09/01/1993 53333

VETERINARY LABORATORY PATHOLOGY SERVICES MANAGER

DEFINITION: This is professional work in the management of pathology diagnostic services in the full service statewide diagnostic laboratory, in the Bureau of Animal Industry, Department of Agriculture.

This position directs state-of-the-art pathology diagnostic services in an accredited full service laboratory in accordance with standards set by the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians. Training and supervision is given to pathology service employees, including veterinarians. Consultation is provided to other laboratory diagnosticians for the diagnosis of animal and avian diseases. This position reports to the Diagnostic Services Chief, Bureau of Animal Industry and provides technical advice and testimony to document laboratory pathology findings and reports that are subject to legal challenge.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Directs a pathology diagnostic service including gross and histopathologic examination of carcasses and tissues.

Assists other laboratory section heads with diagnostic problems.

Trains, directs and supervises laboratory workers and veterinary diagnosticians in the performance of a complete pathology diagnostic service including preparation and examination of specimens, cataloging and storage of specimens and reporting of examinations and diagnoses.

Maintains diagnostic quality assurance program of continuing education and consultation with reference laboratories.

Maintains a system to assure the integrity and security of samples.

Provides advice and consultation to Bureau Division Chiefs regarding causes and pathogenesis of diseases of animals and poultry.

Participates in the acquisition and accounting of supplies.

Attends and participates in meetings regarding animal and avian disease detection and control measures.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the principles and practices of veterinary medicine.

Knowledge of the special field of veterinary pathology.

Knowledge of administrative practices and procedures including personnel management.

Ability to perform antemortem and postmortem examination of animals and birds including definitive histological examination of tissues.

Ability to supervise the preparation of specimens for microscopic examination including state-of-the-art staining techniques.

Ability to prepare reports and make technical presentations.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Three years of experience as a veterinarian in veterinary pathology in a university, government or industrial laboratory. Graduate veterinary training in veterinary pathology may be substituted for the required experience on a year-for-year basis. The graduate training must have been gained after attainment of a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: Possession of an active license to practice veterinary medicine in the United States.