Tissue Recovery Technician I

Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency Inc; Covington (LA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency Inc in Covington, LA is seeking a Tissue Recovery Technician I to support the Tissue Department. This role covers recovery, culturing and packaging of human musculoskeletal and dermis tissue for transplant and research.

You will set up operating rooms, maintain aseptic technique, document steps, take case photographs, and ensure proper labeling and packaging of tissues. The position requires a high school diploma or GED (or 2+ years of tissue procurement

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED; or 2+ years of tissue procurement experience.
• Knowledge of medical terminology.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to deliver effective verbal and written communication.

Responsibilities

• Prepare supplies for tissue recovery and document accordingly.
• Perform tissue recovery including culturing, packaging and labeling.
• Take case photographs and document steps per SOP.
• Maintain aseptic technique and proper PPE usage.
• Assist in setting up operating room for recovery.
• Travel as needed to recovery sites.

Skills

Medical terminology

Verbal & written communication

Confidentiality

Relationship building

Education

High School diploma or GED

2+ years tissue procurement experience

Tools

LOPA data systems

Job description

Job Title: Tissue Recovery Technician I

Department: Tissue

Reports to: Director of Tissue Recovery

Exemption: Non-Exempt

Date Revised: 5/15/2025

Position Summary

A Tissue Recovery Technician is responsible for the recovery, culturing and packaging of human musculoskeletal and dermis tissue for transplant and research.

Essential Functions

• Demonstrates ability to pull applicable supplies required for recovery and document accordingly
• Demonstrates ability to take applicable case related photographs
• Demonstrates knowledge of appropriate PPE use based on traffic patterns in the recovery facility
• Demonstrates ability to properly set up an operating room for a tissue recovery
• Proficient in all tasks required for a tissue recovery including surgical hand scrubbing, sterile gown and gloving, maintaining aseptic technique, donor preparation, draping, recovery procedures, culturing, packaging and labeling of recovered tissues
• Demonstrates knowledge of applicable surgical instruments
• Ability to obtain blood samples
• Ability to competently recover musculoskeletal and dermis grafts with minimal to no assistance
• Demonstrates proper reconstruction technique post tissue recovery
• Demonstrates proper cleaning of instruments, equipment and recovery spaces
• Demonstrates the ability to adequately perform and tissue verification process for packaging and labeling of recovered tissues

Job Role Expectations

• Maintains all applicable competency annually
• Reviews and completes all assigned tasks in Q-Pulse in a timely manner
• Completes all Training courses in a timely manner
• Maintains an average iTx task closure rate = 5 days
• Able to navigate various necessary LOPA data/software systems
• Responds to call within 15 minutes when on call
• Attends all mandatory departmental meetings and educational sessions
• Participates in call schedule, meeting minimum on call requirements based on full-time status
• Participates in research recovery projects, as needed
• Assists in restocking of used and unused supplies

Organizational Expectations

• Uphold LOPA core values of selfless, authentic and passionate
• Use constructive and positive communication
• Be a team player
• Hold yourself and others accountable
• Keep a positive attitude
• Be respectful of others
• Timely completion of all required educational training, tasks and SOP reviews by assigned due date

Role Progression

• Role immediately ahead of Tissue Recovery Technician I (TRT I) is a Tissue Recovery Technician II (TRT II)
• Ability to recover all cardiovascular grafts with little to no assistance

Work Environment

• Possible exposure to communicable diseases, bloodborne pathogens, airborne illnesses, hazardous materials, pharmacological agents with little likelihood of harm if established health precautions are followed.
• May, at times, have exposure to blood, packaged organs and tissues for transplant and/or research in a hospital setting or while in the office.
• Possible mental, physical and visual fatigue associated with detailed work
• Travel via vehicle or airplane may be necessary
• May recover in areas other than the LOPA OR’s, i.e. coroner’s office or a hospital

Physical Demands

• Ability to stand for extended periods of time
• Ability to assist in the moving and transferring of donors of various weights
• Repetitive movements of wrists and hands while using various surgical instruments
• Ability to lift packed boxes of various weights

Work Hours

• Up to twelve(12) call shifts/month
• Shift length is sixteen(16) hours each
• Covering holidays as outlined in handbook
• One scheduled office day per month

Requirements

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or GED; or 2+ years of tissue procurement experience

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of structures, systems and services of LOPA
• Knowledge of medical terminology
• Knowledge of technological resources including phone systems, PDA’s, etc.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining relationships with internal and external contacts
• Basic skill in email and word processing
• Ability to be flexible in a dynamic work environment
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Ability to deliver effective verbal and written communication