Histotechnician

Ouzinkie Native Corporation; Northern, San Diego (KY, CA); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 63,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

Life & AD&D Insurance

401(k) Savings Plan

Vacation & Sick Leave

Paid Holidays

Job summary

Ouzinkie Native Corporation seeks a skilled Histology Technician to prepare tissue specimens, embed blocks, and section tissues for microscopic analysis. You will perform immunohistochemical tests, maintain quality control, and ensure proper specimen transport and documentation.

The role requires NAACLS/ABHES-accredited training, HT-ASCP certification, and at least one year of histotech experience. Work is conducted in a clinical lab with strict safety and infection-control standards.

Qualifications

• Graduate from NAACLS/ABHES histology program or ASCP-acceptable equivalent.
• HT-ASCP/HTL-ASCP certification required.
• ≥1 year histotechnician experience within last 3 years.
• Extensive knowledge of histochemical and immunohistochemical principles and quality control.
• Expert skill in histology equipment operation and maintenance (microtomes, processors, staining devices, microscopes).
• Active BLS certification.
• Ability to obtain and maintain security access/background checks.

Responsibilities

• Operate tissue processors and manage reagents.
• Embed tissue into paraffin blocks.
• Section tissue with microtome to 2–5 microns, ensuring high quality.
• Perform immunohistochemical tests and controls.
• Conduct quality control and maintain records.
• Prepare specimens for transport to laboratory.
• Maintain safety and infection control procedures.
• Attend work regularly and perform additional duties as assigned.

Skills

Histology

Immunohistochemistry

Special stains

Tissue embedding

Equipment maintenance

Troubleshooting

BLS certification

Education

NAACLS/ABHES accredited histology program

HT-ASCP/HTL-ASCP certification

Tools

Microtomes

Tissue Processors

Automated staining devices

Microscopes

Job description

Summary

Prepare and process tissue specimens for microscopic examination by operating tissue-processing equipment, embedding and sectioning tissue, performing quality control procedures, and preparing specimens for laboratory analysis and transport.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Load, operate, and perform required reagent management on automated tissue processors.
• Embed tissue into paraffin blocks.
• Cut tissue using an automated or manual rotary microtome, producing 2–5-micron thick paraffin sections of excellent quality. Will also section control tissue as required by the department.
• Understand the complex interactions of various pre-analytic, analytic, and post-analytic processes and how each one can affect the results of specialized immunohistochemical tests for predictive markers. Recognize and react to indicators of malfunction. Locate and implement corrections. Obtain analytical data, convert to a prescribed unit of reporting, as necessary, and correlate data to verify results.
• Conduct quality control procedures on equipment, reagents and products and maintain proper records for quality control and quality assurance reports.
• Prepare specimens for transport to MTF laboratory or for mail out.
• Prepare biological waste for proper disposal.
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be a graduate from a histology technician training program accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) or educational program acceptable to the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP).
• Must have a certification/registration as a Histotechnician/ Histotechnologist from the American Society for Clinical Pathology (HT-ASCP/HTL-ASCP).
• Must have at least one (1) year of experience within the last three (3) years as a Histotechnician.
• Must have extensive knowledge of histochemical and immunohistochemical principles, theory, and methods to perform, such complex procedures as special staining and immunohistochemical techniques, and quality control for which there are standards.
• Must have expert skill and knowledge in the use and general standard maintenance of specialized histological equipment such as microtomes, tissue processors, balances, automated staining devices and microscopes.
• Ability to troubleshoot and perform minor repairs of above equipment.
• Must have professional knowledge of human anatomy and physiology to allow for the appropriate gross descriptions and handling of tissue specimens.
• Must have knowledge of the protocols, procedures, and reagents to produce special stains for specific tissue components or microbiological organisms.
• Must have an Active BLS Certification.
• Must obtain and maintain any necessary security access and/or background checks.

Desired Qualifications & Skills

• Full knowledge and understanding of various tissue types and which require specialized embedding techniques.

Work Schedule

Full-time. May be required to work additional hours as needed to complete assignment or project.

Work Environment

Work is performed primarily in a clinical laboratory setting with exposure to biological specimens, chemicals, reagents, laboratory equipment, and biological waste. Position requires frequent interaction with laboratory personnel and adherence to established safety, quality control, and infection control procedures.

Physical Demands

Position requires frequent standing, walking, sitting, bending, reaching, and repetitive use of hands for handling tissue specimens, laboratory instruments, and equipment. Employee may be required to lift and carry laboratory supplies and equipment weighing up to 20 pounds. Position requires close visual attention and fine motor skills when embedding and sectioning tissue and operating laboratory equipment. It is Katmai’s business philosophy and practice to provide reasonable accommodations, according to applicable state and federal laws, to all qualified individuals with physical or mental disabilities.

Eligible Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life & AD&D Insurance, Long-Term & Short-Term Disability Insurance, 401(k) Savings Plan, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Vacation & Sick Leave, 11 Paid Federal Holidays, and Leave of Absence.

Compliance:

We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color,religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, marital status, familial status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Preference will be given to Ouzinkie Shareholders, Descendants of Shareholders and Spouses of Shareholders in accordance with Title 43 U.S. Code 1626(g) and Title 42 U.S. Code 2000e - 2(i).