Necropsy Technician

We’re Hiring!

Location of Position: Marin Headlands, Sausalito, California 

Reports to: Associate Pathologist

Position Classification & Expected Hours of Work, and Travel: This is a full-time, temporary, non-exempt position from August 12th, 2024 – December 31st, 2024.

• Regular onsite work is required.
• Evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand.
• Some travel to satellite facilities and/or fieldwork may be expected for this position.

Compensation Range: $29.00 – $33.00 / hr.

Benefits: Full Benefits:

• Holidays
• Sick Time
• Vacation
• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Life Insurance
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• 401k Retirement Plan
• Employee Assistance Program

Job Summary

The Necropsy Technician will undertake various activities in support of the Pathology & Diagnostics team including gross necropsy, histopathology (trimming of cases), and support of the biobank archives. They will assist in the collection, analysis, storage, and shipment of samples for collaborative research projects as well as the training of pathology participants of the Teaching Hospital program and The Marine Mammal Center’s visitors.

Essential Functions

Necropsy: 70%

• Coordinate and perform necropsy in the laboratory including following and revising sampling protocols, specimen collection, data collection, performing necropsy, writing necropsy reports, and data entry.
• Coordinate and perform large whale necropsy in the field including following and revising sampling protocols, specimen collection, data collection, performing necropsy, writing necropsy reports, and data entry.
• Maintain necropsy equipment, supplies, and facilities to ensure the necropsy laboratory room is adequately supplied, clean, and safety procedures are established and followed.
• Fulfill external and internal research projects through sample processing, data entry, and shipment.
• Participate in current and historical data entry into database to ensure proper information is collected and available for monthly National Marine Fisheries Services (NMFS) reporting.
• Maintain frozen tissue and fluid archives (biobank).
• Manage and maintain pathology digital photo archive, including taking necropsy and histopathology photos in accordance with protocols and after training.

Histology: 15%

• Act as liaison to coordinate on internal projects regarding pathology/histology-based specimens and data.
• Trim wet (histopathology) tissues.
• Maintain histology tissue, slide, and paraffin archives.
• Ship cassettes to external labs for slide preparation or slides to external pathologists as required.
• Inputs data into database in accordance with standards set forth within the program.

Training & Educational Outreach: 10%

• Assists with and/or trains Teaching Hospital Program participants and pathology visitors in gross necropsy skills and anatomy.
• Assists with and/or teaches wetlabs to visiting university classes and youth crew.
• Assists with managing Teaching Hospital Program materials regarding pathology.
• Assist in scheduling and coordinating pathology visitors.
• Assist with or present to donors or other behind-the-scenes visitors as needed.

Other Duties as Assigned: 5%

• Perform special projects and research as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibility:

None.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Basic knowledge of marine mammal biology, diseases, and anatomy.
• Experience in preparing, assisting, and performing necropsies.
• Experience working with biohazardous tissue, blood, and dead animals.
• Basic knowledge of methods and techniques of laboratory procedures such as aseptic technique.
• Knowledgeable on safety procedures to prevent contaminating self and others with biohazardous materials.
• Ability to operate equipment safely and competently to carry out their duties.
• Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions and priorities as set by management.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Skills operating Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, which includes volunteers, interns, staff, and others.
• Willingness to support and participate in The Marine Mammal Center’s diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.
• Communicate and interact effectively with people across cultures, ethnic groups, and identities.
• Practice self-awareness and respect while engaging with people of diverse backgrounds.

Qualifications and Experience

• This position requires a combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in biology, animal science, physiology, or related field; and 2 years of necropsy experience.
• Valid driver license with acceptable motor vehicle record to maintain standards of insurability.
• Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination or waiver (medical or religious)
• Respirator Fit Test required which will be provided upon hire and ongoing as necessary.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements 

• This position operates in a professional office, laboratory, and hospital environment both indoors and outdoors with access to other parts of the facilities via outdoor pathways.
• Exposure to slippery surfaces and working in outdoor weather conditions and elements.
• Routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, scanners, and filing cabinets.
• Ability to work at a desk for extended periods using a computer.
• Ability to perform physical work requiring manual dexterity, agility, strength, and coordination including ability to lift and/or move to 50 pounds.
• Ability to occasionally walk/hike/cover up to 5 miles during a shift on a frequent basis.
• Ability to spend extended period on your feet, walking, standing, crouching, and climbing stairs (potentially in inclement weather conditions).
• Ability to drive/operate a vehicle or plan for transportation between sites.
• Exposure to allergens and zoonotic diseases through necropsy and biological samples.
• Exposure and working with laboratory chemicals, including formalin (a carcinogen).
• Exposure to sharp instruments and needles.
• Involves strong smells associated with dead animals and the care of animals.

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY

The Marine Mammal Center actively engages individuals from all backgrounds. We are committed to embracing diversity within our organization because we firmly believe that diverse employee teams help us to achieve our best organizational outcomes and provide the most effective support to the communities we serve. We are deeply dedicated to creating and maintaining an inclusive, equitable and supportive work environment.  We strongly encourage people from underrepresented groups to apply. The Marine Mammal Center believes in growth and supporting our employees as best we can so they can become their best selves in and outside of work. We believe that a healthy work environment means building an inclusive culture where people can thrive together and feel supported and empowered. We believe in stretch versus constraint.

OUR MISSION

The Marine Mammal Center advances global conservation through marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation, scientific research, and education.

ABOUT THE MARINE MAMMAL CENTER

The Marine Mammal Center is leading the field in ocean conservation through marine mammal rescue, veterinary medicine, science, and education. 

For more information, please visit our “About Us” page at www.marinemammalcenter.org

To Apply: Please submit a cover letter and resume and provide a brief description about how your experience aligns with the role.

Note that applications without a cover letter will not be considered.

In your cover letter, please feel free to note which pronouns you use (For example – she/her/hers, he/him/his, they/them/theirs, etc).

We strongly encourage people of color, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and non-binary people, veterans, parents, and individuals with disabilities to apply. The Center is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone to our team. If you need reasonable accommodation at any point in the application or interview process, please let us know.