Animal Technician

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 A
nimal 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.

• 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…