Animal Equipment Preparer Lead

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. 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 Equipment Preparer Lead is responsible for assisting the Supervisor-Housing Systems Operations in the oversight of the quality of work in the cage wash facility. Process the facilities’ soiled animal housing equipment and prepare for use.  

 

The incumbent works following established procedures in performing daily responsibilities. The Equipment Preparer Lead position reports directly to the Husbandry Systems Operations Supervisor. This position is under supervision with no responsibility for supervision others. Uses discretion and judgement in carrying out tasks.

Responsibilities

Essential Role Classification:

The Equipment Preparer Lead 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.  

• Housing Equipment Preparation: Oversees and prepares items for the equipment washers, including removal of soiled bedding, sorting of items into similar batches, soaking designated items and scrubbing items that are especially soiled. Be proficient at scheduling and preparing orders of animal caging and rodent drinking water for the animal technicians.  
• Personnel and training: Train Comparative Medicine Staff in equipment preparation procedures. Document training and performance level.  Assign duties to preparation staff, set priorities, plan schedules, and ensure sanitation and safety procedures are in compliance with established procedures and regulations. 
• Equipment Operations: Be proficient at ensuring that clean equipment has been processed correctly and shows no sign of residual waste material or other types of contamination. Be proficient at notifying the Supervisor of any malfunctioning machinery or damaged equipment. Be proficient in operation of equipment washers, autoclaves and automatic water filling systems including preparing the acidification solution for the water filing stations under supervision.
• Sanitation Operations: Delegate and participate 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 and perform collection of materials for quality testing.
• Research Support: Be proficient at preparing and providing special equipment orders.

Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment including scrubs, gloves, shoe covers, gowns, ear plugs / muffs, face mask, and eye protection
• Meet heavy lifting and carrying job needs

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• 3 years experience in janitorial, sanitization, production line or animal husbandry work 
• Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Certification 
• Maintenance of a valid Washington State Driver’s License and good driving re