Laboratory Scientist 2024-01414

SALARY

$19.40 Hourly

JOB TYPE

Contract Full-time

JOB NUMBER

2024-01414

DEPARTMENT

Game & Fish Commission

DIVISION

Wildlife

OPENING DATE

07/12/2024

CLOSING DATE

Continuous

FLSA

Determined by Position

JOB CLASSIFICATION

ATAW99

Description and Functions 
Open Until Filled

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: 
Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s Wildlife Health Laboratory is seeking a laboratory technician to assist with chronic wasting disease (CWD) surveillance during the fall and winter; duties will then transition to assisting with other disease surveillance and laboratory activities for the remainder of the contract. This position is responsible for assisting with the department’s statewide disease surveillance and data management within a laboratory setting. This position may offer opportunities to learn diagnostic techniques and assist with wildlife sampling/capture in the field. The position will be 12 months in duration.

Human Resource Contact: Alice Saldana / [email protected] 

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

• Prepares, processes, and handles tissue and blood samples. 
• Follows quality assurance procedures including documentation. 
• Accessions, 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 and carcasses within the state. 
• 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). 
• Prepares laboratory reagents. 
• Organizes and inventories samples. 
• Maintains field and laboratory equipment. 
• Assists with other laboratory duties as required. 

Qualifications

PREFERENCES/**AGENCY REQUIREMENTS:

Preference may be given to those with a bachelor’s degree or 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 have an interest in learning, and developing a basic understanding of the function of a diagnostic lab.
• Must be self-motivated and able to maintain a positive attitude throughout the duration of employment with strong work and professional ethics.
• Able to follow PPE requirements while on duty (eye protection, gloves, lab coat, etc.).
• Ability to communicate effectively and develop good working relationships with all employees. 
• Pays attention to detail and instruction, and has good organizational skills. 
• 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 organize and inventory samples.
• Able to drive 4X4 vehicles around the state. 
• Ability to learn complex diagnostic techniques and analyze results.

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
• This position is an At-Will Employment Contract 
• Successful applicants for employment must pass a background check before appointment.
• Statewide travel is required.
• Seeking one, twelve-month position located in Laramie, WY.
• The position is expected to start in early September.
• 95% of this position involves laboratory diagnostics and data management within a veterinary laboratory; 5% of duties occur outside of the laboratory.

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.