Animal Technician II-III

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 II-III performs routine and skilled animal care duties including technical procedures with minimal supervision. The Technician III provides custodial care for the animal areas and process equipment, and performs specialized equipment operations and specialized procedures. Additionally, this position is expected to have additional, technical, computer, and staff training expertise. The Technician II-III assists the Technician Lead and Managers in the training and direction of other technicians, and reports directly to the Manager.Responsibilities:

• Provide care for all small animal species on a daily basis in accordance with standard operating procedures
• Inspect animals for general health, report abnormalities to the animal technologist or veterinarian for veterinary evaluation and perform preventive animal health care duties as prescribed
• Provide feed to animals according to prescribed SOPs and insure that animals have fresh water at all times
• Change animal housing according to schedule by transferring animals to clean housing and transporting soiled housing and accessories to the wash area
• Perform housekeeping duties such as sweeping, mopping, garbage removal, and equipment washing in animal housing areas and surrounding premises
• Maintain accurate records of animal identification, veterinary treatments, animal census, facility housekeeping, and room parameters (e.g. daily temperature high and low)
• Perform environmental control tests to insure proper function of equipment such as washers, Garb-els, automatic water bottle filling systems, autoclaves, etc. and maintain records of test results
• Participate in material management inventory control by determining appropriate stock levels and order frequency. May be a designated purchaser.
• Competently restrain and perform technical manipulations for all small animal species within the vivarium
• Perform breeding evaluations, program set up, and maintenance. Participate in or conduct weaning and fostering procedures
• Prepare veterinary solutions and dosages
• Have a working knowledge of all SOP’s for and independently perform all duties associated with specialized areas such as biohazard, radiation, and quarantine housing
• Assist in the development and presentation of training classes
• Have the computer skills, SOP, and technical knowledge necessary for receiving shipments of animals
• Participate in data entry including proficiencies with spreadsheet and database programs. Effectively communicate with research staff regarding the status of their animals through verbal, written, or electronic means
• Assume Technician Lead responsibilities on a temporary basis if requested
• Work on call, weekends, evenings, or holiday shifts as assigned
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications:Required qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Six months of experience as an animal technician for the animal technician II level
• 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 LAT level
• Maintenance of a valid Washington State Driver’s License
• More than three years of experience as an animal technician for the animal technician III level

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.