HSLAS supports over 100 Principle Investigator groups in five distinct animal facilities under the guidelines from the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC). HSLAS supports the FoMD through effective, comprehensive services ranging from researcher training, animal procurement and transport services, high quality animal health care and provision of bio-secure animal caging supplies/equipment.

Reporting to the Operations Supervisor, the Laboratory Assistant Cage Wash is responsible for sustaining the equipment/facilities and laundry utilized in the care of laboratory animals. The successful candidate will work 5 consecutive workdays, followed by 2 days off and will be required to work some Statutory holidays and University Closure days as Health Sciences Laboratory Animal Services operates 7 days a week, 12 months of the year. Please note that this work requires some potential exposure to allergens. This posting may be used to hire multiple casual positions.

Position Summary

The Research Support Technician supports the University’s research mission by providing significant expertise to support animal care and use. As a key member of an integrated research support team, this role supports FoMD research by providing support services related to clean/appropriate cage systems and supplies, biological monitoring/control and well-maintained facilities

The duties of this position are various and multifaceted and require significant team work in a high-volume fast-paced environment.

• Support of animal research requires detailed knowledge of current University policy and procedures and the CCAC guidelines.
• Provides support services including cage preparation for animal rooms, cage cleaning of dirty equipment from the animal rooms, laundry services within HSLAS facilities
• Maintenance of the facility change rooms/washrooms and general access floors not maintained by Central Facilities and Operations.

Duties

WASH AREA CLEAN/DIRTY SIDE

• Visually monitor cages and other material that has been through the cage or rack washer and inspect it for cleanliness
• Fill cages with appropriate bedding material for the particular species
• Ensure equipment is running appropriately and report any malfunctioning equipment
• Prepare caging and equipment as per requests

 FACILITY MAINTENANCE AND CLEANING

• Maintenance and stocking of staging areas
• Facility cleaning of all general access areas
• Ensure disinfectants are available at all entry points
• Cleaning and polishing of Stainless steel throughout the facility
• Cleaning and restocking of supplies in washrooms
• Movement of equipment and supplies
• Use of floor machine to wash general facility access floors

LAUNDRY

• Collection and processing of HSLAS laundry
• Process and preparation of contract services laundry
• General cleanup of laundry area

ADDITIONAL DUTIES – VARIABLE –   Assist the area Operations Supervisor or Area Unit Coordinator with special projects as needed

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum of a High School diploma or equivalent required
• Current WHMIS certification and handling of chemical agents an asset
• Ability to monitor equipment
• Able to lift up to 25 Kg
• Knowledge on the safe handling of biohazards
• Strong communication (oral and written) and interpersonal skills
• Good organizational and time management skills
• Working knowledge of general office equipment and computers including MS Office and/or Google Applications
• Able to work with a variety of different people with various backgrounds

Preferred Qualifications 

• 3-5 years experience in custodial workplaces
• Uses of large industrial type washers/dryers is an asset

At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.

Note: Online applications are accepted until midnight Mountain Standard Time of the closing date.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.