Association of Zoo Veterinary Technicians

Laboratory Technician/Veterinary Technician – Veterinary Services Department Internships

Alaska SeaLife Center 

The Alaska SeaLife Center, a non-profit organization in Seward, Alaska, is accepting application packets from individuals who have a desire to learn and perform laboratory techniques associated with hematology, sample collection, supply ordering and sample tracking. The Alaska SeaLife Center is dedicated to understanding and maintaining the integrity of the marine ecosystem of Alaska through research, rehabilitation, conservation and public education. This is a full time position for twelve weeks available in our spring and summer sessions.

 Reports to: Senior Veterinary Technician and/or Laboratory Technician

 Open Sessions: Spring & Summer

 Requirements:  Applicants must be currently enrolled in an accredited college or university with a primary area of study in the field of Chemistry, Biology, Vet Science or any other science related field.  Recent college graduates within the last two years may also apply.  Candidates should exhibit a strong interest in laboratory techniques and bench work.  Candidates must have strong computer skills.  Applicants must have the ability to understand and follow written and oral instruction, and have effective communication skills.  Applicants should be agile with a good sense of balance in order to maneuver around laboratory equipment, exhibits and holding areas, and must be able to lift 30 pounds.  Applicants must possess the ability to adapt to an ever-changing work environment, and be available to work nights, weekends and holidays.  Public speaking skills are highly encouraged.  Proof of current, within one year, Tuberculosis skin test and Tetanus booster, or physician’s exemption is required.

 Essential Job Duties May Include:
General: Maintain a thoroughly clean and organized laboratory environment, including tools and instruments. Maintain organized and legible records associated with chain of sample custody, sample processing and allocation, and sample storage. Assist with data entry and proofing. Maintain a high QA/QC standard and assist to improve efficiency of data collection and processing where appropriate.  Assist veterinarians with routine exams and performing necropsies when necessary.  Performs other duties relating to the Center’s goals and mission statement as required.
Hematology: Assist with collection and processing of routine blood samples taken from marine mammals and seabirds. Work with laboratory technicians to perform plasma/serum separations, prepare blood slides, and obtain measurements of hematocrit, total proteins, fibrinogen, and white blood cells. Perform serum chemistries using an automated analyzer.
Radiology:  Assiting with the taking and processing of x-rays.
Water Quality:  Assisting with weekly water quality testing.
Sample Tracking: Assist with tracking all incoming samples as well as assisting in shipping samples to outside researchers.  Assist with updating medical and laboratory records and logs.  Must be able to work with a database computer program.  Must be willing to work both with frozen samples and in walk-in freezers.
Supply Maintenance: Assist with purchasing, organizing and inventorying consumable supplies for the laboratories.

This is an unpaid position.  Housing and a food stipend are provided to those participating in our intern program.  Interns are responsible for all travel expenses including transportation from Anchorage to Seward.

Send a cover letter, resume, application and two letters of reference to:

Alaska SeaLife Center          Attn: HR Specialist        P.O. Box 1329        Seward, AK 99664

Telephone: (907)224-6307          Fax: (907)224-6320          Web Site: www.alaskasealife.org