Necropsy Technician (SRA 2 NEX)

Under minimal supervision, handle animals, perform necropsies, process fixed tissue obtained from animal necropsy procedures, and trim formalin fixed tissues with adherence to established protocols. Provide high level technical assistance, data entry, and laboratory maintenance for necropsy facilities.

Apply By Date: October 8, 2025

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position

• Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science or Physiology or related field, or/and equivalent combination of education and experience in technical aspects of necropsy including exsanguination, euthanasia, tissue collection, identification of normal versus abnormal anatomy and sterile techniques.
• Experience handling and restraining live animals, especially livestock, for euthanasia purposes.
• Experience working with biohazardous tissue, blood, and dead animals; safety knowledge to prevent contaminating self and others with biohazardous materials.
• Knowledge of avian and mammalian anatomy and skills to prepare and assist with necropsies.
• Knowledge of trimming fixed tissues.
• Skills to prepare tissue samples for various types of analyses.
• Ability to understand and consider others' priorities, opinions and concerns in a busy work environment, interact professionally with clients, communicate complex and confidential information, and promote teamwork.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a diagnostic laboratory necropsy facility, sample submission protocols, and identification of processed tissue types to aid in the embedding process.
• Experience with quality control procedures in a diagnostic laboratory including maintaining accurate inventory and quality control records, as well as knowledge of quality control and quality assurance methods in a diagnostic laboratory that utilizes complex methodologies.
• Advanced experience in tissue trimming and/or necropsy techniques.
• Knowledge of safe working practices and laboratory/University safety protocols to include handling and disposal of waste solvents and biologically hazardous materials.
• Analytical, problem solving, critical thinking and decision-making skills to research, develop and recommend solutions to complex problems and issues, as well as skills to instruct, technically train and provide consultation to technical and professional personnel

Key Responsibilities

• 50% - Necropsy Assistance
• 40% - Specimen Processing
• 10% - Necropsy Facility Maintenance

Department Overview

CAHFS provides California's livestock and poultry industries, and veterinary practitioners who serve them, with a full range of diagnostic laboratory services for disease control, enhancement of health management, and protection from diseases common to animal and humans. In meeting this need, the CAHFS also serves as the backbone of California's disease warning system through its animal disease surveillance program. The system consists of four laboratories currently located in Davis, Turlock, Tulare and San Bernardino. Funding for this program is provided through a contract with the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and through revenue generated from user fees. Additionally, CAHFS is in contract with the California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) and horse wagering monies and provides necropsy services for the CHRB as well as full-service drug testing and a pharmacology research and development program through the Equine Analytical Chemistry Laboratory.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $28.88 - $46.46/hour (Department budgeted salary range: $28.88 - $32.51/hr. Commensurate with experience.)
• Salary Frequency: Bi-Weekly
• Salary Grade: 108
• UC Job Title: SRA 2 NEX
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100%
• Shift (Work Schedule): M-F 8-5
• Location: Davis, CA
• Union Representation: Yes - RX
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is 100% on-site

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page.

If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit's employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations and learn about collective bargaining at UC: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/index.html

* High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
* UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
* Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
* Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
* Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
* Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
* Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
* WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
* On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
* Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
* Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
* Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here

Physical Demands

• Standing - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Walking - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Sitting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Environmental Demands

• Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Loud noise levels - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Extreme Temperatures - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Communication skills - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Numerical skills - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours

Work Environment

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.

Due to the nature of the essential responsibilities, this position is not eligible for remote work.This position is subject to UCD's vaccination program (Influenza, SARS-CoV-2, is/might subject to prophylactic vaccination for rabies), and Medical/Health Surveillance Program/Procedures/Review in accordance with Federal and State Laws and Regulations and University Policy.Work Schedule: Monday - Friday; 8:00am - 5:00pm (Work schedule might be slightly different during the training period.Work flexible schedule/overtime as needed to complete projects and meet deadlines.Mandatory weekend and holiday rotation.Restricted/Limited vacation during peak workload periods (i.e. Outbreaks, Fiscal Close, Audits Periods, etc.)This is not a research position. The position is located in a diagnostic laboratory where quality control and assurance as well as meticulous working habits are essential.Per the terms and agreements of the department's contracts and grants, the position requires signing of a Confidentiality Agreement or Non-Disclosure Agreement regarding testing and client information.Upon completion of a background check and appropriate training, must participate in the select agent program.Ability to complete Select Agent background clearance procedures.

Special Requirements - Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we're committed to solving life's most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

To view the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks