Materials Maintenance and Logistics Technician

Job Description

As a UW employee you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses in our state and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy creative problem-solving skills and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world.

UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity intellectual excitement artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

The Department of Comparative Medicine (DCM) is one of 12 basic science departments in the School of Medicine. The mission of the department is to advance knowledge and improve the health and welfare of humans and animals through excellent service support biomedical research and teaching. DCM is the central laboratory animal medicine resource at the University of Washington supporting over 114000 assignable square feet of animal facilities with an average daily census in excess of 100000 animals across multiple species (e.g. rodents rabbits swine and zebrafish). The department employs over 175 individuals who provide a comprehensive range of animal husbandry veterinary and laboratory services across numerous vivaria. The UW animal care program is accredited by AAALAC International and provides services to over 400 principal investigators. DCM faculty members post-doctoral fellows and residents conduct basic and clinical research on a wide range of subjects including but not limited to comparative aspects of infectious disease aging cancer biology and genetics.

DCM has an outstanding opportunity for a full time Materials Maintenance and Logistics Technician position.

POSITION PURPOSE
The individuals in these positions will have cage wash supply purchasing and distribution and inventory duties as well assuming responsibility for transporting materials people and animals between various local locations.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Cage wash processing of caging mobile enclosures and ancillary caging and enrichment items for all research animal species supported by DCM. 65% Effort

• Operate and participate in the routine upkeep and maintenance of all cage wash equipment including tunnel washers rack washers drinking water sanitation systems and autoclaves.
• Operate associated computer interfaces and computer monitoring systems.
• Operate and participate in the routine upkeep and maintenance of drinking water delivery and drinking water packaging systems.
• Ensure availability of adequate caging equipment and supplies necessary for daily facility operation and to facilitate the research processes and programs supported by the University.
• Assist with evaluating the effectiveness of cage wash operations to maintain the proper animal care environment at all times and modify procedures to be cost-effective and efficient.
• Maintain cage washroom equipment and perform regular preventative maintenance and daily quality control checks. Contact manufacturers and vendors as directed by the Supervisor.
• Ensure that cage wash and associated areas are cleaned and sanitized daily.
• Process caging and waste containing biologic or chemical hazards in a safe and efficient manner.

Logistics the movement of materials people and animals between needed buildings (>13 buildings). 20% Effort

• Move equipment and supplies between locations (e.g. vivaria equipment storage or surplus locations) on a daily or as-needed basis. Document all pickups and deliveries.
• Transport boxed or crated animals between locations. Document all pickups and deliveries.
• Maintain operate and organize vehicles including cars and trucks used to support people animal and equipment movement; notify Supervisor of necessary vehicle repairs maintenance and modifications.
• Participate in analytical studies such as work volume statistics service safety needs and equipment needs.
• Assist with the refinement of existing logistics operations and the implementation of new logistics operations.
• Create and direct the daily transportation schedule during Supervisor absence.

The purchase and distribution of select consumables (e.g. animal feed bedding personal protective equipment) regularly utilized by all vivaria. 10% Effort

• Routinely inventory animal feed caging supplies and other consumables.
• Order and distribute select consumables (e.g. animal feed bedding personal protective equipment (PPE)) .
• Receive deliveries reconcile orders and organize and rotate supplies within select storage areas.

Movable equipment inventor storage and minor preventative maintenance. 5% Effort

• Assist the Supervisor in creation of the DCM Equipment Inventory Program and then participate in its daily operation.
• Organize inventory and track animal husbandry equipment (excluding computer equipment).
• Under the direct supervision of the Supervisor appropriately dispose of unwanted inventory items and obsolete equipment. Maintain current and accurate documentation of the final disposition of all discarded or surplussed items and equipment.
• Maintain storage locations.
• Transfer items to and from storage locations including off-campus storage locations. Maintain accurate inventory of items contained in each storage location.
• Schedule provide and document completion of routine maintenance procedures for select movable equipment (e.g. ventilated cage racks laminar flow hoods) and cage wash equipment (e.g. rack washers and tunnel washers).

Tasks and Responsibilities Applicable to Each Departmental Program and Process

• Maintain safe working conditions for yourself and all personnel. Complete all required safety training as directed by the Supervisor.
• Under the direction and oversight of the Supervisor assist with the development implementation review and updating of applicable standard operating procedures forms and logs.
• Actively participate in a quality control program for assigned areas of responsibility.
• Assist in the training of new Material Maintenance and Logistics Technicians.
• Assist and communicate with research staff regarding the animal facility procedures policies and activities.
• Actively interact with customers (including research personnel and DCM animal care staff) as required to respond to customer requests inquiries to resolve complaints and complaints and to provide technical assistance.
• Operate powered lift devices (e.g. walking stacker forklift pallet jack) to move and deliver supplies equipment and materials.
• Use computer to create forms documents records letters and perform data entry in established computer databases.
• Incorporate estimated cost and time efficient improvements to daily work.
• Maintain required documentation (e.g. logs and forms) in a neat and legible manner.
• Attend meetings and participate in educational events to further professional growth and development.
• May assist with a variety of custodial duties.
• Perform related duties as required.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• High school graduation or equivalent.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Physical ability to do required work.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a research environment with culturally diverse populations and with individuals of varying educational and professional backgrounds (e.g. Animal Technicians Veterinarians Research Technicians Principal Investigators).
• Demonstrated problem solving and mechanical ability.
• Ability to work independently with minimal direct supervision; often explores new areas and seeks opportunities to apply new knowledge to work.
• Demonstrated professionalism self-motivation and attention to detail.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English with above average organizational abilities and demonstrated ability to work in a team environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (e.g. Word Excel and Outlook) and calendaring systems.
• General mechanical knowledge.
• Ability to read and write in English.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelors degree in biology animal science or related field.
• Previous experience in an animal research environment.
• Certifications by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (ALAT LAT LATG CMAR ILAM).
• Experience cultivating positive communications in a culturally diverse workplace.
• Possession of a valid motor vehicle operators license AND a minimum of one year of full time experience operating light trucks delivery vehicles and related equipment OR equivalent education/experience.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Punctuality and regular attendance are critical components of this position.
• This is an essential position. The employee is expected to report to work under conditions that other employees are not required to report to work such as inclement weather and UW suspended operations.
• Initial work schedule will be 7:00 A.M. to 3:30 P.M. MONDAY through FRIDAY; future work week schedules may change to meet the needs of the department.
• Occasional work outside of the regular weekly work schedule will be required.
• Frequent travel between both on and off campus animal facilities will be required.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds and carry 30 pounds.
• This position requires considerable use of arms and legs and activities such as lifting balancing walking and stooping.
• Must be able to stand and walk for a full 8-hour shift.
• Must be able to perform repetitive motions over extended periods of time.
• Must be able to work effectively and positively with others in a team environment.
• Must be able to pass a Washington State Patrol background check.
• Must have a current Washington drivers license.
• May be required to work with and take specific precautions against and/or be immunized against potentially infectious agents. Specific precautions may include wearing respirators and/or protective clothing.
• Employee is personally responsible for following health & safety and security policies/procedures.

Compensation Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

Pay Range Maximum:

Other Compensation:

Benefits:

Temporary or Regular

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

Union/Bargaining Unit:

About the UW

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses in our state and around the world.

UW employees bring their boundless energy creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier return they enjoy outstanding benefits opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity intellectual excitement artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

Our Commitment

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race color creed religion national origin citizenship sex pregnancy age marital status sexual orientation gender identity or expression genetic information disability or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process contact the Disability Services Office at or .

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.