Animal Technician I

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center; Seattle, Northern (WA, KY); Hybrid; USD 30,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Tuition reimbursement

Paid vacation

Paid sick leave

Paid holidays

Paid parental leave

Job summary

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle is hiring an Animal Technician I to perform routine animal husbandry, basic care, and equipment processing under supervision. This entry-level role offers training and growth toward more advanced duties.

Requirements include a high school diploma, ability to lift 50 lbs, English communication skills, and willingness to work varied shifts. The position includes benefits and on-site work at our Seattle facilities.

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 sustain physical activities.
• Ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Associates Degree (preferred).
• 6 months of related experience (preferred).

Responsibilities

• Learn to and become proficient in providing care for all small animal species on a daily basis.
• Learn to evaluate animals’ general health and report abnormalities to veterinary staff.
• Maintain accurate records of animal identification, treatments, census and room parameters.
• Perform housekeeping and cleaning in animal housing areas and surrounding premises.
• Assist in transporting animals, supplies, or equipment between facilities as needed.
• Work on call, weekend, evening, or holiday shifts as required.

Skills

Good English communication

English reading/writing

Ability to follow instructions

Ability to lift 50 lbs

Education

Associates Degree

Job description

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.

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.

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 ensure that animals have fresh water at all times.
• Learn to and become proficient in changing animal housing according to schedule by transferring animals to clean housing and transporting soiled housing and accessories to the wash area.
• Learn to and become proficient in performing housekeeping duties such as sweeping, mopping, garbage removal, and equipment washing in animal housing areas and surrounding premises.
• Learn to and become proficient in maintaining accurate records of animal identification, veterinary treatments, animal census, facility housekeeping, and room parameters (e.g. daily temperature high and low).
• Learn to and become proficient in effectively communicating with research staff regarding the status of their animals through verbal, written, or electronic means.
• Learn to and become proficient in 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.
• Learn to and become proficient in PPE policies and procedures throughout the small animal vivarium.
• Learn to and become proficient in appropriately mix and use of all cleaning solutions according to established SOPs and/or manufacturers’ instructions.
• Learn to and become proficient in operation of equipment washers, automatic water bottle filling systems and autoclaves under supervision.
• Learn to and become proficient in 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 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.

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