Operations Lead

Job Summary:

The field of Laboratory Animal Management requires a specialized knowledge of the operations of a highly technical research environment. There are numerous laws, regulations and policies that must be adhered to, such as the Animal Welfare Regulations, PHS Policy, Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, and IACUC policies. In addition, the cage wash and dock areas have specialized equipment serving the facility. This position will report to the Operations Supervisor for the Office of Laboratory Animal Resources (OLAR). The individual is expected to act as a lead technician that may assist with training employees, audit work areas, and assist supervisors with daily adjustments in work assignments, including assisting with coordinating the day to day work in OLAR facilities in the areas of the cage wash, docks, and auxiliary areas of OLAR run facilities.

Key Responsibilities:

This full-time University Staff (unclassified) Operations Technician II (Lead) position provides routine and specialized care and support 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 II Lead position will act as a lead technician that will assist with the completion, as well as the daily adjustment of duties, in the auxiliary support areas, procedure rooms, and cage wash of all vivariums 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 coordination of the removal, sorting, weighing, and preparation of carcasses for pick-up by the appropriate disposal vendor. 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 will 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. This position may assist with interviews for new hires.

Work Location:

Onsite - this role is expected to work onsite and is located in Aurora, CO.

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. The University of Colorado offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, life insurance, retirement plans, tuition benefits, ECO pass, paid time off - vacation, sick, and holidays and more. To see what benefits are available, please visit: https://www.cu.edu/employee-services/benefits-wellness.

Diversity and Equity:

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is committed to recruiting and supporting a diverse student body, faculty and administrative staff. The university strives to promote a culture of inclusiveness, respect, communication and understanding. We encourage applications from women, ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, persons within the LGBTQ community and all veterans. The University of Colorado is committed to diversity and equality in education and employment.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Two years of experience in an occupational field related to the work assigned to the position.
  • Appropriate education will substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent oral communication and interpersonal skills in English with additional languages desired.
• Computer skills that include experience with e-mail, word processing, and entering data into a database.
• Ability to handle animal carcasses used in research
• Knowledge/experience in an animal research facility
• Ability to maintain activity logs
• Experience operating and maintaining complex machinery
• Knowledge of different waste streams.
• Experience with inventory tracking
• Experience in a lead role.
• Ability to work in a team environment, prioritize, plan, organize, and multi-task assignments

Conditions of Employment:

• Must be willing and able to sit, stoop, kneel and balance on an occasional basis, with or without accommodation.
• Must be willing and able to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 100 lbs. on an occasional basis, with or without accommodation. Must be willing and able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. on a frequent basis, with or without accommodation.
• Must be willing and able to lift and carry up to 25 lbs. on a constant basis, with or without accommodation.
• Must be willing and able to stand, walk, climb stairs, crouch and squat on a frequent basis, with or without accommodation.
• Must be willing and able to type/enter data on an occasional basis, with or without accommodation.
• Must be willing and able to bend and reach above shoulders on a constant basis, with or without accommodation.
• Must be willing and able to use peripheral vision, near and far vision and depth perception on a frequent basis.
• Must be able to use hearing and verbal communication on a constant basis.
• Must be willing and able to work around chemicals/solvents, infectious agents, radioactive agents, and work in hazardous conditions.
• Must be willing and able to work around noise and vibrations.
• Must be willing and able to walk on uneven surfaces and work in small, confined spaces.
• Must be willing and able to operate moving equipment/vehicles and work around machinery.
• Must be willing and able to wear appropriate respiratory and hearing protection.
• Must be willing and able to euthanize rodents and work with dead animal carcasses.
• Must possess and maintain a current, valid State of Colorado Driver's License by the time of hire.
• Must be willing and able to work straight or rotating shifts, weekends and holidays.

How to Apply:

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

1. A Cover Letter describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position.

2. Three 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 the position is filled. For best consideration, apply by February 25, 2024.

Anticipated Pay Range:

The starting salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established as $47,500 - $50,500.

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

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.