Laboratory Technician

Laboratory Technician Description: We’re Hiring! Location: Sausalito, California. Reports to: Associate Director of Pathology & Diagnostics. Position Classification & Expected Hours Of Work, And Travel This is a fixed-term, full-time position, approximately through February 2027. Regular onsite work is required. Schedule is Sunday to Thursday once onboarding and training is completed. Occasional travel to satellite facilities and/or fieldwork within California may be expected. Compensation Range $28.00 - $31.49 / hour Benefits Holidays Sick Time Vacation Medical, Dental, and Vision Life Insurance Long Term Disability Insurance 401k Retirement Plan Employee Assistance Program Job Summary The Laboratory Technician will undertake various laboratory procedures of a technical nature, including handling sensitive equipment to perform tests on biological specimens. They will help optimize laboratory procedures and produce reliable results that will be used in marine mammal care, treatment, and research. Essential Functions Clinical Lab: 65% Quality Control and Assurance (QC/QA) checks of clinical laboratory analyzers. Operate clinical laboratory equipment including hematology and serum biochemistry analyzers. Perform urinalysis dipstick and urine specific gravity. Stain cytology and blood smears. Perform gram stains for microbiologic organisms. Prepare parasitology samples. Track specimens in database in accordance with standards set forth within the organization. Prepare and extract samples for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Assist in shipping samples for external diagnostic testing. Histology: 20% Trim histology samples from necropsy cases. Assist in archiving slides, paraffin blocks, and formalin‑fixed tissues. Assist in shipping samples for histology. Assist in disposal of formalin and formalin‑fixed tissues. Input data into database in accordance with standards set forth within the program. Biobank: 10% Assist with inventorying and archiving of the Center’s extensive biosample freezers. Access archived biosamples for various research projects. Input data into database in accordance with standards set forth within the program. Other Duties as Assigned: 5% Represent and promote the Center through donor cultivation participation with the department as opportunities arise. Perform special projects and research as assigned. Perform other duties as assigned. Supervisory Responsibility None Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities Passion for marine and environmental conservation and the mission of The Marine Mammal Center. Basic knowledge of methods and techniques of laboratory procedures. Knowledge of observational skills for laboratory procedures. Knowledge of basic principles of mammalian anatomy and physiology. Operate equipment safely and competently. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Understand and follow written and oral instructions and priorities set by management. Work collaboratively and maintain open communication in a team environment. 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) and videoconference technology (Slack, Teams, Zoom). Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, volunteers, training participants, and members of the public. Communicate and interact effectively with people across cultures, ethnic groups, and identities. 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 Respirator Fit Test required; will be provided upon hire and ongoing as necessary. Valid driver license with acceptable motor vehicle record; must be 21+ years old as frequently driving company vehicles is required. A combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in biological or medical laboratory science or related field, and 2 years’ experience in a laboratory setting, which can include time spent during classes or internships. Work Environment & Physical Requirements Work in a necropsy and laboratory environment involving sharp objects, mechanical parts, toxic or caustic chemicals, biological hazards, fumes, airborne particles, and strong odors associated with animals and carcasses. Use protective equipment and complete training procedures as required. Use laboratory equipment such as biochemistry and hematology analyzers, centrifuges, scales, homogenizers, and pipettes. Work in professional office, laboratory, and hospital environments indoors and outdoors, including access to outdoor pathways. Outdoor weather conditions and elements may be required for field necropsies. Perform repetitive motion with standard office equipment. Operate vehicle for extensive periods, including large trucks to transport animals between sites. Manual dexterity, agility, strength, and coordination for lifting up to 50 pounds (22 kg) and working with large carcasses. Spend extended periods on feet, walking, and climbing stairs, potentially in inclement weather. Exposure to laboratory chemicals, formalin, sharp instruments, needles, allergens, zoonotic diseases, and strong smells associated with dead animals and live animal care. Equal Opportunity Employer The Marine Mammal 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr