02/10/1998 53335

VETERINARY LABORATORY IMMUNOLOGY SERVICES MANAGER

DEFINITION: This is professional and managerial work in directing immunologic diagnostic services in the State Veterinary Laboratory in the Department of Agriculture. The employee in this class trains and supervises immunologic 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 immunological diagnostic findings and reports. Work is reviewed by the Chief of State Veterinary Laboratory.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Directs staff in the performance of immunologic diagnostic services including those bacteriologic, virologic, and fungal infections of mammals (including mammalian and avian) specimens. Tests may include ELISA, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, etc.

Trains, directs and supervises laboratory workers in the performance of immunologic examinations, including preparation and examination of results, cataloguing and storage of specimens and reporting of examinations and diagnoses.

Identifies and does research and development on new immunologic tests and applies these tests to the detections of important diseases of animals (both mammals and birds).

Directs the maintenance of an immunologic 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 and infectious agents 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 immunologic examinations for the diagnosis of diseases of animals (both mammals and birds).

Knowledge of immunological pathogenic organisms.

Ability to supervise immunologic 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. degree 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 or immunology my be substituted for microbiologist/immunologist experience on a year-for-year basis up to 3 years.