Recovery Technician

Position Summary

The Recovery Technician is responsible for performing aseptic surgical recovery of ocular tissue from deceased donors for transplant, research, and education, ensuring compliance with FDA, EBAA, and organizational protocols. This role supports recovery operations and cross-functional teams including Quality Assurance and Distribution, Research, and contributes to the organization’s mission by maintaining professionalism in sensitive environments, ensuring accurate documentation, and facilitating safe transport of recovered tissue.

Responsibilities

• Respond promptly to donor notifications and plan for timely recoveries.

• Confirm consent documentation and Donor Risk Assessment information.

• Perform sterile surgical recovery of ocular tissue using in-situ or enucleation techniques.

• Draw and qualify blood samples for serological testing.

• Perform donor physical assessments and review medical records for eligibility.

• Label and package tissue and specimens per SOPs for transport to processing labs and consignees.

• Ship donor blood samples to reference laboratories.

• Enter donor and recovery data into approved databases.

• Maintain compliance with FDA, EBAA, and internal SOP standards.

• Uphold sterile technique and high standards of safety throughout all procedures.

• Maintain accurate documentation and reporting of recovery activities.

• Maintain laboratory equipment and work areas in compliance with SOPs and work instructions.

• Ensure readiness of instruments and supplies for recovery procedures.

• Participate in team meetings and training sessions.

• Attend departmental meetings and contribute to performance reviews when requested.

• Ensure accurate data entry into electronic systems and utilize digital tools for tissue tracking and compliance reporting.

• On-Call Availability: Be available for on-call shifts to respond to urgent recovery requests.

• Stay updated on changes in FDA/EBAA standards and participate in policy updates.

• Provide feedback on recovery processes to support continuous improvement initiatives.

Expectations

• Demonstrate accuracy, timeliness, and attention to detail in all work.

• Manage multiple priorities effectively while meeting established deadlines.

• Communicate clearly and professionally with internal and external stakeholders.

• Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.

• Exhibit initiative in identifying needs, solving problems, and improving processes.

• Support a culture of collaboration, respect, and accountability.

• Demonstrate reliability and follow-through on assigned responsibilities.

• Adapt to changing priorities and demonstrate flexibility in a fast-paced environment.

• Seek clarification and feedback to ensure understanding of expectations and outcomes.

• Uphold the organization's mission, values, and commitment to quality service.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience and an associate's degree in a related field preferred.

• Excellent documentation, organization, and assessment skills.

• Computer literacy and familiarity with databases and office software.

• Strong attention to detail with ability to manage multiple priorities accurately and efficiently.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with internal and external contacts.

• Position will require evening, weekend, or holiday work based on organizational needs.

• Must maintain confidentiality and protect sensitive information.

• Valid drivers license and proof of insurance.

Physical Demands

• Must be able to perform duties that require standing, walking, bending, lifting, and reaching.

• Ability to push / pull up to 350 lbs.

• Requires manual dexterity, hand-eye coordination, and visual acuity to perform detailed tasks and operate equipment.

• Must be able to work in varied environments such as hospitals, surgical suites, laboratories, or other field settings.

• Requires ability to sit or stand for extended periods and to drive for work-related travel.

• Must be able to use personal protective equipment (PPE) as required by organizational and regulatory standards.

• Ability to respond to job-related demands during irregular hours, including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays as assigned.

• Must be able to communicate clearly and effectively in person, by phone, and through digital platforms.