Animal Technician II

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center • Seattle, WA

2d

About The Position

The Animal Technician II performs routine animal husbandry tasks and maintains animal facilities and equipment. The position is intended for individuals transitioning from other animal care positions, with a focus on developing skills. The incumbent works under the Animal Technician Lead, follows established procedures, and reports directly to the Animal Husbandry Manager. The role is closely supervised and has no supervisory responsibility. The incumbent is expected to develop the knowledge and skills needed for more advanced work through training and uses limited discretion and judgment when carrying out tasks.

This role is classified as essential personnel. The incumbent is required to work with a minimal number of absences and during all Center closures, except when a major disaster prevents access to animal housing and use facilities by governmental emergency personnel.

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center is an independent, nonprofit organization providing adult cancer treatment and conducting research in cancer and infectious diseases. The organization is based in Seattle and is the only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center in Washington. Its integrated research and clinical care teams seek to discover new cures and make life beyond cancer a reality.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Six months of experience as an Animal Technician or equivalent.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to lift and move 50 lbs on a regular basis.
• Ability to perform sustained physical activities, including bending, balancing, stooping, and reaching, and to remain standing for long periods.
• Ability to wear personal protective equipment, including scrubs, gloves, shoe covers, gowns, ear plugs or muffs, a face mask, and eye protection.

Nice To Haves

• Two years of experience in a laboratory animal or related animal field.
• Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) certification.

Responsibilities

• Perform daily care for small animal species, including mice and rats, in accordance with standard operating procedures.
• Evaluate animals’ general health and report abnormalities to veterinary staff.
• Perform animal husbandry procedures, including using and maintaining animal housing.
• Master changing a minimum of 160 small cages per day.
• Learn and become proficient in animal husbandry in special care areas such as quarantine, radiation, BSL2, and Bio-bubble.
• Operate equipment washers, automatic water bottle filling systems, and autoclaves.
• Perform housekeeping duties, including sweeping, mopping, garbage removal, and equipment washing in animal housing areas and surrounding premises.
• Perform appropriate sanitation procedures.
• Communicate effectively with research staff verbally, in writing, or electronically.
• Apply intermediate knowledge of regulatory and safety regulations surrounding biomedical research.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical and vision coverage
• Dental coverage
• Flexible spending accounts
• Life insurance
• Disability coverage
• Retirement benefits
• 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)
• Paid parental leave (up to 4 weeks)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED