Tissue Recovery Technician I

LOPA; Covington (LA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

LOPA is seeking a Tissue Recovery Technician I in Covington, LA to handle recovery, culturing and packaging of human tissues for transplant and research. The role requires hands-on surgical setup, aseptic technique and accurate documentation.

The position includes on-site duties, on-call expectations, and collaboration with the Tissue Department to support research and clinical programs. Training and compliance with safety standards are emphasized.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED; or 2+ years tissue procurement experience.
• Knowledge of structures, systems and services of LOPA.
• Knowledge of medical terminology.
• Knowledge of technological resources including phone systems, PDA’s, etc.
• Ability to deliver effective verbal and written communication.
• Ability to be flexible in a dynamic work environment.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Pull applicable supplies required for recovery and document accordingly.
• Take applicable case related photographs.
• Set up an operating room for a tissue recovery.
• Perform tissue recovery including aseptic technique, donor prep, draping, recovery, culturing, packaging and labeling.

Skills

LOPA knowledge

Medical terminology

Tech resources

Relationship building

Email/Word processing

Adaptability

Confidentiality

Verbal and written communication

Education

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

Job description

Position Summary

A Tissue Recovery Technician is responsible for the recovery, culturing and packaging of human

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