Operations Technician I

Job Summary:

This full-time University Staff (unclassified) Operations Technician I position provides routine and specialized care and support of operations for a wide variety of species of large and small laboratory animals, which are part of studies performed by scientists for biomedical research and education in the Schools of Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy and Nursing at the University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus (CU Denver | Anschutz). The Operations Technician I position will assist with the completion of duties in the auxiliary support areas, procedure rooms, and cage wash of all vivarium's that are run by OLAR on the Anschutz Medical Campus. This position will work to perform stocking and inventory control of all personal protective equipment, general use supplies, laundry, caging, equipment, and cleaning supplies. This position will ensure appropriate trash removal from the facility. This position may be responsible for the removal, sorting, weighing, and preparation of carcasses for pick-up by the appropriate disposal vendor as directed by a lead or the supervisor. This position will work with co-workers on large facility projects throughout the facilities. This position may procure animal feed, bedding, and supplies from appropriate support areas and transport to required sites and may operate a University vehicle. This position will clean, sanitize, and autoclave animal cages and equipment/supplies and prepare such for distribution/reuse. This position may work with large washing units and may drain tanks, check and clean filters on index and rack washers and other equipment, clean/maintain conveyor systems or other mechanical equipment, as well as use chemical cleaning agents in their dilute and concentrated form as directed by a Lead or their Supervisor.

Examples of Work Performed:

• Appropriately decontaminate all types of equipment belonging to OLAR or research staff per outlined procedure to include, but not limited to, Animal Transfer Stations (ATSs), animal housing rooms, procedure rooms, veterinary equipment (eg. anesthesia machines, tattoo machines, etc.) and an assortment of equipment, some highly technical, used by research staff.
• Follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and use personal protective equipment (PPE) as required for the work being conducted.
• Receive and inspect goods including, but not limited to, animal diets, live animal deliveries, high dollar value equipment and supplies, disposable items and ensure that those goods are not expired and then are sanitized or decontaminated according to the appropriate methods prior to distribution or storage.
• Perform data entry into the inventory system for all goods received. Assist with rotating stock items and monitoring expiration dates to ensure items are used prior to expiration or removed once expired with the goal of minimizing waste.
• Use computers to enter data into spreadsheets, communicate by emails, and participate in training. May use other electronic databases and tracking systems to log and communicate information.
• Operate mechanical equipment is used to clean and sanitize surfaces and equipment to include pallet jacks, 55-gallon lift-jacks, flatbeds, cage and rack washers, conveyors, foamers, floor scrubbers, floor buffers, autoclaves, small washers, robots, bedding disposal and supply, etc. to include responding to all alarms.
• Prepares, dispenses, and utilizes hazardous chemicals and disinfectants according to manufacturers' instructions in cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting animal rooms, procedure rooms, racks, cages, pens, and animal support areas.
• Safely work with hazards and understand departmental standard operating procedures to ensure a safe working environment.
• Maintain equipment validation and monitoring logs to include biological indicators, temperature tapes, and sterigage logs.
• Ensure appropriate sanitation of all work areas using the appropriate frequency, cleaning methods and materials.
• Assist with logging and keeping accurate records for the facility's pest control program.
• Remove carcasses from refrigerators/freezers and ensure they are disposed of through the appropriate waste stream.
• Ensure freezers/refrigerators are maintained and disinfected as scheduled.
• May need to operate a university vehicle to transport supplies.
• Operate cage washing and sterilizing equipment to include rack washers, index washers, robotic equipment, vacuum disposal, bedding dispensers, large bulk sterilizers, bedding dispenser.
• Unload/load caging and equipment onto conveyors and into/out of rack washers and autoclaves following appropriate procedures to include disassembling and assembling equipment to ensure appropriate cage production and flow.
• Monitor dust collectors for cage wash in the interstitial space.
• Perform basic equipment repairs and preventive maintenance. Report equipment to the appropriate person that is broken, needs maintenance, or needs replacement.
• Assemble large equipment to include carts, racks, cabinets, chairs, shelving, hoods, etc.
• Handle hazards, animal waste, soiled bedding, chemicals, animal blood, and bodily materials.
• Participate in all required training courses and meetings.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Work Location:

Onsite - this role is expected to work onsite and is located in City, State.

Why Join Us:

CU Denver | Anschutz is an AAALAC-accredited, OLAW assured institution that is in the top 25 of NIH-funded universities. We provide veterinary care for a wide variety of species and areas of research. We value teamwork, personal well-being, high standards of animal care, teaching, and service to the university and national field.

Why work for the University?

We have AMAZING benefits and offer exceptional amounts of holiday, vacation and sick leave! The University of Colorado offers an excellent benefits package including:

• Medical: Multiple plan options
• Dental: Multiple plan options
• Additional Insurance: Disability, Life, Vision
• Retirement 401(a) Plan: Employer contributes 10% of your gross pay
• Paid Time Off: Accruals over the year
• Vacation Days: 22/year (maximum accrual 352 hours)
• Sick Days: 15/year (unlimited maximum accrual)
• Holiday Days: 10/year
• Tuition Benefit: Employees have access to this benefit on all CU campuses
• ECO Pass: Reduced rate RTD Bus and light rail service

There are many additional perks & programs with the CU Advantage.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

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  The tasks performed do not require any specific previous education or experience. However, mechanical aptitude and a willingness to learn are required. This class requires the individual to perform physical work involving general tasks including hauling, lifting, and moving.

  
  

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with e-mail, word processing, and entering data into a database.
• Experience operating and maintaining complex machinery

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to exchange and collect information and handle situations in a calm and professional manner.
• Ability to communicate in the written form.
• Knowledge of different waste streams.
• Ability to work in a team environment, prioritize, plan, organize, and multi-task assignments

How to Apply:

For full consideration, please submit the following document(s):

1. Curriculum vitae / Resume

2. Three professional references, including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address

Questions should be directed to: Maria Montero Maria.Montero@CUAnschutz.edu

Screening of Applications Begins:

Immediately and continues until April 21, 2025.

Anticipated Pay Range:

The starting salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established as HIRING RANGE $42,000 - $43,000.

The above salary range (or hiring range) represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. This position may be eligible for overtime compensation, depending on the level.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Total Compensation Calculator: http://www.cu.edu/node/153125

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

The University of Colorado (CU) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply.

ADA Statement:

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at hr.adacoordinator@cuanschutz.edu.

Background Check Statement:

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective employees.

Vaccination Statement:

CU Anschutz strongly encourages vaccination against the COVID-19 virus and other vaccine preventable diseases. If you work, visit, or volunteer in healthcare facilities or clinics operated by our affiliated hospital or clinical partners or by CU Anschutz, you will be required to comply with the vaccination and medical surveillance policies of the facilities or clinics where you work, visit, or volunteer, respectively. In addition, if you work in certain research areas or perform certain safety sensitive job duties, you must enroll in the occupational health medical surveillance program.