Southern Utah Ocular Tissue Recovery Specialist

University of Utah; St. George (VT); On-site; USD 22,000 - 29,000; Part time

Job summary

The Southern Utah Ocular Tissue Recovery Specialist role supports the Utah Lions Eye Bank by excising ocular tissue from deceased donors for transplantation. It requires travel to recovery sites, donor assessments, and proper tissue handling to ensure safe delivery to the designated facility.

You will participate in on-call shifts and must maintain certifications, with emphasis on confidentiality, professional conduct, and adherence to FDA/EBAA/UH policies.

Qualifications

• Experience in medical or mortuary settings preferred.
• Ability to tolerate strong smells and graphic visuals.
• Ability to stand for long periods.
• Ability to perform a basic physical assessment of the decedent to EBAA and FDA standards.
• Maintain donor confidentiality.
• Professional, customer-oriented manner in public on behalf of Utah Lions Eye Bank.
• Basic working knowledge of PC & Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

• Excise ocular tissue from deceased donors for transplantation.
• Drive to recovery sites (funeral homes, hospitals) and assess donors.
• Perform ocular excision and aseptic tissue preservation.
• Package, label and deliver procured tissue to the correct facility.
• Assist in training new Recovery Specialists.
• Maintain SOP knowledge for the recovery department.
• Complete LMS training annually.

Skills

Medical/Mortuary exp

Stamina/standing

Donor assessment

Confidentiality

Professionalism

PC skills

Policy adherence

PROMISE standards

Education

Associate's degree or equiv

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Working Title Southern Utah Ocular Tissue Recovery Specialist

Career Progression Track C

FLSA Code

FLSA Code Nonexempt

Patient Sensitive Job Code?

Patient Sensitive Job Code? Yes

Type

Temporary?

Temporary? No

Standard Hours per Week 2-3 On-Call Shifts/Week

Full Time or Part Time?

Full Time or Part Time? Part Time

Shift

Shift Day

Work Schedule Summary

Is this a work study job?

Is this a work study job? No

VP Area

VP Area U of U Health - Academics

Department

Department 00872 - Utah Lions Eye Bank

Location

Location Other

City

City St. George, UT

Type of Recruitment

Type of Recruitment External Posting

Pay Rate Range

Pay Rate Range $16.00-$21.29

Close Date

Close Date 11/02/2026

Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time)

Job Summary

The Southern Utah Tissue Recovery Specialist is responsible for the excision of ocular tissue from deceased donors for the intent of transplantation. The role entails driving to the recovery site (e.g., funeral homes, hospitals), performing necessary assessments of the donor, performing the ocular excision procedure, and proper delivery of procured tissue to the correct facility. Additional responsibilities related to the recovery department may be assigned by the Recovery Manager based on recovery tier status.

Responsibilities

The Remote Tissue Recovery Specialist will be responsible for:

• Maintaining a valid driver's license during time of employment.
• Driving to and from the recovery location in a safe and timely manner.
• Performing a detailed physical assessment of the potential donor; documenting any visible signs of communicable diseases.
• Observing the posterior side of the donor by rolling the cadaver and/or lifting extremities.
• Drawing Cadaveric blood; or obtaining pre-transfused samples from the admitting hospital when necessary.
• Performing sterile corneoscleral excision and aseptic preservation of tissue for the intent of transplantation.
• Packaging, labeling, and coordinating delivery of procured tissue to the appropriate facility.
• Assisting in the proper training of new Remote Tissue Recovery Specialist employees on proper technique, documentation, and technical skills.
• Conducting professional interactions with referring hospitals, funeral homes, law enforcement agencies, coroner offices, and DonorConnect.
• Maintaining a competent level of understanding of Standard Operating Procedures associated with the recovery department of the Utah Lions Eye Bank.
• Completing annual LearningHub LMS training per University of Utah Health Academics policy.
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Associate's degree in biology, chemistry or other scientific disciplines in a related field or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience)

This position is patient-sensitive and must fulfill all associated requirements. We protect our patients, coworkers and community by requiring all patient-sensitive employees to be immunized according to CDC standards and hospital policy. Limited exemptions may be made for documented medical contraindications or religious beliefs that object to vaccinations.

Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

KNOWLEDGE , SKILLS , AND ABILITY

• Prior experience in the medical or mortuary fields preferred
• Ability to tolerate strong smells and graphic / traumatic visuals.
• Ability to stand for long bouts of time
• Ability to perform a basic physical assessment of the decedent to EBAA and FDA standards
• Maintain donor confidentiality.
• Maintain a professional and customer-oriented friendly manner in the public on behalf of the Utah Lions Eye Bank.
• Basic working knowledge of PC & Microsoft Office
• Ability to follow current hospital and Office of the Medical Examiners policies and procedures regarding eye donation in accordance with current FDA / EBAA / OME / ULEB Policies and Procedures.
• Uphold University Health Academics core values by adhering to the PROMISE standards.
• Ability to maintain good working knowledge of all University of Utah Health / ULEB / FDA / EBAA Policies and Procedures.

Preferences

Special Instructions Summary

Additional Information

The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems ("URS"). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at [phone] for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at [phone] or [phone] or University Human Resource Management at [phone] if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.

This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.

The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.

Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.

Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.

To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX ( OEO ). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at the: University of Utah Non-Discrimination page .

Online reports may be submitted at https://oeo.utah.edu

https://publicsafety.utah.edu/safetyreport/ This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Do you have a related Associate's degree or equivalency? (2 years related work experience may be substituted for 1 year of education)
  • Yes
  • No
• * Are you certified as an Eye Bank Technician, Ophthalmic Technician or Tissue Bank Specialist?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Indicate your level of knowledge/experience using aseptic technique and medical terminology:
  • None
  • Minimal
  • Moderate
  • Extensive

Required Documents

• Cover Letter

Optional Documents

• Resume

University Human Resource Management

250 East 200 South, Suite 125 Salt Lake City, UT 84111

Contact us: [phone] By Email: [e-mail]