Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Laboratory Technician

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s Wildlife Health Laboratory is seeking one chronic wasting disease (CWD) laboratory technician. This position is responsible for assisting with the department’s statewide chronic wasting disease (CWD) surveillance within a laboratory setting. This position will be 6 months in duration, with plans to start around early September.

Human Resource Contact: Dezzaree Schott/ dezzaree.schott@wyo.gov

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

• Prepares, processes, and handles tissue and blood samples.
• Follows quality assurance procedures, including documentation.
• Accesses, tracks, and organizes CWD samples.
• Enters and manages datasets.
• Maps locations of hunter harvests utilizing OnX Hunt software and paper maps.
• Maintains a clean, organized, and productive laboratory space.
• Transports samples between processing and testing laboratories.
• Uses knowledge of CWD to accurately respond to inquiries from the public.
• Collects tissues from hunter-harvested deer, elk, and moose (at the Laramie Regional office).
• Maintains laboratory equipment.
• Prepares laboratory reagents as needed.
• Assists with other laboratory duties as required. Potential to help with wildlife sampling/capture in the field.

Qualifications

PREFERENCES/**AGENCY REQUIREMENTS:
 
Preference may be given to those with a high school diploma, plus two years of work experience in fish and wildlife resource management, research, or biology.
Preference may be given to those with two years of college coursework toward a bachelor’s degree in wildlife management, biology, molecular biology, microbiology, zoology, or other closely related fields; other related training and experience will be evaluated for placement in this position.
 
 **Must have a valid driver’s license.
 **Successful applicants for employment must pass a background check prior to appointment.
 
 KNOWLEDGE: 

• Must be self-motivated and able to maintain a positive attitude throughout the duration of employment.
• Must have an interest in learning, a basic understanding of the function of a diagnostic lab, and the ability to accurately perform laboratory protocols in order to obtain valid results.
• Able to follow PPE requirements while on duty (eye protection, gloves, lab coat, etc.).
• Pays attention to detail, instruction, and has good organizational skills.
• Needs to communicate effectively and develop good working relationships with all employees.
• Able to work both independently and in close cooperation with others.
• Able to perform monotonous tasks for long periods while continuing to be productive.
• Able to work overtime during peak testing demand.
• Able to work efficiently under time constraints.
• Possesses strong problem-solving skills, the ability to multitask and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Able to maintain workflow efficiency.
• Able to drive a 4X4 vehicle around the state. Has strong professional and work ethics.
• Has an interest in learning about diseases in wildlife

PHYSICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Ability to sit at a laboratory bench or computer for long periods.
• Ability to process bloody, foul-smelling tissue samples.
• Ability to work with bleach.

NOTES:

• FLSA: Non-exempt
• Seeking one six-month position located in Laramie, WY.
• Position is expected to start in early September.

Supplemental Information

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.