Wildlife Prosector

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Job Description Summary

The Wildlife Prosector assists the Wildlife Pathologist in autopsy (systematic dissection) of wild mammals, reptiles and birds for diagnostic purposes, as well as the dissection of tissues for chronic wasting disease (CWD) testing. Interaction with Pennsylvania Game Commission personnel and other Penn Vet/Wildlife Futures Program personnel is common. This position requires a collegial, detail-oriented individual who is not squeamish. In addition to assisting in dissection, routine responsibilities include tissue collection/disposal, processing tissues for further testing, data entry/data retrieval, and facility and equipment cleaning and upkeep. This position is located in Kennett Square, PA.

Job Description

Responsibilities include:

• Cadaver and tissue dissection, including for CWD testing
• Specimen handling, organization, and disposal or archiving
• Assist in maintaining a digital, centralized wildlife health database for both case submissions and specimen archiving, and performing associated computer data entry
• Assist with equipment and facility cleaning & maintenance of operations
• Client communications
• Courier service (back up for wildlife health technicians)
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

A Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Animal Husbandry, or a related field and 0-1 year of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required. Applicants having familiarity with domestic and/or wild animals will be preferred. Prophylactic vaccination for Rabies Virus is also required (costs covered by the employer). Applicants must be willing and able to drive a university-owned vehicle, to safely operate hand and power tools (e.g. bow saw, commercial-grade band saw, mechanical hoist), and be able to lift up to 40 pounds. This position requires a collegial, detail-oriented individual who is not squeamish. A valid driver's license is required. This position is contingent upon grant funding.

Physical Effort
Typically sitting at a desk or table; Occasional lifting 25 lb.

Job Location - City, State
Kennett Square, Pennsylvania

Department / School
School of Veterinary Medicine

Pay Range
$16.23 - $29.22

Affirmative Action Statement

Penn adheres to a policy that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.

Special Requirements

Background check required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.