Veterinary 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. These values are grounded in and expressed through the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion. 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. Fred Hutch is in pursuit of becoming an anti-racist organization. We are committed to ensuring that all candidates hired share our commitment to diversity, anti-racism and inclusion.

 

The Veterinary Technician provides support to veterinary staff and Center laboratories by performing a variety of technical procedures and health assessments in studies involving laboratory animals.  Completion of these tasks will be expected to be conducted independently without direct supervision.  A clear understanding of research protocols is required for work on animal manipulation segments of the protocols. This position reports directly to the Veterinary Technician Manager.

The Veterinary Technician works independently to provide veterinary care to research animals as well as performing specialized job assignments related to facility and research support. The Veterinary Technician is expected to rotate between any of the animal facilities when requested. The primary responsibility of this position is providing veterinary care for research animals under the direction of the Veterinary Technician Manager and Clinical Veterinarians. Other responsibilities range from providing technical services for research support, assistance in the health monitoring program, training to operate specialized equipment, and assisting in other aspects of animal care. The position requires a basic understanding of animal anatomy, anesthesia, euthanasia, veterinary supportive care, biohazard containment, chemical hazard containment, radiation hazard containment and risk-reduction measures. Knowledge of the investigators’ needs with respect to the scientific process, the content of the corresponding IACUC approved protocols, the animal welfare regulations and the assurance of animal health and well-being are required.

 

JOB DUTIES:

1. General clinical duties: Provides appropriate veterinary care to animals housed in Fred Hutch animal facilities including assessment, treatment plan, preventative care, dental care, neonatal care, laboratory diagnostics, emergency procedures, and critical care. Administers general anesthesia, performs patient monitoring, and may assist with surgery using appropriate aseptic techniques. Communicates with research and husbandry staff and Clinical Veterinarians about the health of animals. Inspects newly arrived animals for general health and report abnormalities to the Veterinary Technician Manager or Clinical Veterinarians. Assists veterinarians with planning and recordkeeping for animal shipments. Must be well-versed in laboratory rodent and large animal housing requirements. Implements environmental enrichment and social housing requirements for USDA-covered species according to CM and IACUC policies and guidelines and assures compliance with enrichment policies for non-USDA species. 50%
2. Research Services: Performs procedures such as substance administration by various routes, specimen collections, rodent surgery, necropsy and tissue harvest. Monitors animal wellbeing and provides supportive care, under the direction of veterinarians, as appropriate. Conducts colony management activities including breeding, weaning, identification of animals and maintenance of colony records. Conducts training for researchers or other CM staff to include facility orientation, hands-on training and instruction for routine technical skills involving animal care and research activities. Operates specialized equipment such as irradiators, LINAC, and imaging equipment. 20%
3. Husbandry: Animal husbandry and custodial duties including cleaning kennels, feeding, watering, laundry, instrument care and autoclaving of supplies. Operates, autoclave, pressure washer, and other cleaning equipment. May transport animals, supplies, or equipment between facilities and institutions. 10%
4. Organizational and Medical Documentation: Maintains appropriate animal health records. Requires proficiency in Microsoft Office and use of the DVMax, Cayuse, and Hutch IACUC systems for record keeping and referencing project information. Appropriately identifies animals per established SOPs, maintains accurate records of animal identification and daily room tallies. Participates in material management, inventory control, and requests purchase requisitions as necessary. Summarizes and submits appropriate documentation to ensure cost-recovery for services rendered. Appropriately uses, documents use, and assures security of controlled substances. 15%
5. Quality Assurance and Health and Safety: Must be well versed in radiation safety, biohazard containment, and biosecurity for known or potential infectious and zoonotic diseases. Trained to implement risk reduction measures as they pertain to facility activities. Helps supervisors and veterinarians ensure that areas within the facility meet institutional and federal regulatory standards and compliance with CM guidelines and SOPs. Performs environmental control tests to validate and ensure proper function of cleaning equipment and document test results. 5%
6. Essential Role Classification: The Veterinary Technician is classified as essential personnel and, as such, is required to work with a minimal amount 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. Assumes Veterinary Technician Lead responsibilities on a short-term basis if requested. Participates in rotation for holiday shift coverage. Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or GED
• Ability to read and write clearly and follow instructions precisely.
• Learning and understanding of the scientific process including aspects of study design.
• Expected to learn the IACUC oversight process, including methods to assure animal well-being through animal care and use protocols and via the Comparative Medicine veterinary care program.
• Ability to wear personal protection equipment including scrubs, disposable coveralls, gloves, shoe covers, gowns, ear-plugs/muffs, face mask and eye protection.

 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in biology, veterinary technology, or related field
• 1+ years experience in veterinary medicine, preferably laboratory animal medicine
• Licensed veterinary technician credentials.
• AALAS certification at ALAT or above.
• Maintenance of a valid Washington State Driver’s License and good driving record.

A statement describing your commitment and contributions toward greater diversity, equity, inclusion, and antiracism in your career or that will be made through your work at Fred Hutch is requested of all finalists.

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The hourly pay range for this position is from $21.56 to $30.69 and pay offered will be based on experience and qualifications.  

 

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), paid parental leave (up to 4 weeks), and partially paid sabbatical leave (up to 6 months).  

We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) Employer. We are committed to cultivating a workplace in which diverse perspectives and experiences are welcomed and respected. 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 are an Affirmative Action employer. We encourage individuals with diverse backgrounds to apply and 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 our Employee Services Center at hrops@fredhutch.org or by calling 206-667-4700.