Laboratory Technician

We’re Hiring! Laboratory Technician Location of Position: Sausalito, California Reports to: Associate Director of Pathology & Diagnostics Position Classification & Expected Hours of Work, and Travel: Fixed‑term, full‑time position, approximately through February 2027. Regular onsite work required. Schedule Sunday to Thursday after onboarding and training. 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, including handling sensitive equipment to test biological specimens. The role optimizes laboratory procedures and produces reliable results used in marine mammal care, treatment, and research. Essential Functions: Clinical Lab: 65% Quality Control and Assurance 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 organizational standards. Prepare and extract samples for enzyme‑linked immunosorbent assays (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 program standards. Biobank: 10% Assist with inventorying and archiving the Center’s biosample freezers. Access archived biosamples for research projects. Input data into database in accordance with program standards. 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 laboratory methods and techniques. Observational skills for laboratory procedures. Knowledge of basic principles of mammalian anatomy and physiology. Ability to operate equipment safely and competently. Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions and priorities 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. Skilled in Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Word) and videoconference technology (Slack, Teams, Zoom). Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, volunteers, training participants, and members of the public. Ability to communicate and interact effectively across cultures, ethnic groups, and identities. Ability to practice self‑awareness and respect while engaging with diverse backgrounds. Willingness to support diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. Qualifications and Experience: Respirator Fit Test required (provided upon hire and ongoing as necessary). Valid driver’s license with acceptable motor vehicle record; must be 21+ years old. Bachelor’s degree in biological or medical laboratory science or related field plus two years of laboratory experience (including classes or internships). Work Environment & Physical Requirements: Work in necropsy and laboratory environment with sharp objects, mechanical parts, toxic or caustic chemicals, biological hazards, fumes, and strong odors. Requires extensive safety precautions and use of protective equipment and training procedures. Routine use of laboratory equipment such as biochemistry and hematology analyzers, centrifuges, scales, homogenizers, and pipettes. Professional office, laboratory, and hospital environment both indoors and outdoors with outdoor pathways. Field necropsies may require outdoor weather conditions and elements. Repetitive motion with standard office equipment. Ability to work at a desk for extended periods using a computer. Ability to drive/operate vehicles, including large trucks for transporting animals. Ability to perform physical work requiring manual dexterity, agility, strength, and coordination, including moving up to 50 pounds (22 kg) and crouching with large carcasses. Ability to spend extended periods on feet, walking, and climbing stairs, possibly in inclement weather. Exposure to laboratory chemicals (including formalin), sharp instruments, needles, allergens, and zoonotic diseases from biosamples. Exposure to strong odors associated with dead animals. The Marine Mammal Center is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone to our team. #J-18808-Ljbffr Marine Mammal Center