03/03/1997 53334

CHIEF, DIVISION OF VETERINARY LABORATORIES

DEFINITION: This is highly responsible professional and administrative work at the Division level, in the Bureau of Animal Health and Diagnostic Services, directing the State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratories of the Department of Agriculture.

The employee in this class is responsible for planning, organizing and directing programs related to the research, identification, detection, and diagnosis of disease affecting domestic and wild animals and aquatic species in the Commonwealth. Work involves responsibility for the development and implementation of policies and procedures designed to insure efficient operation; directing the development and evaluation of test methods, procedures, techniques and systems for the detection of animal and aquatic diseases; providing laboratory diagnostic consultative services to veterinarians, animal industry enterprises and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in support of disease control programs and provides specialized laboratory diagnostic services in support of inter-state and international movement of animals and the diagnosis of diseases of animals that are communicable to man. Work involves the development and maintenance of acceptable standards for the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory accreditation. Work also includes serving as a primary advisor to the Director of the Bureau of Animal Health and Diagnostic Services on veterinary laboratory issues and working in collaboration with other institutions in the investigation and research of animal disease. Work is performed independently under the general direction of the Director of Animal Health and Diagnostic Services through the review of program plans, reports and periodic conferences.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Develops and implements policies and procedures designed to insure efficient Division operation and the direction of all Division administrative activities of laboratory.

Directs the development and maintenance of acceptable standards for the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory certification programs.

Initiate and collaborates with other institutions on applied, developmental and basic research investigations of animal health and disease.

Directs a laboratory diagnostic program for detecting and identifying diseases in animals both domestic and wild and aquatic species in the Department's laboratory in conjunction with the other laboratories in the system.

Studies, devises, and adopts improved testing and laboratory procedures and methods.

Interprets or verifies difficult or unusual analyses; plans and supervises the performance of special tests and projects.

Reviews and comments on proposed Federal and State legislation affecting the operation of Commonwealth Veterinary Diagnostic laboratories.

Supervises the preparation of reports summarizing laboratory activities, accomplishments, and needs, including recommendations for the formulation of policies, plans, and procedures.

Supervises, through section directors, laboratory and clerical personnel in Veterinary Laboratory Pathology Services, Veterinary Laboratory Microbiological Services, and Administration, Maintenance Sections.

Recruits, interviews and recommends selection of laboratory personnel.

Plans and directs the work of subordinates; approves and disapproves leave; completes and signs employee performance evaluation reports; receives and responds to grievances; and resolves or recommends resolution to grievances.

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

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the principles, practices, problems, and current developments in the field of laboratory technology as applicable to the operation of a state veterinary diagnostic laboratory.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of effective supervision, and public administration as applicable to the operation of a large veterinary diagnostic laboratory.

Knowledge of the uses and care of equipment used in a large veterinary diagnostic laboratory.

Knowledge of the Federal, state, and local agencies, resources, laws, regulations, and procedures which affect the operation of a statewide public health laboratory program.

Knowledge of the current principles and practices of animal diseases, including immunology, microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, toxicology, and veterinary pathology.

Ability to plan and organize the work of a professional, technical, and clerical staff engaged in the conduct of veterinary diagnostic laboratory services, research, and testing activities.

Ability to integrate Bureau priorities, procedures, and policies with Department of Agriculture programs and priorities.

Ability to advise and provide leadership to high-level Department officials in dealing with veterinary diagnostic laboratory issues and to recommend and advocate substantive policy change in veterinary diagnostic laboratory program development when necessary.

Ability to interpret and explain the impact of Federal, state and local agencies, resources, laws, regulations, procedures on the operation of a statewide veterinary diagnostic laboratory system.

Ability to use laboratory equipment in the evaluation and interpretation of tests and reports presenting unusual problems in diagnosis and involving important and responsible veterinary diagnostic decisions.

Ability to write or orally present technical reports explaining, summarizing, or promoting laboratory activities, achievements, and needs.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates, associates, legislators, other state agencies, Federal program officials, other private organization and the general public.

Ability to effectively and clearly communicate with animal owners and veterinarians in order to promote confidence in laboratory diagnostic services.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Five years post DVM or VMD experience performing veterinary Pathology, Microbiology or Immunology duties in a research and/or diagnostic laboratory, three of which were supervising technical and professional personnel.

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AVMA Board Certification in Pathology or Microbiology and one year of supervisory experience directing technical and professional personnel performing veterinary Pathology, Microbiology or Immunology duties in a research and/or diagnostic laboratory.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Possession of a degree in veterinary medicine from an AMVA accredited or AVMA approved college.