Animal Technician I-II Details

Animal Technician I-II

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center - Seattle, WA

Employment Type : Full-Time

Overview: Cures Start Here. At Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, home to three Nobel laureates, interdisciplinary teams of world-renowned scientists seek new and innovative ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer, HIV/AIDS and other life-threatening diseases. Fred Hutch’s pioneering work in bone marrow transplantation led to the development of immunotherapy, which harnesses the power of the immune system to treat cancer. An independent, nonprofit research institute based in Seattle, Fred Hutch houses the nation’s first cancer prevention research program, as well as the clinical coordinating center of the Women’s Health Initiative and the international headquarters of the HIV Vaccine Trials Network. Careers Start Here.
At Fred Hutch, we believe that the innovation, collaboration, and rigor that result from diversity and inclusion are critical to our mission of eliminating cancer and related diseases. We seek employees who bring different and innovative ways of seeing the world and solving problems. Fred Hutch is in pursuit of becoming an antiracist organization. We are committed to ensuring that all candidates hired share our commitment to diversity, antiracism, and inclusion.

The Animal Technician I-II performs routine rodent husbandry, custodial care for the animal areas, and processes equipment. The Technician I-II position is overseen by the Animal Technician Lead and is a direct report to the Animal Technician Manager. This is considered an entry level position for individuals with no prior experience in laboratory animal care procedures or skilled individuals who are transitioning from other animal care positions. The position of Tech I-II will be determined depending on experience.Responsibilities:

• Learn to and become proficient in providing care for all small animal species on a daily basis in accordance with standard operating procedures. Learn to evaluate animals’ general health, report abnormalities to the small animal veterinary technologist or veterinarian for veterinary evaluation. Learn to perform preventive animal health care duties and administer treatments as prescribed.
• Learn to and become proficient in
  • providing feed to animals according to prescribed SOPs and insure that animals have fresh water at all times
  • changing animal housing according to schedule by transferring animals to clean housing and transporting soiled housing and accessories to the wash area
  • performing housekeeping duties such as sweeping, mopping, garbage removal, and equipment washing in animal housing areas and surrounding premises
  • maintaining accurate records of animal identification, veterinary treatments, animal census, facility housekeeping, and room parameters (e.g. daily temperature high and low)
  • effectively communicating with research staff regarding the status of their animals through verbal, written, or electronic means
  • using and maintaining animal housing IVC systems and hoods, including routine cleaning, checking air flow gauges, attaching and removing blower units, securing hoses, and relocating racks to the cage wash facility for sanitizing
  • PPE policies and procedures throughout the small animal vivarium
  • appropriately mix and use of all cleaning solutions according to established SOPs and/or manufacturers’ instructions
  • operation of equipment washers, automatic water bottle filling systems and autoclaves under supervision
  • material management inventory control, notifying the supervisor or designated technicians of items that need to be ordered
• Attend and participate in assigned training classes
• May transport or assist in transport of animals, supplies or equipment between facilities or may assist in such activities
• Work on call, weekend, evening, or holiday shifts as needed or as assigned
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications:Minimum qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions
• Ability to lift and move 50 lbs on a regular basis and sustained physical activities such as bending, balancing, stooping, reaching, and remain standing for long periods of time
• Ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment including scrubs, gloves, shoe covers, gowns, ear plugs / muffs, face mask, and eye protection

Preferred qualifications:

• Science and animal husbandry background
• American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) certification at or above the ALAT level
• Maintenance of a valid Washington State Driver’s License and good driving record

A statement describing your commitment and contributions toward greater diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism in your career or that will be made through work at Fred Hutch is requested of all finalists. Our Commitment to Diversity: We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) Employer. We are committed to cultivating a workplace in which diverse perspectives and experiences are welcomed and respected. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, sex, age, disability (physical or mental), marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, political ideology, or membership in any other legally protected class. We are an Affirmative Action employer. We encourage individuals with diverse backgrounds to apply and desire priority referrals of protected veterans. If due to a disability you need assistance/and or a reasonable accommodation during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to our Employee Services Center at hrops@fredhutch.org or by calling 206-667-4700.