Materials Maintenance and Logistics Technician

Materials Maintenance And Logistics Technician Positions

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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 114,000 assignable square feet of animal facilities with an average daily census in excess of 100,000 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, postdoctoral 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.

Responsibilities

Cage wash processing of caging, mobile enclosures, and ancillary caging and enrichment items for all research animal species supported by DCM:

• 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 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 locations (>13 buildings):

• 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, PPE) regularly utilized by all vivaria:

• 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.

Moveable equipment inventory, storage, and minor preventative maintenance:

• 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 moveable equipment (e.g., ventilated cage racks, laminar flow hoods) and cage wash equipment (e.g., rack washers and tunnelwashers).

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 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 Qualifications

Physical ability to do required work; ability to read and write. High school graduation or equivalent AND possession of a valid motor vehicle operator's license AND a minimum of one year of full time experience operating light trucks, delivery vehicles, and related equipment.

Desired Qualifications

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 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

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. Work schedule 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 driver's 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: $44,256.00 annual Pay Range Maximum: $53,400.00 annual Other Compensation: Benefits: For information about benefits for this position, visit

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