VETERINARY PATHOLOGIST - 02242026-75457

Job Information

LOCATION OF (1) POSITION(S) TO BE FILLED: DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, TECHNICAL SERVICES , DAVIDSON COUNTY

Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or equivalent degree and completion of a Residency training in veterinary anatomic pathology (includes veterinary diagnostics, necropsy, histopathology, or similar veterinary diagnostic laboratory-based pathology work in academia or industry), and the successful completion or eligibility for American College of Veterinary Pathologists (ACVP) or European College of Veterinary Pathologists (ECVP) certification.

OR

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or equivalent degree and a Master of Science (MS) in veterinary anatomic pathology (includes veterinary diagnostics, necropsy, histopathology, or similar veterinary diagnostic laboratory-based pathology work in academia or industry), and the successful completion or eligibility for American College of Veterinary Pathologists (ACVP) or European College of Veterinary Pathologists (ECVP) certification.

Necessary Special Qualifications: A valid vehicle operator's license may be required for employment in some positions.

EXAMINATION METHOD: Education and Experience, 100%, for Preferred Service positions.

Overview

Under immediate supervision, performs veterinary anatomic pathology activities (e.g., necropsy, histopathology, and ordering of ancillary diagnostics) for companion, production, and exotic animal species.

This is the entry-level class in the Veterinary Anatomic Pathologist sub-series, where the incumbent primarily focuses on developing proficiency in diagnostic pathology through hands-on experience and mentorship. Responsibilities include conducting routine necropsies and histopathological evaluations under supervision, assisting with case documentation, and participating in diagnostic discussions with senior pathologists. The role involves gaining experience in case interpretation, contributing to diagnostic reports, and collaborating with other laboratory personnel to ensure accurate and timely results. This class differs from the next higher class, Veterinary Anatomic Pathologist - Associate, in that incumbent of the latter functions at the working level under general supervision.

Responsibilities

1. Learns to and performs comprehensive necropsy and gross examination of animal carcasses including detailed evaluations of limbs and organs, under supervision, to assist in determining the cause of disease/death. Develops proficiency in recognizing gross lesions and correlating findings with clinical history.

2. Learns to and conducts detailed histopathological examination on postmortem and antemortem biopsy specimens under guidance, offering precise morphologic diagnoses and interpreting lesions in the context of clinical history, gross necropsy findings and ancillary diagnostic test results.

3. Learns to and engages with senior veterinary pathologists in discussions and shadows on complex necropsy and biopsy cases where cause of disease/death is not clear from gross/histopathological examination, learning diagnostic consistency and accuracy.

4. Learns to and works with Senior pathologists on legal cases and biopsies (companion or farm animal) to learn critical and quick reporting.

5. Learns to and orders appropriate ancillary diagnostic tests based on interpretation of clinical history provided, gross necropsy findings, client concerns, and submitted samples to determine cause of disease/death.

6. Learns to and compiles and interprets diagnostic findings by integrating clinical data, gross necropsy observations, histopathology findings, and ancillary diagnostic results into comprehensive case reports, ensuring clarity and accuracy.

7. Learns to and follows administrative policies (e.g., procurement, quality, and safety) to maintain laboratory efficiency, accuracy, compliance and safe laboratory operations.

8. Learns to and communicates with internal and external customers to gather detailed sample submission information and effectively communicate diagnostic results, managing responsibilities related to reportable diseases.

9. Learns to and trains and coordinates activities of technicians, and other team members of the laboratory.

10. Learns to and participates in mentorship and training programs to develop expertise in veterinary anatomic pathology, including attending professional development opportunities such as technical workshops, conferences, online courses and reviewing scientific literature to stay abreast of advancements in veterinary pathology.

Competencies (KSA's)

Competencies:

1. Manages Complexity
2. Decision Quality
3. Directs Work
4. Ensures Accountability
5. Situational Adaptability

Knowledges:

1. Biology
2. English Language
3. Public Safety and Security
4. Customer and Personal Service
5. Medicine and Dentistry

Skills:

1. Active Learning and Listening
2. Critical Thinking
3. Complex Problem Solving
4. Reading Comprehension
5. Writing

Abilities:

1. Limb and/or Full Body Coordination
2. Deductive Reasoning
3. Selective Attention
4. Near Vision
5. Visual Color Discrimination

Tools & Equipment

1. Microscopes
2. Hoist
3. Biosafety Cabinets, Respirators, and other PPE
4. Hand and Power Tools (e.g., loppers and saws)
5. Sharps (e.g., needles, knives, scissors and scalpels)