Risevoic
Preservationist
Company : Oregon Health & Science University
Location : Portland, OR, 97201
Job Type : Full Time / Part Time
Date Posted : 1 January 2026
Department Overview
As the Preservationist, you willl provide organ recovery services of all organs for transplant/research in the Donor Service Area (DSA) hospitals in Oregon, southern Washington, and southwest Idaho. Organ recovery services includes: transporting recovery supplies to the donor hospital, educating and assisting hospital staff with proper donor recovery room set up and procedure, organ preservation- including mechanical perfusion, organ and specimen packaging, final placement, and transportation of organs to the transplant hospitals.
As the organ recovery and preservation subject matter experts, the Preservationist also provides guidance to hospital Operating Room staff in educational settings.
Additionally, the Preservationist is responsible for office tasks that support the organ recovery and preservation mission.
Function/Duties of Position
Coordinates all aspects of the surgical recovery for the effective and timely preservation, packaging, placement, and transportation of organs for transplant or research
Manages all aspects of mechanical perfusion while maintaining sterile technique including, cannulation, placement on pump, implementing interventions, monitoring, reporting, and delivery.
- Participates in office responsibilities including, but not limited to: supply and equipment management, meetings, trainings, committees, and special projects.
Accesses and manages privileged information in 82 partner donor hospitals in order to fulfill the mission of organ donation. Examples include collection and reporting of culture results and donor management goal data.
Develops and delivers individualized curriculum to educate partner hospital staff regarding the need for coordination and assistance in the organ recovery process. Cooperates with Hospital Development Coordinators in conducting After Action Reviews
- Other duties as assigned
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's of Science Degree with healthcare related focus or equivalent experience
- 2-years recent relevant clinical or donation related experience or equivalent
- Must have a valid driver's license and access to a vehicle
Job Related Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Competencies):
- Extensive clinical healthcare knowledge base, with the ability to quickly and independently exercise sound clinical judgement in an often-stressful environment.
- Excellent communication skills, flexible, highly motivated, a good team member with a positive attitude.
- Must be able to work in an adaptive fashion with a wide range of professional and nonprofessional constituents including but not limited to governmental officials, students, healthcare staff and the public.
Preferred Qualifications
- American Board for Transplant Certification CTP credential
- Operating Room experience
- Kidney perfusion experience
- Certified Transplant Preservationist (CTP) certification required within two years of hire
- Extensive experience as a preservationist in an AOPO accredited OPO
Additional Details
The Preservationist will manage and assist in organ recovery, allocation, preservation, and follow-up of donated organs. The Preservationist is on-call for 24 hour periods, must travel by charter and commercial aircraft, and manage organ recovery and preservation in the hospital OR setting. Additionally, there are office-based responsibilities and activities as list above.
Benefits
- Medical, dental and vision coverage at low or no cost to employees Covered 100% for full-time employees and 88% for dependents
- Several retirement plans to choose from! – Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan and University Pension Plan, voluntary savings plans (403b, 401a and 457b)
- Up to 200 hours (equal to 25 full days) a year of paid time off
- 96 hours of sick leave a year (prorated by FTE status)
- Commuter subsidies
- Tuition reimbursement
- Employee discounts to local and major businesses
All are welcome
Oregon Health & Science University values a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We are proud of our commitment to being an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization that does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any protected class status, including disability status and protected veteran status. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply. To request reasonable accommodation contact the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Department at 503-494-5148 or aaeo@ohsu.edu.Top trending job titles hiring now
Frequently asked questions
In Portland's medical environment, a Preservationist applies advanced clinical skills to maintain organ vitality, using mechanical perfusion and sterile packaging. Their role is critical in coordinating timely recovery and transport across Oregon, southern Washington, and southwest Idaho to maximize transplant success.
OHSU Preservationists navigate a large donor service area involving 82 partner hospitals, requiring expert coordination and education for diverse clinical teams. The role demands adaptability for on-call duties, frequent travel, and managing high-stakes organ preservation under stringent protocols.
Preservationists often progress by obtaining specialized certifications like the Certified Transplant Preservationist credential, expanding expertise in organ perfusion technologies, and moving into supervisory or educational roles within organ procurement organizations or transplant centers.
Relevant clinical exposure includes operating room familiarity, transplant-related procedures, and experience with mechanical kidney perfusion. Hands-on healthcare backgrounds combined with knowledge of sterile techniques and donor management significantly enhance candidacy.
OHSU's Preservationists integrate extensive regional coordination with educational outreach, supporting a wide network of hospitals. The position combines hands-on organ recovery with administrative duties and requires maintaining certifications specific to transplant preservation.
At OHSU, a commitment to diversity and inclusion shapes collaboration, encouraging Preservationists to engage with varied healthcare professionals and community members. This inclusive environment fosters ongoing learning and adaptability, essential in high-pressure transplant scenarios.
Preservationists in Portland typically earn between $65,000 and $85,000 annually, influenced by experience and certifications. Positions at academic medical centers like OHSU may offer competitive benefits alongside base pay, reflecting the specialized and critical nature of organ preservation roles.
The Certified Transplant Preservationist (CTP) credential is highly regarded locally, often required within two years of hire. Additionally, experience with American Board for Transplant Certification and operating room proficiency enhances job prospects in the Portland transplant community.
Portland's status as a major transplant hub results in steady demand for Preservationists, supported by OHSU's extensive donor network. Compared to smaller markets, this region offers more frequent openings and opportunities for specialization in organ recovery and preservation.
Many assume the role is solely clinical, but it also involves significant education, logistics, and administrative tasks. Preservationists must balance hands-on organ care with training hospital staff and managing complex data across multiple partner hospitals.