San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a nonprofit international conservation leader, committed to inspiring a passion for nature and creating a world where all life thrives. Empowering people from around the globe to support our mission to conserve wildlife through innovation and partnerships, we support cutting-edge conservation, and bring the stories of our work back to our two world-famous front doors - the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park - giving millions of guests, in person and virtually, the opportunity to experience conservation in action. The deep and extensive knowledge gained from more than a century of experience in wildlife care, health, veterinary services, nutrition and conservation makes us invaluable in the global effort to save species. Our team members play a crucial role in driving our conservation efforts forward and bringing us closer to a world where all life thrives.

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 ideal candidate for this position is experienced, knowledgeable, hard-working, detail-oriented, and interested in pursuing a long-term career in a veterinary pathology laboratory. 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 of experience with ante or postmortem animal handling or examinations, animal dissections, pathology laboratory work, or other equivalent experience required
  • At least one year of 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 PERKS 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
• Local and In-House Discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Program

IMPORTANT DETAILS

• Location: San Diego, CA
• Position Type: Hourly Full-Time Non-Exempt Position
• Hourly Range: $25.77 to $28.48

Be an ally for wildlife by joining our team!

At San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, we thrive on celebrating our differences. Diversity is vital for the benefit of our team members, our guests, our community, and our wildlife.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application, please email your request to sdzwacareers@sdzwa.org and provide the job title and location to which you are applying.

As a Federal Contractor, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is required to participate in the E-Verify Program to confirm eligibility to work in the United States.

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a drug free workplace.

• 2920 Zoo Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, USA