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Commonwealth of Pennsylvania |
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POSITION DESCRIPTION FOR JOB POSTING |
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Position Number: 50615444 |
Description Activated On: 8/25/2025 10:03:25 PM |
Position Purpose: Describe the primary purpose of this position and how it contributes to the organization’s objectives. Example: Provides clerical and office support within the Division to ensure its operations are conducted efficiently and effectively. This is a temporary technical position in the histology laboratory of the Pathology Services Section. It requires specialized knowledge of the science of histotechnology and related procedures. Employees in the Pathology services are occasionally called upon to help in the necropsy area and other areas of the laboratory when needed. |
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Description of Duties: Describe in detail the duties and responsibilities assigned to this position. Descriptions should include the major end result of the task. Example: Types correspondence, reports, and other various documents from handwritten drafts for review and signature of the supervisor. I. Standard histological procedures (90%) Trimming and formalin fixing tissues Trims formalin fixed tissues into cassettes assuring proper orientation of for exposure of lesions or special anatomical features and their edges, and special anatomical landmarks. Procedures may include decalcification of mineralized tissue. Processing tissues Uses a tissue processor according to the manufacturer’s specifications including preventive maintenance and documentation of fluid changes. Embedding tissues Assures proper orientation for exposure of lesions or special anatomical features and their edges, and special anatomical landmarks. Microtomy Uses microtome to section paraffin embedded tissues onto appropriate glass slides for staining. Staining 1. Uses standard hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stain and special stains, as well as immunohistochemistry (IHC). 2. Follows standard procedures according to SOPs, standard reference texts and kit package inserts. 3. Evaluates stained sections for tinctorial quality and maintain records as specified. 4. Trouble shoots and solves problems that arise with help of senior technician or a supervisor. 5. Maintains supplies, solutions and kits. Cover slipping Applies coverslips as per lab standard procedures. II. Pathology procedures (10%) A. Receives animals and specimens 1. Interview submitters in person or on the phone to obtain purpose of submission, signalment, history, owner and veterinarian information including reporting and billing information, and other information pertinent to the submission. Ensure appropriate paperwork is complete and legible. Provide submitters with necessary forms, documents and instructions. 2. Accession specimens using the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), scan paperwork, make appropriate logbook entries, label specimens, and prepare specimens and paperwork for evaluation, sampling and distribution. B. Directly assist pathologists in conducting necropsies and sample collection. C. Processing materials 1. Collect, package, label and distribute specimens for testing with appropriate paperwork. Enter test requests into LIMS. 2. Preserve, package and ship specimens to PADLS and referral laboratories for testing. 3. Preserve and store specimens for future use. 4. Trim fixed tissues and submit for histologic processing. 5. Assure that complete and accurate data regarding specimens and testing are maintained in LIMS. D. Laboratory sanitation and maintenance Assists with maintaining (including disinfection of equipment and space) autopsy suites, and other areas in pathology services and arranges for disposal. E. Standard laboratory tests Conducts standard parasitological examination tests. III. Quality Assurance (QA) and Control A. Knows location of SOPs, understands and follows them, documenting deviations when necessary. B. Selects appropriate control materials as required for particular procedures C. Evaluates the performance and monitors the quality and usage of all controls and solutions to assure their potency and performance and to verify appropriate results D. Maintains records documenting the source, identity, authenticity, applicability and validity of control E. Maintains documents necessary to support the integrity of test results. F. Performs and documents routine observations on and maintenance of equipment and processes. G. Maintains historical records of observations, calibration and maintenance regarding equipment. IV. Safety A. Observes laboratory and Department safety policies and practices. B. Uses appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) as specified. C. Does not use unsafe, or malfunctioning equipment. D. Does not use equipment or perform duties in an unsafe manner. E. Immediately informs supervisor of faulty equipment or unsafe conditions. F. Attends mandatory and optional training programs for safety in the laboratory. G. Secures, maintains and uses Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) consistent with laboratory policy. H. Recommends PPE, policies and practices that enhance safety in the laboratory. I. Reports accidents, injuries and incidents consistent with laboratory and Department policy. V. Miscellaneous duties and responsibilities A. Provides temporary coverage in other areas of the lab when necessary B. Performs other work related to this class as assigned including but not limited to necropsy and parasitology duties. C. In the case of a high consequence disease outbreak, employees who have susceptible species at the property where they reside, can be required to isolate themselves from interaction with susceptible species at home or venues outside of their work duties for a specified period as determined by best current scientific departmental guidelines. VI. The employee is responsible for adhering to the laboratory’s quality system. The quality system includes all aspects of compliance with the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians’ Requirements for Laboratory Accreditation. |
Decision Making: Describe the types of decisions made by the incumbent of this position and the types of decisions referred to others. Identify the problems or issues that can be resolved at the level of this position, versus those that must be referred to the supervisor. Example: In response to a customer inquiry, this work involves researching the status of an activity and preparing a formal response for the supervisor’s signature. - Employee works under guidance of senior technical staff, supervisor and manager - Identify specimens for routine procedures and process them. - Select sources of stains or reagents that offer superior qualities. - Identify malfunctions of equipment and processes. Implement appropriate solutions to rectify the problem. Advise management of the situation. - When human health might be compromised by a condition in animals, select shipping, testing and referral paradigms that optimize the delivery of results to the affected parties. - Use experience and technical knowledge to select and preserve specimens for possible additional testing without further direction from management. - Provide assistance for other groups for without specific supervisory approval. - Provide assistance for urgent work. If overtime is needed approval must be obtained from the supervisor in advance. |
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Requirements Profile: Identify any specific experience or requirements, such as a licensure, registration, or certification, which may be necessary to perform the functions of the position. Position-specific requirements should be consistent with a Special Requirement or other criteria identified in the classification specification covering this position. Example: Experience using Java; Professional Engineer License Experience: Licenses, registrations, or certifications: 1. N/A 2. N/A 3. N/A 4. N/A 5. N/A 6. N/A |
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Essential Functions: Provide a list of essential functions for this position. Example: Transports boxes weighing up to 60 pounds.
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