Cage Wash Supervisor

Job Description
Cage Wash Supervisor

Job Family: Campus Operations
Job Code: 7422OS CO Pro 2 Supv-Svcs/Maint/Prtct
Classification: Civil Service
Probationary Period: 6 months
Working Title: Cage Wash Supervisor
Department: Research Animal Resources (RAR)
Campus Location: Twin Cities (multiple vivarium sites)
Appointment Type: Continuous, Full-time, Non-exempt
Reports to: Cage Wash Manager

Position Overview
The Cage Wash Supervisor oversees and coordinates cage wash operations across multiple Research Animal Resources (RAR) facilities at the University of Minnesota. This position is responsible for ensuring that all caging, equipment, and supplies are properly cleaned, sanitized, and sterilized according to institutional policies, AAALAC standards, and federal regulations.
The incumbent provides leadership and direction to a team of cage wash technicians, ensuring operational consistency, safety, and efficiency across multiple locations. This role requires strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills, as well as technical expertise in automated washing systems, sterilization, and facility management.

Working Conditions and Physical/Environmental Requirements:
* Working hours are 6:00am-2:30pm and may require occasional evening, weekend, or on-call hours to meet operational needs.
* This role is designated as an Essential Employee and must report to work on site during a University State of Emergency per the University's policy on University State of Emergency: Human Resources Implications.
* Work is performed in animal research facilities with exposure to noise, heat, humidity, detergents, and biological materials.
* There will be exposure to animal allergens
* Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds, stand for extended periods, and wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).
* Proof of current Tetanus vaccine is required within the first week of hire
* An annual test for Tuberculosis will be completed for working with certain species
* Due to the high level of noise, a hearing test is performed annually when assigned to a hearing conservation area
* Rabies Vaccines or titer will be completed when working with certain species or the employee may complete a declination form.
* An annual flu vaccine is a requirement to work with some animal species
* Measles titer may be drawn
* The employee may work in wet rooms or around large industrial cage washers
* Employee may work in an outside environment in any weather conditions
* Employee may be required to wear a powered air purifying respirator (PAPR) or N95 mask

Job Responsibilities:
Operational Oversight - 40%
* Supervise cage wash operations at multiple vivarium sites to ensure consistency in sanitation, sterilization, and service quality.
* Coordinate cage wash operations, including appropriate use of bedding dispensers, dump stations, tunnel washers, rack washers, autoclaves, and bottle filling systems in multiple facilities with different layouts.
* Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for cage wash and sanitation processes.
* Monitor equipment performance, coordinate preventive maintenance with internal and external entities, and ensure timely repair of equipment.
* Evaluate processes for efficiency and recommend improvements to meet throughput and service goals.
Supervision and Leadership - 30%
* Supervise, hire, schedule, and evaluate cage wash staff across multiple facilities.
* Provide and document training in the proper use of equipment, safety practices, and sanitation protocols.
* Promote a positive, safe, and team-oriented work environment.
* Conduct performance evaluations, support professional development, and initiate corrective action when necessary, in accordance with applicable collective bargaining unit agreements
Safety and Compliance - 15%
* Ensure compliance with university safety policies, AAALAC standards, and applicable federal and state regulations (USDA, OLAW, PHS).
* Maintain accurate logs for sanitation cycles, autoclave validation, and safety inspections.
* Conduct and document safety training sessions and ensure proper use of PPE.
* Participate in facility inspections, AAALAC site visits, and internal audits.
Administrative and Collaborative Support - 15%
* Manage inventory and ordering of detergents, PPE, and cage wash consumables.
* Collaborate with veterinary, operations, and research staff to ensure coordinated facility support.
* Assist with departmental planning, budgeting, and emergency response coordination.
* Support the implementation of standardized operating procedures and best practices across all vivarium locations.
* Assist other members of the infrastructure team during absences or projects
* May act as the Manager's designee when the Manager is unavailable

Required Qualifications (must be documented):
* BA/BS plus at least two years of experience or a combination of related education and work experience to equal at least six years
* Experience in cage wash operations, sanitation procedures, and sterilization processes
* Ability to coordinate operations across multiple facilities and manage competing priorities
* Experience using computers and smartphones
* Must have a valid driver's license, the ability to safely operate a van, and meet the
University's standards on a Department of Motor Vehicle record check

Preferred Qualifications:
* (2) years in a lead or supervisory capacity.
* AALAS certification at the LAT or LATG level.
* Supervisory experience in a large, multi-site academic or research institution.
* Familiarity with AAALAC International accreditation standards and animal welfare regulations (USDA, OLAW, PHS).
* Experience with Lean/Continuous Improvement practices in facility operations.
* Demonstrated leadership, organization, and communication skills
* Proficiency with electronic scheduling, data entry, or facility management software.
* Experience working in material handling, sanitation (especially in a laboratory, commercial kitchen, animal facility, or hospital setting), delivery/truck driving, inventory management, and/or on a production line.

Research Animal Resources (RAR) primarily focuses on the service and administration of the animal care and use program at the University of Minnesota. The position of Laboratory Attendant is union represented, and is part of a staff of over 100 employees including Professional and Administrative staff, Civil Service staff, Union Represented members, and student employees. RAR has an approximate daily census of 24,000 rodent cages in 19 buildings split into geographic teams around the Twin Cities Campus.

Pay Range: $25.48 - $36.54 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Time Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service Staff

Work Profile: This position is designated as Profile 1, Office Lab-Based - is expected to work primarily on-site in the office/lab. Only occasionally and inconsistently working remotely.

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment. This position is not eligible for H-1B or green card sponsorship.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).