We’re Hiring!

Necropsy Technician

Location of Position: Marin Headlands, Sausalito, California 

Reports to: Necropsy Manager

Position Classification & Expected Hours of Work, and Travel:

• This is a full-time hourly position.
• Regular onsite work is required.
• Evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand.
• Occasional travel to satellite facilities and/or fieldwork may be expected for this position.

Compensation Range: $29.00 - $32.00/hr.

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 perform 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%

• Assist basic necropsy laboratory procedures as described in agreed necropsy and sampling protocols for dissection, specimen photography, specimen collection, data collection, necropsy report writing, and data entry.
• Assist basic necropsy procedures (basic dissection, tissue collection/preservation, tissue trimming, sample collection, etc.) on marine mammals or sea turtles.
• Completes data entry into the Center’s in-house electronic record system (Ruby) as assigned. This can include archives, samples received and shipped, and tracking documentation, as well as entry of laboratory results for patient records as assigned.
• Pull data and samples, and ship according to biohazard shipment regulations for pathology ancillary testing and approved internal or external research projects as assigned.
• Supports the maintenance of the necropsy facility, equipment, consumable supplies, PPE, signage, and hygiene following USDA good laboratory practice (GLP) standards.
• Follows proper adherence to biosafety procedures and protocols in accordance with OSHA and internal policies.
• Sample and fulfill approved external and internal research projects through sample processing, data entry, and shipment.
• Maintain pathology digital photo archive, including taking necropsy and histopathology photos in accordance with protocols and after training.
• Assists in coordinating the disposal of carcasses, biohazard tissues, formalin, and formalin fixed tissues.

Histology: 15%

• Perform basic histology laboratory procedures (trimming wet histopathology tissues) as assigned
• Supports the maintenance of the histopathology biobank (wet tissues, slides, paraffin blocks) including shipping and receiving samples, sample preparation, and data entry in Ruby.

Training & Educational Outreach: 10%

• Assists with training Teaching Hospital Program participants and pathology visitors in gross necropsy skills and anatomy.
• Assists with scheduling of and may assist in teaching wet labs and workshops for visiting Learning participants.
• Assists in coordinating shipments for specimen requests and relationships for teaching (e.g. carcasses, pelts, etc.) as well as necropsy workshops, wet labs, carcasses for teaching, etc.
• Assists with the maintenance of Teaching Hospital Program materials regarding pathology
• May assist in training other staff or technicians on database, necropsy, histopathology, and/or biomaterial archive protocols, including shipping and other skills described above or part of daily tasks.
• May present to donors or other behind-the-scenes visitors as assigned.
• May present at internal forums or speak with media as assigned.

Other Duties as Assigned: 5%

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

Supervisory Responsibility:

None.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• A passion for marine and environmental conservation and the mission of The Marine Mammal Center.
• 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 communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions and priorities as set by management.
• Ability to work collaboratively and maintain open communication in a team environment.
• Ability to adapt and learn from change, challenges, and feedback.
• Basic organizational skills including attention to detail, multi-tasking, and time-management.
• Skills operating Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Word).
• Skills using videoconference technology (Slack, Teams, Zoom).
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, which includes staff, volunteers, training participants, and members of the public.
• Ability to communicate and interact effectively with people across cultures, ethnic groups, and identities.
• Ability to practice self-awareness and respect while engaging with people of diverse backgrounds.
• Willingness to support and participate in The Marine Mammal Center’s diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.

Qualifications and Experience:

• This position requires a combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in animal science, biology, anatomy, or related field; or a relevant qualification such as a Registered Veterinary Technician; and 2 years of necropsy experience.
• Respirator Fit Test required which will be provided upon hire and ongoing as necessary.
• Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination or waiver (medical or religious)

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

• This position requires work in a necropsy and laboratory environment, which requires use of sharp objects, working around mechanical parts, working with or near known or unknown toxic or caustic chemicals and/or biological hazards, exposure to fumes and airborne particles, and working with strong odors associated with animals and carcasses.
• This position requires work in an environment that involves exposure to potentially dangerous materials or chemicals and situations that require extensive safety precautions and may include the use of protective equipment and completion of training procedures.
• 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.
• Working in outdoor weather conditions and elements may be required for field necropsies.
• Routinely uses standard office equipment requiring repetitive motion.
• Ability to work at a desk for extended periods of time using a computer.
• Ability to participate in cetacean mortality investigations, requiring training and use of sharp instruments.
• Ability to perform physical work requiring manual dexterity, agility, strength, and coordination including ability to move up to 50 pounds (22kg). Ability to crouch down and work with large carcasses.
• Ability to spend extended periods on your feet, walking, and climbing stairs (potentially in inclement weather conditions).
• Exposure to allergens and zoonotic diseases.
• Involves strong smells associated with dead animals (carcasses) and the care of live animals.

OUR MISSION

The Marine Mammal Center advances ocean health through marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation, research, and education.

ABOUT THE MARINE MAMMAL CENTER

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.

The Center is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against applicants or employees on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, age (40 and over), marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic protected by Federal and State law, including considerations of intersectionality where multiple protected characteristics overlap.

We are committed to providing a fair and accessible hiring process. If you need reasonable accommodation at any point in the application or interview process, please let us know.