Animal Technician II

Fred Hutch; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 66,849,417 - 95,160,475; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle is hiring an Animal Technician II to perform daily animal care and facility maintenance under supervision. The role emphasizes learning and skill development, with expectations to handle up to 50 lbs, follow SOPs, and support research teams.

The position requires a high school diploma and six months of prior animal technician experience, plus strong English communication. The role offers a comprehensive benefits package and a competitive hourly wage.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Six months experience as an Animal Technician I or equivalent.
• Good verbal and written English communication skills.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to lift and move 50 lbs regularly and sustain physical activities.
• Ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including scrubs, gloves, shoe covers, gowns, ear plugs/muffs, face mask, and eye protection.
• Two years’ experience in lab animal or related field (preferred).
• Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Certification (preferred).

Responsibilities

• Animal Care: Daily care for small animal species (mice, rats) per SOPs.
• Husbandry Operations: Maintain housing; master changing cages; operate washers and autoclaves.
• Sanitation Operations: Perform housekeeping and sanitation in animal housing areas.
• Researcher Support: Communicate with research staff; perform other duties as assigned.
• Regulatory: Knowledge of regulatory and safety rules in biomedical research.

Skills

Verbal & written English

Physical stamina

Follow instructions

PPE usage

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

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.

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 II

The Animal Technician II performs routine animal husbandry tasks and maintenance of animal facilities and equipment. This is considered a position for individuals who are transitioning from other animal care positions. Focus will be on gaining skills. The incumbent works under the Animal Technician Lead following established procedures in performing daily responsibilities. The Technician II position reports directly to the Animal Husbandry Manager. This position is under close supervision with no responsibility for supervising others. Incumbent is expected to acquire skills and knowledge to perform more advanced work through training. Uses limited discretion and judgment in carrying out tasks. The Animal Technician II 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: Independently perform care for all small animal species (mice, rats) on a daily basis in accordance with standard operating procedures. Be proficient at evaluating animals’ general health, reporting abnormalities to veterinary staff.
• Husbandry Operations: Independently perform animal husbandry procedures including using and maintaining animal housing. Expected to master changing a minimum of 160 small cages per day. Learn to and become proficient in animal husbandry in special care areas such as quarantine, radiation, BSL2, Bio‑bubble. Independently operate equipment washers, automatic water bottle filling systems and autoclaves.
• Sanitation Operations: Be proficient in performing housekeeping duties such as sweeping, mopping, garbage removal, and equipment washing in animal housing areas and surrounding premises. Be proficient in appropriate sanitation procedures.
• Researcher Support: Be proficient in effectively communicating with research staff through verbal, written, or electronic means. Perform other duties as assigned.
• Regulatory: Have intermediate knowledge of regulatory and safety regulations surrounding biomedical research.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Six months experience as an Animal Technician I or equivalent.
• Good verbal and written English 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

• 2 years’ experience in lab animal or related animal or related field.
• Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Certification.

The hourly pay range for this position is from $23.33 to $33.21 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).

Equal Employment Opportunity & 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 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.