Technician I - Necropsy

Job Title

Technician I - Necropsy...

Agency

Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory

Department

College Station - Necropsy

Proposed Minimum Salary

$19.00 hourly

Job Location

College Station, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

TVMDL is currently recruiting a Technician I to join our College Station laboratory. The Technician I, under general supervision, will assist with necropsy procedures, collect and prepare samples, perform assays, and record and report results for various diagnostic specimens. This work involves performing general duties necessary to assist the duty pathologist, including dissection of animal carcasses, brain removal, spinal cord removal, procurement of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), and rabies samples; performing routine maintenance, calibration, and clean-up of equipment, floor, tools, autoclave, refrigerated spaces and tables in the necropsy floor; and sterilizing biohazard waste as necessary and properly dispose of waste following established safety guidelines. This role requires the performance of routine, repetitive tasks of straightforward to moderate complexity with considerable technical supervision and the ability to troubleshoot routine procedures with supervision.

Sample Prep, Sample Cataloging: Participates in sample processing by retrieving samples, ensuring samples are properly accessioned, entering case data into TVMDL?s laboratory information management system (LIMS), and ensuring samples are fit for testing. Reviews submittal forms and interprets test requests/client instructions. Assists the duty pathologist or lead technician in proper sample identification and cataloging. Follows TVMDL guidelines and communicate with other testing sections within the laboratory for proper routing and storage of testing samples. Files and catalogs samples. Mix formalin and disinfectants.

Testing: Follows standard procedures in conducting laboratory test methods, including aiding the duty pathologist with tissue collection on necropsies. Generates appropriate forms and test documentation. Uses and maintains laboratory equipment and other scientific apparatus. Performs all work in accordance with validated test methods, SOPs, procedures, employee training and proficiency, and equipment standards, as applicable. Prepares reagents, standards, and controls as needed.

Data Entry, Interpretation, Results: Read, compute, and record observations, results, and measurements into LIMS. Ensures documentation for all tests performed in the section meets quality assurance requirements.

Client Communication: Communicates with clients requesting basic testing details and capabilities. Contacts clients for clarification of tests requested or to obtain additional information about the samples submitted to necropsy.

Quality Assurance & Safety: Adheres and conforms to quality assurance and safety programs and procedures. Assists in identifying incidents of nonconformance and noncompliance. Actively participates in quality assurance and safety programs.

SOPs, Procedures, Forms, Other Documentation: Reviews quality assurance documents to ensure clarity of instructions for entry level Technicians.

Research, Reference Materials, Development: Assists in general research, cataloging reference materials, and researching new test methods.

Supplies, Stock, Inventory, Equipment: Catalogs incoming supplies and stock inventory. Informs management when supply inventory is low. Operates hoist and winch to unload large animal carcasses. Ensures that equipment (i.e. hoist, coolers and scales) in the necropsy floor are in working order and help coordinate necessary repairs. Stocks supplies as needed.

Administrative Roles: File, copy, and scan relevant paperwork, including worksheets, forms, accession forms, regulatory forms, quality assurance and safety documentation, equipment maintenance forms, and logbooks.

Training and Mentorship: Cross-trains in duties with other Technicians. Provide backup to fellow Technicians in case of absence. Completes proficiency tests for assigned assays. Helps train new employees who will participate in necropsy work, which may include employees in other sections and individuals who require after-hours duty training.

Teamwork & Cooperation: Fosters laboratory teamwork, cooperation, professional standards, and communications. Participates in cross-training with fellow Technicians in sections throughout the laboratory.

Other: Work shall be performed with adherence to federal, state, Texas A&M University System, and TVMDL safety rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. Performs work in such a way to avoid exposing others or oneself to hazards that are avoidable by reasonable and approved methods.

Position Details:
? This position is required to work onsite during normal business hours M-F 8 am to 5 pm and participate in flex scheduling by working occasional weekends.
? This position is enrolled in the TVMDL Salary Step Program, offering up to two pay increases in the first 18 months of employment for satisfactory performance.
? Incumbent will be required to take a pre-exposure rabies vaccination series; TVMDL will cover all costs.
? TVMDL is located on the campus of Texas A&M University (TAMU). Parking permits are available from TAMU at the expense of the employee.
? TVMDL is considered an essential component of the Texas A&M University System?TAMUS)?nd remains operational for a number of ?open holidays? in which overtime or compensatory time may be earned.
? This position may have access to equine or greyhound racing drug testing samples, records, and/or data and as such, the incumbent must have no financial interest in racehorses, racing greyhounds, or a racetrack, or any other conflict of interest within the racing industry. Furthermore, such employees shall have no investments in any racetrack nor receive any remuneration from a racetrack association, nor own or lease a racehorse or racing greyhound that is racing in the State of Texas. The incumbent may be required to consent to a background investigation through by the Texas Department of Public Safety including, but not limited to, fingerprinting of all TVMDL staff involved in drug testing for livestock and race animals.

Required Education and Experience:
? Bachelor?s degree in a related field or any equivalent combination of training and experience
? Knowledge of laboratory equipment, scientific apparatus, and computer equipment.
? Ensure attention to detail. Able to multitask and work cooperatively with others.
? Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Preferred Education and Experience:
? Experience working in a veterinary hospital or clinic.
? Experience with necropsy and/or animal dissections.
? Experience in a laboratory setting.
? Basic knowledge of mammalian and/or avian anatomy.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution?s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution?s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer

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