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Position Description

The Cage Wash Assistant Supervisor directly supervises approximately 10 Cage Washers (Animal Tech I). This position requires communicating effectively with multiple groups, including animal care, cage wash, and veterinary staff; other departments (e.g. Environmental Health and Safety, Facilities / Operations), and various service groups and subcontractors.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Under the direction of the Animal Care Facility Supervisor, manage HCCM Cage Wash Staff to ensure outstanding service, safe and efficient cage wash operations, and a collaborative work environment.
• Assist with personnel management, including performance management, corrective and disciplinary action, and involvement in the new hire selection process and onboarding.
• Establish work assignments, monitor workflow, and maintain an adequate inventory of facility-related supplies.
• Assist in the development, review, and implementation of SOPs relating to cage wash operations.
• Recognize, report, and address deficiencies with cage wash equipment, and help develop and implement interim solutions in the event of major equipment failure.
• Provide training to Cage Wash Staff to ensure proficiency in areas of responsibility and adherence to standard operating procedures.
• Help maintain records and reports for quality assurance, throughput data collection, equipment and supply inventories, and attendance.
• Help ensure a safe work environment and promote a culture of safety with the support of Environmental Health and Safety.
• Assist with coordination of animal facility repairs and renovations in collaboration with the Animal Care Facility Supervisor and Managers, building manager, and others to ensure minimal impact on HCCM personnel, operations, research colonies, and ongoing studies.
• Other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

• High school graduate or equivalent with at least 2 years experience in laboratory animal care operations and/or a similar high-throughput, complex assembly-line manufacturing system required.
• Specialized education beyond high school may count toward work experience.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are required; one must be able to communicate effectively with and relate to various personnel throughout the University.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Familiarity with cage wash equipment and management/supervisory experience is strongly preferred.
• Experience with lean management and process improvement preferred.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to multi-task are required.
• Successful candidates will be self-motivated and able to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Must be proficient in a variety of software programs (word processing, spreadsheet, and/or database applications).

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to lift 50 pounds and push/pull 300 pounds, routinely.
• Must be able to walk or stand for a full 7.5-hour shift.
• Must be able to perform in an environment with exposure to animals, animal dander, animal byproducts, and bedding materials for prolonged periods of time.
• Must be able to wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including respiratory equipment (e.g. N95 mask or PAPR), if/when necessary.

Additional Information

This position is considered to be essential personnel for Harvard Center for Comparative Medicine. Weekend and holiday work may be required as well as attendance during school closures during inclement weather and/or other emergencies.

Offer contingent upon successful completion of a pre-placement medical evaluation.

This is an in-person position based on our campus in Boston.

The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines.

Please note that we are currently conducting a majority of interviews and onboarding remotely and virtually. We appreciate your understanding.

The Harvard Medical School is not able to provide visa sponsorship for this position.

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Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Work Format

On-Site


Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging
We are committed to cultivating an inclusive workplace culture of faculty, staff, and students with diverse backgrounds, styles, abilities, and motivations. We appreciate and leverage the capabilities, insights, and ideas of all individuals. Harvard Medical School Mission and Community Values

EEO Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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