Position Title: Vet Lab Specialist,Inter

Employee Classification: Vet Lab Specialist,Inter

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:  19.28

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 general supervision. Coordinates, oversees, and/or performs a wide variety of specialized support activities in a veterinary diagnostic laboratory setting. Provides and coordinates staff and office support. Assignments may be confidential in nature. Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to: providing liaison to external entities within the focused program initiative for an identified client-oriented operational entity; assisting in the resolution of complex and/or confidential administrative matters; tracking of documentation and/or automated processes; ensuring accurate and timely test results reporting, and entry of results and billing charges into an electronic laboratory information management system (LIMS);

Classification Standard Duties:
Oversees and administers day-to-day activities related to veterinary laboratory support activities. Maintains effective liaison with local, state, and federal animal regulatory agencies as well as veterinary laboratory clientele; represents the department and University with respect to program activities. Identifies quality concerns and recommends solutions, including participation in development of standard operating procedures related to assigned duties, in addition to objectives for the unit and recommendations for methods and procedures to enhance operations as appropriate. Provides identification, assessment, and problem-solving on a range of issues to include but not limited to case submissions, investigation of questionable test results, and coordination with subcontracting referral laboratories. Monitors case submissions to ensure that all tests are performed and results are received in a timely manner; ensures entry and completion of results reports within the LIMS for distribution to clientele, including accurate business process charges for timely and accurate billing processing. Ensures files and records maintained in compliance with various member-accreditation and state retention policies. Completes documentation needed to support testing procedures including equipment logbooks, inventory forms, and data capture forms required to maintain laboratory records and other management systems as appropriate. Leads and guides support staff, student employees, and/or interns which may include work allocation, training, and guidance enforcement of internal procedures and problem resolution as appropriate. Assist in other areas of the laboratory according to established procedures as needed including proficiency in safe and accurate handling, receipt, and documentation of animal diagnostic specimens, greeting and directing visitors, and dealing with administrative problems and inquiries as appropriate. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned

Required Education, Experience, Certification/License, Equivalency
Required Education:Associate degree; Required Experience:Three (3) year's experience related to the standard duties as outlined; Equivalency:Any equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience as approved by Human Resource Services. Completion of a post-secondary degree or certificate may substitute for years of experience.; Required Certification/License:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
KNOWLEDGE:University and department policies and procedures; principles and practices of organization and administration. Knowledge of protocols specific to diagnostic laboratory environment. Use of quality management system and knowledge of QA/QC procedures. Knowledge of supplies, equipment, and/or services ordering and inventory control. Knowledge of planning and scheduling techniques. Knowledge of office management principles and procedures. Knowledge of general business principles and/or procedures.; SKILLS:Short- and long-term range planning. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community. Records maintenance skills. Database management skills. Skill in organizing resources and establishing priorities. Use of personal computers to include word processing and/or data entry skills, including electronic laboratory management information system (LIMS).; ABILITIES:Ability to create, compose, and edit written materials. Develop and maintain effective working relationships. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Maintain accurate and orderly records and manage computer files. Organize and direct several activities. Perform detailed work. Ability to develop and maintain recordkeeping systems and procedures.

Job Duties and Responsibilities
Accurately enter case data and test results into LIMS. Assist with compiling case files and laboratory records. Distribute preliminary and final test results, final case records, and invoices to clients promptly. Answer and route phone calls. Process incoming and outgoing mail. Comply with policies and procedures concerning the laboratory's various functions, including properly handling laboratory paperwork, records, and confidentiality. Learn and incorporate the laboratory Quality Management System into daily duties. Greeting and directing visitors. Miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications

Special Requirements of the Position
THIS POSITION IS LOCATED IN ALBUQUERQUE, NM, AND IS NOT A WORK-FROM-HOME JOB.



A Cover letter is required.

Department Contact:  Cheryl Mason-Herrera, 646-7523,cmason@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: M-F 7:30 am - 4:30 pm

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 10 pounds or some standing or walking.

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