VETERINARY HISTOLOGY TECHNICIAN ASSOCIATE - 02242026-75466

Job Information

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

Qualifications

Education and Experience: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, microbiology, medical technology, or related biological, physical or agricultural science field.

OR

Certified as a Histotechnician (HT) or equivalent from the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) and two years of laboratory experience that includes conducting routine tissue specimen grossing, processing and histology slide preparation.

Substitution of specific associate's degree for the required bachelor's degree: An associate's degree in biology, chemistry, microbiology, medical technology or any related field and two years of full-time relevant laboratory experience may substitute for the required bachelor's degree.

Substitution of Experience for Education: Qualifying full-time relevant laboratory experience may be substituted for the required education, on a year-for-year basis, to a maximum of four years.

Necessary Special Qualifications: A valid driver's license may be required.

Examination Method: Education and Experience, 100%, for Preferred Service positions.

Overview

Under immediate supervision, is responsible for learning to perform routine veterinary tissue specimen grossing, processing and slide preparation with a focus on ensuring accurate, high-quality work for diagnostic purposes. The Veterinary Histology Technician Associate is an entry-level classification where the technician will master essential histology techniques while adhering to laboratory quality assurance and safety protocols and differs from the next higher class, Veterinary Histology Technician Intermediate, in that incumbent of the latter functions at the working level under general supervision.

An applicant appointed to this Career Path series will be reclassified to the next higher class in the series after the following criteria are met: successful completion of a mandatory one-year probation period, employee has demonstrated they are fully proficient (as documented by the current supervisor and defined in DOHR Policy 22-001), and all required qualifications of the Veterinary Histology Technician Intermediate are met; `unacceptable' or `needs improvement performance during the probation period will result in automatic demotion or termination.

Responsibilities

1. Learns to receive, log, sort, and prioritize tissue specimens.
2. Learns to process Gross formalin-fixed tissues, recognizing organ types and abnormalities and section specimens at appropriate thickness and orientation based on postmortem tissue type or mail-in biopsy specimens.
3. Learns to retrieve, review and enter data and photos in the LIMs software
4. Assists in the orientation and training of volunteers and interns.
5. Learns to process and embed tissue specimens to preserve cellular structure.
6. Learns to cut tissue sections using a microtome, mount sections onto slides and perform routine histologic staining procedures (e.g., Hematoxylin & Eosin; special stains as requested).
7. Learns to conduct routine stain (e.g., Hematoxylin & Eosin, grams etc.)
8. Adheres to all laboratory quality assurance protocols and safety regulations, including the proper accumulation and disposal of histological and grossing chemical wastes.
9. Learns to maintain accurate records of specimen, slide, and consumables inventory, including the weekly rotation and disposal of fixed tissue archives.
10. Learns to operate and perform basic cleaning of histology equipment (e.g., microtomes, embedding centers, bandsaw) and work area.
11. Learns to review existing work instructions (WIs) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and offer feedback.
12. Participates in quality control and quality assurance activities.
13. Learns to manage collection and proper disposal of waste formalin and decalcification solution.

Competencies (KSA's)

Competencies

1. Situational Adaptability
2. Develops Talent
3. Strategic Mindset
4. Plans and Aligns
5. Action Oriented

Knowlegdes

1. Biology
2. Customer and Personal Service
3. Chemistry
4. Psychology
5. Public Safety and Security

Skills

1. Active Learning and Listening
2. Critical Thinking
3. Learning Strategies
4. Time Management
5. Equipment Maintenance

Abilities

1. Inductive Reasoning
2. Spatial Orientation
3. Multilimb Coordination
4. Visualization
5. Glare Sensitivity

Tools & Equipment

1. Sharp Instruments
2. Microtome
3. Tissue Processor
4. Automatic Stainer and IHC Stainer
5. Robotic Coverslipper