Veterinary Parasitology Technician (Day Shift)

Shift: Day

Schedule: Tues.- Sat.; 7:30am - 4:00pm

Pay: $22.74

PURPOSE OF JOB: 

The Parasitology Laboratory Technician performs laboratory analyses and tests. Prepares samples, sets up instruments, runs tests and reads, interprets and releases results.

 ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform each essential function. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

·        Sets up, runs, reads and releases lab tests.

·        Read ova and parasite slides and report results at a rate of 42/hour and Giardia at 100/hour.

·        Perform routine testing which may include fecal egg count, Baermann, Giardia ELISA, C. difficile toxin, Cryptosporidium – Giardia IFA, fecal occult blood and Parvovirus antigen testing on samples.

·        Exercises judgment in evaluating and reporting results.

·        Performs equipment maintenance activities.

·        Awareness of quality control and calibration.

·        Assists lead or supervisor with rechecks as directed.

·        Cross-train and develop knowledge of multiple specialties within department/lab.

·        Basic skills and proficiency (may sacrifice speed for accuracy until proficiency grows).

·        Applies job skills and lab policies and procedures to complete a variety of tasks.

·        Reads, understands and follows applicable Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's), including safety and quality procedures.  Maintains clean and organized work area.  Restocks supplies as needed.

·        May be cross-trained to perform other duties, such as performing less complex tests, including duties performed by Para Aide and Para Tech I.

·        Participates in improving lab efficiency, quality, and cooperation.

·        Consult with senior peers on non-complex Parasitology tasks to learn through experience.  

·        Performs other duties as assigned.

·        We share a collaborative obligation to ensure that we conduct ourselves in the utmost ethical manner and that we hold each other accountable to the values and standards of the organization.  Every employee has the responsibility to ask questions, seek guidance, and report concerns and/or violations of company policy or ethical standards. Antech Diagnostics has several processes in place to communicate with leadership and expects that employees will have a commitment to integrity and uncompromising values.      

 EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

·        High school diploma or equivalent with 6 months experience as a Parasitology Tech I, 1 year Vet Technician experience and/or 2, 3 or 4 year degree in Science-related field. 

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES:   

·        Laboratory skills, with experience setting up, running and reading lab tests and operating lab instruments preferred.

·        Knowledge of lab equipment and procedures.

·        Knowledge of medical and laboratory terminology and Parasitology procedures and equipment is helpful. 

·        General science background

·        Attention to detail

·        Organized with ability to multi-task in a fast paced environment

·        Ability to work independently and as part of a team

·        Communication skills, both verbal and written

·        Positive, can-do attitude

·        Knowledge of Good Clinical Practice (GCP) as appropriate

·        Personal computer skills, including strong typing ability and proficient use of Microsoft Office

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

• Extensive sitting, phone, and computer use
• Capable of standing continuously for up to 2 hours
• Extend and reach with hands and arms and use hands and fingers
• Occasionally required to bend, kneel, stoop, or crouch
• May be required to lift, move, and carry up to 20 lbs.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Hearing ability to effectively communicate via the telephone and in person
• Ability to communicate verbally on the phone and in person
• Fluency in the English language
• Extended hours may be needed
• Travel may be required if acting in a float capacity

WORK ENVIRONMENT: 

·        Laboratory environment with potential biohazards present

·        Works under close to moderate supervision with limited latitude for independent judgment.

·        Normally receives general instructions on routine work, detailed instructions on new assignments. 

·        Potential for exposure to agents known to cause zoonotic disease in humans and use of potentially hazardous chemicals as defined by the National Hazard Communication Standards. A complete list of such chemicals is available from department supervision.