Pathology Technician I - 1 Year Temporary - San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is an international, nonprofit conservation organization with two front doors: the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. We integrate wildlife health and care, science, and education to develop sustainable conservation solutions.


HOW YOU WILL IMPACT OUR MISSION
The Pathology Technician I performs assigned necropsy and histopathology laboratory duties in support of diagnostic pathology services, conservation research programs, and other initiatives. The position reports to a Veterinary Pathologist in Disease Investigations of the Conservation Science and Wildlife Health Department.

WHAT YOU WILL DO
• Conducts post-mortem examinations (necropsies/ animal autopsies) on a wide variety of animals, collects tissue samples, and prepares detailed written reports of findings, under the supervision of a board certified veterinary pathologist.
• Prepares tissues for histologic processing and other procedures and assists with histology laboratory operations.
• Organizes and maintains databases of pathology records, samples, and tissues; fulfills research sample requests; and ships samples to internal and external laboratories and researchers.
• Maintains laboratory facilities and equipment, inventories laboratory supplies, and requisitions replacements.
• Assists with supervision and teaching of visiting students and trainees in the necropsy and histopathology laboratories.
• Takes and files gross photographs of tissues for review by pathologists.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
The Disease Investigations (DI) team is looking for a starting level veterinary pathology technician to assist all aspects of the diagnostic pathology service at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. This position will specifically support the existing team’s capacity to manage cases in California native wildlife received through a partnership with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The candidate should be detail-oriented, adaptable, and have experience with data entry and sample management. They should enjoy working as part of a team of like-minded individuals committed to using diagnostic pathology to benefit wildlife health and conservation.

JOB EXPERIENCE
• At least one year experience with ante or postmortem animal handling or examinations, animal dissections, pathology laboratory work, or other equivalent experience required
• At least one year experience with science communication or interpretation of scientific concepts preferred

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS
• Bachelor’s Degree in biological sciences or related field or equivalent specialized training required.

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
• Able to visually identify and describe anatomic tissues using standard medical terminology and excellent writing skills.
• Demonstrated ability to safely work with medical equipment, biohazardous materials, chemicals, and certain machinery in a laboratory environment
• Proficient in data and record keeping.
• Able to operate moderately complex computer software programs.
• Able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Able to work effectively with others in a diverse environment
• Able to attend to the needs of assigned research collections and/or community members.

SOME OF THE REWARDS YOU WILL ENJOY AS A TEAM MEMBER
• Free admission to the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
• Family Passes
• Complimentary Tickets
• Free Parking at the San Diego Zoo & San Diego Zoo Safari Park
• Local and In-House Discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Program

IMPORTANT DETAILS
• Location: San Diego, CA
• Position Type: Hourly Full-Time Non-Exempt 1 Year Temporary Position
• Hourly Rate: $26.19


Fraudulent Recruiting
Beware of fraudulent recruiting. Legitimate San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance contacts will use an @sdzwa.org email address. We do not request money, checks, equipment orders, or sensitive personal data during the recruitment process. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance only conducts interviews via phone, Zoom, Teams or in-person.
If you have been asked for any of the above, or believe you have been contacted by someone posing as a San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance employee, please e-mail sdzwacareers@sdzwa.org. If you feel that you have been the victim of fraud, please contact your financial institution(s) immediately.
At San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, we celebrate our differences and foster a culture of belonging. Diversity strengthens our employees, enriches our guests’ experiences, deepens our connection to our community, and supports the wildlife we serve.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation