Animal Technician I

Fred Hutch; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 30,610 - 43,573; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/dental/vision

Tuition reimbursement

Paid vacation

Paid sick leave

Paid holidays

Paid parental leave

Job summary

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle is seeking an Animal Technician I to perform routine animal husbandry, maintain clean housing areas, and assist with research support under supervision. This entry-level role is ideal for individuals transitioning into laboratory animal care with opportunities to advance skills.

The position emphasizes adhering to SOPs, safety regulations, and effective communication with research staff.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Good verbal and written English communication skills.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions that are presented in English.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Animal Care: Learn 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 veterinary staff (20%).
• Husbandry Operations: Learn and become proficient in animal husbandry procedures including using and maintaining animal housing. Expected to master changing a minimum of 120 small cages per day. Learn to and become proficient in operation of equipment washers, automatic water bottle filling systems and autoclaves under supervision (40%).
• Sanitation Operations: Learn and become proficient in performing housekeeping duties such as sweeping, mopping, garbage removal, and equipment washing in animal housing areas and surrounding premises. Learn and become proficient in appropriate sanitation procedures. (20%).
• Researcher Support: Learn and become proficient in effectively communicating with research staff through verbal, written, or electronic means. (10%).
• Learn appropriate regulatory and safety regulations surrounding biomedical research. (5%).
• Perform other duties as assigned. (5%).

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

English language

Physical stamina

Education

High school diploma

Associates Degree

Job description

Overview

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center is an independent, nonprofit organization providing adult cancer treatment and groundbreaking research focused on cancer and infectious diseases. Based in Seattle, Fred Hutch is the only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center in Washington.

Overview

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center is an independent, nonprofit organization providing adult cancer treatment and groundbreaking research focused on cancer and infectious diseases. Based in Seattle, Fred Hutch is the only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center in Washington. With a track record of global leadership in bone marrow transplantation, HIV/AIDS prevention, immunotherapy and COVID-19 vaccines, Fred Hutch has earned a reputation as one of the world’s leading cancer, infectious disease and biomedical research centers. Fred Hutch operates eight clinical care sites that provide medical oncology, infusion, radiation, proton therapy and related services, and network affiliations with hospitals in five states. Together, our fully integrated research and clinical care teams seek to discover new cures to the world’s deadliest diseases and make life beyond cancer a reality. At Fred Hutch we value collaboration, compassion, determination, excellence, innovation, integrity and respect. Our mission is directly tied to the humanity, dignity and inherent value of each employee, patient, community member and supporter. Our commitment to learning across our differences and similarities make us stronger. We seek employees who bring different and innovative ways of seeing the world and solving problems.

Animal Technician I

The Animal Technician I performs routine animal husbandry, custodial care for the animal areas, and processes equipment. The Technician I position is overseen by the Animal Technician Lead and is a direct report to the Animal Husbandry Manager. This is considered an entry level position for individuals with no prior experience in laboratory animal care procedures or individuals who are transitioning from other animal care positions. The incumbent works under the Animal Technician Lead following established procedures in performing daily responsibilities. The Technician I position reports directly to the Animal Husbandry Manager. This position is under close supervision with no responsibility for supervision others. Incumbent is expected to acquire skills and knowledge to perform more advanced work through training. Uses limited discretion and judgement in carrying out tasks.

NOTE

The Animal Technician I is classified as essential personnel and, as such, is required to work with a minimal number of absences and during all Center closures except in the event of a major disaster when access to animal housing and use facilities is prohibited by governmental emergency personnel.

Responsibilities

• Animal Care: Learn 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 veterinary staff (20%)
• Husbandry Operations: Learn and become proficient in animal husbandry procedures including using and maintaining animal housing. Expected to master changing a minimum of 120 small cages per day. Learn to and become proficient in operation of equipment washers, automatic water bottle filling systems and autoclaves under supervision (40%).
• Sanitation Operations: Learn and become proficient in performing housekeeping duties such as sweeping, mopping, garbage removal, and equipment washing in animal housing areas and surrounding premises. Learn and become proficient in appropriate sanitation procedures. (20%)
• Researcher Support: Learn and become proficient in effectively communicating with research staff through verbal, written, or electronic means. (10%)
• Learn appropriate regulatory and safety regulations surrounding biomedical research. (5%)
• Perform other duties as assigned. (5%)

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Good verbal and written English communication skills.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions that are presented in English.
• 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

• Associates Degree.
• 6 months of related experience.

The hourly pay range for this position is from $22.22 to $31.63 and pay offered will be based on experience and qualifications.

Although Fred Hutch is not sponsoring most H-1B visas at this time, candidates who already hold an H-1B sponsored by another organization and are currently in the U.S. may be eligible for this position.

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center offers employees a comprehensive benefits package designed to enhance health, well-being, and financial security. Benefits include medical/vision, dental, flexible spending accounts, life, disability, retirement, family life support, employee assistance program, onsite health clinic, tuition reimbursement, paid vacation (12-22 days per year), paid sick leave (12-25 days per year), paid holidays (13 days per year), and paid parental leave (up to 4 weeks).

Additional Information

We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) Employer. 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 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 Human Resources at [e-mail] or by calling 206-667-4700.