Veterinary Laboratories Assistant Director

Class Concept

This is administrative and technical work as assistant director of a veterinary diagnostic laboratory program of public service and epidemiology. Employee supervises and coordinates the work of a professionally diverse staff in the operation of a central diagnostic laboratory and regional branch laboratories for the purpose of diagnosis and consultation in animal disease cases. Particular emphasis is placed upon cases involving epidemic potential and considerable coordinative contact is necessary with private practitioners, herd and flock owners, and others in expediting final diagnostic decisions and consultation on the more critical and perplexing cases referred. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Veterinary Laboratories Director and is evaluated through periodic conferences and the technical accuracy of work performed.

Recruitment Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Considerable knowledge of diagnostic veterinary medicine.
• Considerable knowledge of the related laboratory sciences such as virology, microbiology, serology, and toxicology as applied to the diagnosis of animal diseases, and of the equipment and practical procedures employed in these sciences.
• Skill in the clinical and post-mortem examination of specimens of livestock and poultry.
• Ability to diagnose a variety of animal and poultry diseases and to recommend treatment or management methods which will control or eradicate the condition.
• Ability to plan, supervises, and coordinate the work of veterinarians, medical technicians, and assistants within a comprehensive laboratory program of veterinary diagnostic medicine.
• Ability to effect and maintain cooperative working relationships with livestock and poultry producers, private practitioners, USDA personnel, university officials, extension agents, and the general public.

Minimum Education and Experience

PhD Degree in veterinary medicine or related to the area of assignment from an appropriately accredited institution and two years of experience in diagnostic or clinical laboratory work, including six months of supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.