Pathology Lab Technician

About the role

Performs a variety of laboratory testing and sample collection that help maintain animal well-being, product safety, and compliance with standards and regulations. Responsible for data entry, generating reports, and summarizing results in an easy to digest manner.

Responsibilities

• Collects, receives, logs, properly stores, and properly disposes of samples for bacterial and viral cultures.
• May include occasional travel to farms to collect environmental samples.
• Collects culture Hatchery samples for bacteria and fungus.
• Prepares media (BHI Broth, Semen Extender, Plated and Tubed Bacterial), standard solutions, and reagents for use in testing.
• Performs laboratory testing including bacterial and viral cultures, antibiotic sensitivity, food ingredients, raw and finished food samples, environmental samples, etc.
• Ensures compliance with regulations and standards regarding factors such as color, texture, nutrients, microbiological content, etc.
• Performs necropsy and fecal examination.
• Enters and ensures accuracy of data and laboratory results.
• Generates laboratory reports, graphs, and charts that provide useful, accurate technical information.
• Writes Pathology reports summarizing results and conclusions.
• Performs routine maintenance, verification, calibration, and sanitation of lab equipment.
• Rotates weekend, holiday, and emergency call duty to provide necropsy and fecal examination.

Requirements

• 3+ years of relevant experience or the knowledge, skills, and abilities to succeed in the role and a Highschool diploma, GED, or equivalent- OR - Two Year Degree/ Animal Science, Poultry, Biology, and Microbiology and 1+ year of relevant experience or the knowledge, skills, and abilities to succeed in the role

Qualifications

• Working knowledge of Sterile Technique, testing methods, and instrument calibrations
• Ability to learn laboratory procedures and maintain a strong attention to detail
• Some experience operating laboratory equipment
• Good understanding of data collection techniques and terminology
• Computer skills, including Microsoft Excel, word and power point
• Good organization, time-management, multi-tasking, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions
• Ability to learn Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)

Skills

• Pecking Order, M- Tech

Physical Demands

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be regularly required to stand, walk, sit, talk, hear, reach, stoop, bend, kneel, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer, telephone, keyboard, and occasionally lift up to or about 50 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, color vision and the ability to adjust focus.
• Able to operate a motor vehicle will be required.

Working Conditions & Travel Requirements

• Work will be performed in a variety of conditions. Primarily in a climate-controlled office and laboratory environment(s); occasionally in a manufacturing plant environment with varying conditions, such as cold areas, wet areas, warm areas, chemicals, and other site conditions; and occasionally in a farm environment including working outdoors in seasonal conditions with live animals and at times in dusty environments.
• The noise level of the office, laboratory and farm environment is usually moderate. The noise level in the manufacturing environment may exceed 85 DBA and require hearing protection.
• Showering in and out of farm locations may be required.
• Occasional travel may be required.