Open Until Filled

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) Veterinary Services branch is seeking a Wildlife Laboratory Diagnostician. This position will join a highly collaborative team of wildlife specialists, wildlife laboratory diagnosticians, and veterinarians, to support the wildlife health research and management aims of the WGFD. Primary responsibilities include sample processing and analysis, data analysis, reporting, and archiving of wildlife and wildlife pathogen samples. Additional responsibilities include laboratory inventory management, field collection of wildlife and wildlife pathogen samples, tissue sample collection support, quality assurance and control, and other duties as assigned. This position helps manage statewide disease surveillance for brucellosis, chronic wasting disease (CWD), and bighorn sheep respiratory disease and performs diagnostics for a range of wildlife diseases. This position is responsible for sampling, processing, and testing using laboratory procedures and equipment and reporting results to sportspersons and agency personnel.

This permanent position includes benefits (health insurance, paid vacation, sick leave, and retirement) and is located in Laramie, WY.

Who We Are:
The Veterinary Services Branch and Wildlife Health Laboratory provide surveillance, diagnostic,research and management support for a variety of wildlife diseases across the state of Wyoming. We strive to better understand how wildlife disease may impact wildlife populations in the short and long term by evaluating disease prevalence throughout the state and their mechanisms of transmission. This information is used by managers to better conserve Wyoming's wildlife.

Where We Are:
Laramie is a town of 30,000 located in a high mountain valley in the heart of the Rocky Mountain West. Laramie offers both outstanding recreational opportunities and close proximity to Colorado's Front Range, a bustling group of metropolitan cities including Denver, Boulder, and Fort Collins. This beautiful mountain landscape offers outdoor enjoyment in all seasons, with over 300 days of sunshine annually. For more information about the region, please visit http://visitlaramie.org/ 

Human Resource Contact: Alice Saldana / alice.saldana2@wyo.gov

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:  The listed functions are illustrative only and are not intended to describe every function which may be performed at the job level.

• Staewide CWD surveillance, including tissue collection, data entry, sample processing, testing, reporting, and data management. Must maintain annual federal CWD testing (ELISA) certification.
• Statewide brucellosis (B. abortus) surveillance, including data entry, sample processing, testing, reporting, and data management. Must maintain annual federal certification for Brucella abortus serological tests (FPA).
• Microbiological culture of tissues and fluids for the isolation and identification of various respiratory pathogens and zoonotic pathogens such as Brucella abortus.
• Serological testing (ELISA or microagglutination testing) for a variety of other wildlife diseases.
• Develop, maintain, and adhere to standard operating procedures, quality control and management, nonconformance documentation, and corrective action reports on diagnostic assays and laboratory equipment to meet ISO 17025 and NAHLN requirements.
• Submission of laboratory casework using databases, spreadsheets, and LIMS programs.
• Dissemination of laboratory results by communicating with sportspersons, agency personnel, and numerous state and federal agencies.
• Design and manage wildlife disease databases, spreadsheets, tables, statistical programs, and reports.
• Analyze reports, scientific publications, and articles to develop and validate new PCR, microbiological, and serological laboratory assays.
• Retrieval of big and trophy game carcasses and other wildlife species from various locations using a four-wheel-drive pickup and electric winch.
• Collection of specimens for diagnostic testing from carcasses or live animals under field conditions in adverse weather conditions and steep terrain.

PREFERENCES/**AGENCY REQUIREMENTS:Preference may be given to individuals with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in biology, microbiology, molecular biology or a related field and at least two years’ veterinary or human diagnostic laboratory experience with specimens/testing, as well as client communication.

**Agency requires a valid driver's license.

KNOWLEDGE: 

• Knowledge of veterinary laboratory diagnostic techniques, interpretation, evaluation, and confirmation of laboratory results, as well as excellent troubleshooting skills.
• Proficiency with a variety of basic software systems with the ability to learn new applications quickly.
• Knowledge of proper laboratory safety precautions and procedures when handling zoonotic pathogens under BSL-2 conditions.
• Working knowledge of molecular techniques (nucleic acid extraction, PCR assays, troubleshooting, optimization, and protocol development).
• Must be able to foster and maintain effective, collaborative relationships; work well both independently and within a team.
• Ability to perform laboratory procedures and record-keeping with accuracy, precision, and efficiency.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Experience adhering to established procedures, including quality control (ISO-17025 / NAHLN / AAVLD) and safety standards.
• Ability to professionally interact with the public, University faculty and staff, departmental personnel, and representatives of various state and federal agencies.
• Willing to travel and work independently with little or no supervision.
• Ability to work outside, often for long periods in adverse weather conditions

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
 
Education:Bachelor's Degree (typically in Science) Experience:1-2 years of progressive work experience (typically in a medical or environmental laboratory) with acquired knowledge at the level of a Laboratory Scientist II OR Education & Experience Substitution:4-6 years of progressive work experience (typically in a medical or environmental laboratory) with acquired knowledge at the level of a Laboratory Scientist II Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:None

PHYSICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Ability to lift fifty (50) pounds or more without assistance.
• Ability to wear and work while wearing a respirator (PAPR, N95).  
• Ability to work outside in various weather conditions and terrain.
• Ability to operate a four-wheel-drive vehicle in various weather and road conditions.
• Ability to work with bleach

NOTES:

• FLSA:  Exempt
• 95% of this position involves laboratory diagnostics and data management within a veterinary laboratory; 5% of duties occur outside the laboratory.
• Successful applicants for employment must pass a background check prior to appointment.
• CDL is not required for this position. Travel is required.

Supplemental Information

040-Game & Fish Commission-Wildlife Divison

Click here to view the State of Wyoming Classification and Pay Structure.

URL: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/wyoming/default.cfm

The State of Wyoming is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively supports the ADA and reasonably accommodates qualified applicants with disabilities.
 Class Specifications are subject to change, please refer to the A & I HRD Website to ensure that you have the most recent version.