02/10/1998 53332

VETERINARY LABORATORY MICROBIOLOGY SERVICES MANAGER

DEFINITION: This is professional and managerial work in directing microbiologic diagnostic services in the State Veterinary Laboratory in the Department of Agriculture. The employee in this class trains and supervises microbiologic service diagnosticians and technicians. Consultation is provided to other laboratory diagnosticians in diagnosing animal (both mammalian and avian) diseases. This employee is responsible for technical advice and testimony to document microbiologic diagnostic findings and reports. Work is reviewed by the Chief of the State Veterinary Laboratory.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Directs staff in the performance of microbiologic diagnostic services including bacteriologic, virologic, and fungal examination of animal (both mammalian and avian) specimens.

Trains, directs and supervises laboratory workers in the performance of microbiologic examinations including preparation and examination of specimens, cataloging and storing of specimens and reporting of examinations and diagnoses.

Directs the maintenance of a microbiologic diagnostic service quality assurance program including continuing education and consultation with reference laboratories.

Directs the maintenance of a system to assure the integrity and security of samples.

Oversees the maintenance of a system for management of hazardous substances for the protection of employees and the public and to prevent contamination of the environment.

Attends and participates in meetings regarding animal (both mammalian and avian) disease detection and control.

Employees in this class may participate in the performance of their subordinates work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND, ABILITIES: Knowledge of the principles and procedures of microbiologic examinations for the diagnosis of diseases of animals (both mammals and birds).

Knowledge of pathogenic organisms.

Knowledge of mammalian and avian disease processes.

Ability to supervise microbiological service diagnosticians and technicians involved in the microscopic examination of microorganisms including culture of microorganisms, preparation of media, special staining and operation of state-of-the-art equipment.

Ability to perform administrative practices and procedures, including personnel management.

Ability to prepare reports, maintain records and deliver technical presentations.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: A Ph.D. in microbiology/immunology from an accredited university or college and three years experience as a microbiologist / immunologist in a full-service research and/or diagnostic laboratory, one year of which was as a supervisor of laboratory personnel.

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Possession of a DVM/VMD degree in veterinary medicine from an AMVA or AVMA approved college and three years experience in a full-service research and/or diagnostic laboratory performing microbiologist/immunologist duties, one year of which was as a supervisor of laboratory personnel. Graduate training in microbiology may be substituted for microbiologist/immunologist experience on a year-for-year basis up to 3 years.