Position Title: Vet Lab Specialist,Assc

Employee Classification: Vet Lab Specialist,Assc

College/Division: New Mexico Dept of Agriculture

Department: 181300-NMDA VETERINARY DIAGNOSTIC SVC

Internal or External Search: External - Open to all applicants

Location: Remote Locations

Offsite Location (if applicable): Albuquerque, New Mexico

Target Hourly/Salary Rate:  $15.00/hr

Appointment Full-time Equivalency:  1.0

Exempt or Non-Exempt:  Non-Exempt

Summary:  The New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA) works for the benefit of the state’s citizens and supports the viability of agriculture and affiliated industries. NMDA promotes food protection, a uniform, and fair marketplace, and global marketing and economic development; supports the beneficial use of natural resources; and works cooperatively with public and private sector entities. Opportunities for excellence abound, and NMDA staff dedicate themselves to proactive service in fulfilling the department’s mission. Each division plays an important role in carrying out the goals and objectives. Our rich agricultural history, culture, and traditions are addressed through new and innovative approaches using the latest in science, technology, and economic strategies. In New Mexico, we contribute to the safest and most affordable, and nutritious food supply on the globe.

NMDA is a constitutional agency organized under the Board of Regents of New Mexico State University (NMSU). This unique relationship creates efficiencies and opportunities for New Mexico’s food and agriculture sector as well as service and outreach opportunities for NMSU, making NMDA an integral part of the university. NMDA/NMSU is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.

Classification Summary:
Under direct supervision, performs a variety of duties in a veterinary diagnostic laboratory setting. Provides laboratory support, responsibilities may include, but are not limited to specimen receiving and distribution to testing laboratories; cleaning, break down, and storage of laboratory equipment and supplies as appropriate. Provides office support, responsibilities may include, but are not limited to data/results entry, answering the telephone, filing of case records, assisting visitors. Assists with data entry and keeping of routine records and reports on laboratory results according to established procedures. Conduct records management (equipment logs, specimen referral, carcass disposition, case records). Assignments may be confidential in nature.

Classification Standard Duties:
Safely and accurately handle and accession animal diagnostic specimens (e.g., blood, tissue, carcasses, and/or other biological specimens, etc.), including receipt and documentation according to established procedures. Transporting laboratory materials and/or specimens to and from other laboratories as required. Preparing specimens, media, and cleaning up after labs as appropriate to the specific task. Prepare and ship supply orders to clients, and assist in maintaining inventories. Greeting and directing visitors. Accurately enter case data and test results into LIMS. Assist with case files and records for the laboratory. Distribute preliminary and final test results to clients in a timely manner. Prepare and ship specimens to laboratories with proper paperwork. Assist as needed in other laboratory sections without creating deficiencies in primary duties. Learn and incorporate the laboratory Quality Management System into daily duties. Practices safety, environmental and/or infection control methods. Complies with policies concerning the various functions of the laboratory including a) safe and proper handling of laboratory materials and specimens; b) following detailed procedures and instructions in the preparation and breakdown of laboratory equipment, facilities, and solutions; c) using prescribed sterile procedures in the cleaning of lab equipment, facilities, and supplies. Miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Required Education, Experience, Certification/License, Equivalency
Required Education:Associate's Degree; Required Experience:None; Equivalency:Any equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience as approved by Human Resource Services; Required Certification/License:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
KNOWLEDGE:Knowledge of clerical and laboratory procedures and protocols. Knowledge of supplies ordering and inventory control. Knowledge of planning and scheduling techniques. Knowledge of university and department policies and procedures. Use of quality management system and knowledge of QA/QC procedures.; SKILLS:Skills in short- and long-term range planning. Strong interpersonal and communication skills. Skill in use of operating basic office and/or laboratory equipment. Records maintenance skills. Skill in organizing resources and establishing priorities. Use of personal computers to include word processing and/or data entry skills.; ABILITIES:Ability to maintain quality, safety, and/or infection control standards. Ability to understand and follow specific instructions and procedures. Ability to maintain accurate and orderly records. Ability to safely use cleaning equipment and supplies. Ability to set up, calibrate, operate, and maintain standard laboratory and test equipment. Develop and maintain effective working relationships. Perform detailed work. Ability to maintain confidentiality of records and information

Job Duties and Responsibilities
Safely and accurately handle and accession animal diagnostic specimens (e.g., blood, tissue, carcasses, and/or other biological specimens, etc.), including receipt and documentation according to established procedures. Transporting laboratory materials and/or specimens to and from other laboratories as required. Preparing specimens, media, and cleaning up after labs as appropriate to the specific task. Prepare and ship supply orders to clients, and assist in maintaining inventories. Greeting and directing visitors. Accurately enter case data and test results into LIMS. Assist with case files and records for the laboratory. Distribute preliminary and final test results to clients in a timely manner. Prepare and ship specimens to laboratories with proper paperwork. Assist as needed in other laboratory sections without creating deficiencies in primary duties. Learn and incorporate the laboratory Quality Management System into daily duties. Practices safety, environmental and/or infection control methods. Complies with policies concerning the various functions of the laboratory including a) safe and proper handling of laboratory materials and specimens; b) following detailed procedures and instructions in the preparation and breakdown of laboratory equipment, facilities, and solutions; c) using prescribed sterile procedures in the cleaning of lab equipment, facilities, and supplies. Miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications

Special Requirements of the Position
Individual would be included in Saturday work rotation with other staff.

A Cover letter is required.

Department Contact:  Cheryl Mason-Herrera, 575-646-7523, nmdahr@nmda.nmsu.edu

Contingent Upon Funding: Contingent upon funding

Bargaining Unit Eligibility: This is a bargaining unit position with American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

Standard Work Schedule: Shift: Other Shift

If Not a Standard Work Schedule: 7:30am - 4:30pm

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Environment: Work is performed in an interior medical/clinical environment.

Physical Effort: Moderate physical activity.

Lifting Requirements: Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 25 pounds or standing and/or walking for more than four (4) hours per day.

Risk: Work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks, which require following basic safety precautions.