Overview
Cures Start Here.At Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, home to three Nobel laureates, interdisciplinary teams of world-renowned scientists seek new and innovative ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer, HIV/AIDS and other life-threatening diseases. Fred Hutch’s pioneering work in bone marrow transplantation led to the development of immunotherapy, which harnesses the power of the immune system to treat cancer. An independent, nonprofit research institute based in Seattle, Fred Hutch houses the nation’s first cancer prevention research program, as well as the clinical coordinating center of the Women’s Health Initiative and the international headquarters of the HIV Vaccine Trials Network.Careers Start Here.
At Fred Hutch, we believe that the innovation, collaboration, and rigor that result from diversity and inclusion are critical to our mission of eliminating cancer and related diseases. We seek employees who bring different and innovative ways of seeing the world and solving problems. Fred Hutch is in pursuit of becoming an antiracist organization. We are committed to ensuring that all candidates hired share our commitment to diversity, antiracism, and inclusion.
The Comparative Medicine Transporter Technician position assumes responsibility for transporting materials, people, and animals between various local locations as well as completing small and large animal husbandry duties, custodial care, supply distribution, and inventory duties for the department. This position is under supervision of the Animal Facility Managers. Knowledge of and adherence to department procedures and animal handling guidelines are essential.
The Transporter Technician is classified as essential personnel and, as such, is required to work with 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.
Responsibilities
PRIMARY JOB DUTIES
Drive animals, personnel, equipment and supplies to and from Fred Hutch locations to other local locations (e.g. vivariums, storage, airport or other local facilities) to maximize operational efficiencies and effective use of care days. Maintain an understanding of differing destination site requirements and regulations.
Promote interdepartmental communication and collaboration to ensure timely and accurate movement of animals between locations. Learn and develop familiarity with electronic communication systems used to schedule transport.
Coordinate and collaborate with facility management and research staff to identify animals for transport. Help prepare animals for transport including but not limited to removal/return to appropriate cages and/or holding racks.
Ensure paperwork accompanying animals on transport is complete and compliant with internal and external transport requirements.
Coordinate vehicle availability and maintenance needs.
Assist as necessary in transport and receipt of animals from external vendor sources.
Learn to and become proficient in Personnel Protective Equipment policies and procedures throughout the animal facilities
Maintain an understanding of effective and safe animal handling and disease management principles. Demonstrate safe and appropriate animal handling.
Learn to and become proficient in effectively communicating with research staff through verbal, written, or electronic means.
SECONDARY JOB DUTIES
Provide care for all small animal species in accordance with standard operating procedures, providing feed and fresh water to animals and changing animal housing when necessary.
Learn to evaluate animals’ general health, report abnormalities to the small animal veterinary technicians or veterinarian for veterinary evaluation. Learn to perform preventive animal health care duties and administer treatments as prescribed.
Provide care for canines in accordance with standard operating procedures including cleaning and sanitizing canine enclosures, feeding animals (standardized and prescribed diets), assuring that animals have fresh water at all times, transferring animals to clean caging, performing complete housekeeping duties in animal housing areas and surrounding premises, performing laundry cleaning services, and bathing, and socializing of the canines.
Preform housekeeping duties such as sweeping, mopping, garbage removal, and equipment washing in animal housing areas and surrounding premises.
Maintain 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 appropriately mixing and use of all cleaning solutions according to established SOPs and/or manufacturers’ instructions.
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, and become familiar with, and learn to utilize web based DVMax and eSirius systems for record keeping and other uses.
Work on call, weekend, evening, or holiday shifts as needed or as assigned.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
High school diploma or equivalent
Maintenance of a valid Washington State Driver’s License and good driving record
Good verbal and written 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, disposable coveralls, gloves, shoe covers, gowns, ear plugs / muffs, face mask, and eye protection
Science and animal husbandry background including prior experience or education in animal care preferred
Our Commitment to Diversity
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 ********** or by calling 206-667-4700.
