Animal Health Technician I

City of Hope

Duarte, CA

ID: 7117496 (Ref.No. 10019027)
Posted: March 16, 2023
Salary / Pay Rate: $24.00 - $34.67 / hour
Application Deadline: Open Until Filled

Job Description

About City of Hope

City of Hope is an independent biomedical research and treatment organization for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases.

Founded in 1913, City of Hope is a leader in bone marrow transplantation and immunotherapy such as CAR T cell therapy. City of Hope’s translational research and personalized treatment protocols advance care throughout the world. Human synthetic insulin, monoclonal antibodies and numerous breakthrough cancer drugs are based on technology developed at the institution. AccessHope™, a subsidiary launched in 2019 serves employers and their health care partners by providing access to City of Hope’s specialized cancer expertise.

A National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center and a founding member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, City of Hope is ranked among the nation’s “Best Hospitals” in cancer by U.S. News & World Report and received Magnet Recognition from the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Its main campus is located near Los Angeles, with additional locations throughout Southern California and in Arizona.

City of Hope’s commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

We believe diversity, equity and inclusion is key in serving our mission to provide compassionate patient care, drive innovative discovery, and advance vital education focused on eliminating cancer and diabetes in all of our communities. Our commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion ensures we bring the full range of skills, perspectives, cultural backgrounds and experiences to our work -- and that our teams align with the people we serve in order to build trust and understanding. We are dedicated to fostering a community that embraces diversity - in ideas, backgrounds and perspectives; this is reflected in our work and represented in our people.

Position Summary

Under the supervision of the Center for Comparative Medicine (CCM) Clinical Veterinarian, performs standard paraveterinary health care procedures and communicates the clinical findings and clinical and/or research plans with the CCM users. Performance of new standard procedures requiring ingenuity, resourcefulness and adaptability may be required. Procedures are typically performed with minimal supervision in a clinical or laboratory animal setting.

Key Responsibilities include:

  • Performs observations of animal colonies for signs of illness and follows-up on animals reported ill on Animal Health Reports.
  • Reports animal care problems and concerns to the veterinarian for consultation, advice or instructions.
  • Administers any necessary medications or treatments as prescribed by the veterinarian including follow-up procedures and daily documentation of all procedures in the Animal Health Reports.
  • Maintains current animal health reports, treatment, post-op monitoring, and follow-up records. Documentation of such records is required for regulatory compliance and must be recorded and saved into the CCM animal medical records.
  • Performs gross necropsies or collect samples for histopathology in accordance with veterinarian's instructions and appropriately prepares specimens for laboratory processing.
  • Under the guidance of the Clinical Veterinarian conducts certain veterinary diagnostic procedures. Assists with preventive medicine and collection and submission of diagnostic samples. Communicates the results of diagnostic tests with the Clinical Veterinarian.
  • Maintains current records of controlled and non-controlled substances in accordance with federal and state regulations.
  • Prepares analgesia/anesthesia drugs commonly used in research settings based on the approved written IACUC protocols and/or as prescribed by the Clinical Veterinarian
  • Assists in teaching activities which demonstrate techniques or procedures which are recorded and maintained as official documentation for regulatory compliance. Teaches/trains/mentors research personnel and students (graduate, veterinary, and undergraduate students/volunteers) as needed.
  • Maintains sanitized, well-stocked, and organized procedure rooms, necropsy room and surgical suite, including preparing surgical packs, seeing that equipment and instruments are clean and functioning properly. Facilitates submitting work orders for equipment/instruments that need repairs.
  • Troubleshoots anesthetic machines and provide guidance of its usage when requested
  • Informs the facility users with discrepancies in the animal colonies as reported by the animal census system
  • Responds to any urgent animal welfare or health concerns during the normal working hours and communicates with the Clinical Veterinarian and/or the veterinarian on-call.
  • Documents and maintains log of usage of procedural space, anesthetic equipment, and other CCM instruments/tools available to the CCM facility users
  • Follows established City of Hope and department policies, procedures, objectives, performance improvement, attendance, safety, environmental, and infection control guidelines. Practices a high level of integrity and honesty in maintaining confidentiality.

Basic education, experience and skills required for consideration:

  • Completion of AVMA accredited Animal Health Technician program or a B.S (preferably in Animal Science or a biological science).
  • At least 3 months of experience in working as a veterinary assistant or technician in clinical settings or as part of RVT training required.

Required Certification/Licensure:

  • Current California Registered Veterinarian Technician license (or obtain within 6 months of hire).

Preferred education, experience and skills:

  • Additional laboratory animal research or clinical experience preferred.

Additional Information:

  • As a condition of employment, City of Hope requires staff to comply with all state and federal vaccination mandates.

Salary / Pay Rate Information:
Pay Rate: $24.00 - $34.67 / hour

The estimated pay scale represents the typical [salary/hourly] range City of Hope reasonably expects to pay for this position, with offers determined based on several factors which may include, but not be limited to, the candidate’s experience, expertise, skills, education, job scope, training, internal equity, geography/market, etc. This pay scale is subject to change from time to time.



City of Hope is a community of people characterized by our diversity of thought, background and approach, but tied together by our commitment to care for and cure those with cancer and other life-threatening diseases. The innovation that our diversity produces in the areas of research, treatment, philanthropy and education has made us national leaders in this fight. Our unique and diverse workforce provides us the ability to understand our patients' needs, deliver compassionate care and continue the quest for a cure for life-threatening diseases. At City of Hope, diversity and inclusion is a core value at the heart of our mission. We strive to create an inclusive workplace environment that engages all of our employees and provides them with opportunities to develop and grow, both personally and professionally. Each day brings an opportunity to strengthen our work, leverage our different perspectives and improve our patients’ experiences by learning from others. Diversity and inclusion is about much more than policies and campaigns. It is an integral part of who we are as an institution, how we operate and how we see our future.