State of Maryland

A Veterinary Laboratory Technician is the full performance level of para-professional technical laboratory work in the field of veterinary science responsible for at least one laboratory unit.  Employees in this classification, under a minimum of supervision, routinely conduct a broad range of tests requiring independent judgment in a variety of scientific disciplines.  Employees in this classification perform a broader range of tests than a Laboratory Technician.  Employees in this classification will perform the following laboratory tests, as well as others: culture and identification of microorganisms, fecal examinations for parasites, complete blood count, complete urinalysis, blood chemistries, sperm counts and motility, pregnancy testing.   Employees in this classification will administer animal inoculations and may test for rabies including the selection of appropriate tissues and distinguishing the type of fluorescence that is a positive or negative indication of rabies.  Employees in this classification perform work that requires considerable accuracy and powers of observation.  Employees in this classification must be capable of producing acceptable reports that require a minimum of review.  Employees in this classification may be required to train and supervise lower-level positions.

Employees in this classification receive general supervision from Veterinarians or Laboratory Scientists.  Work effectiveness is determined through a review of reports and assignments, as well as the reliability of laboratory test results.

Positions in this classification are evaluated by using the classification job evaluation methodology.  The use of this method involves comparing the assigned duties and responsibilities of a position to the job criteria found in the Nature of Work and Examples of Work of the class specification.

Performs, under minimum supervision, a broad range of examinations or tests in various fields of veterinary diagnostic laboratory technology such as bacteriology, serology, clinical chemistry, hematology, and parasitology to determine if abnormalities are present. Some examples of diagnostic tests include, but are not limited to, testing for the following diseases: Bovine, Leukemia, Erlichosis, Blood Cell Parasite determinations, Hog Cholera, Pseudorabies, Transmissible Gastro-Enteritis, Equine Virus Abortion, Botulism (A, B, and C), Hemobartonellosis, Dirofilariosis, Babesiosis, Rabies, Swine Dysentery, Shipping Fever Complex, and Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis. Other tests include, but are not limited to, equine cross match to determine blood incompatibility, biological and chemical pregnancy tests in mares, and spinal fluid protein determination to determine abnormalities;                                               

Makes chemical or microbiological analyses of body fluids;                                       

Examines cultures and smears and conducts tests to identify organisms;                            

Prepares specialized bacteriological culture media and reagents;                                  

Adapts and modifies test equipment as needed;                                                     

Prepares technical reports;                                                                            

Requisitions laboratory supplies;                                                                                   

Trains and supervises Laboratory Assistants and Technicians;                                             

Keeps detailed records;                                                                                           

Performs other related duties.

Knowledge of the species variations in non-human and avian enzymes and blood chemistry;

Knowledge of a wide variety of veterinary laboratory diagnostic procedures and techniques including chemical laboratory practices and veterinary clinical laboratory practices;

Knowledge of the introductory concepts of anatomy and physiology of non-human and avian species;

Knowledge of endo and ecto-parasites and the methodology required to isolate ad identify microorganisms from the appropriate specimens;

Knowledge of non-human and avian hematology and the methodology required to conduct tests in the various species;

Knowledge of the methodology of performing non-human and avian blood chemistry and enzyme determinations;

Knowledge of non-human urinalysis and the methodology necessary to perform determinations in the various species;

Ability to properly operate and calibrate for the various non-human and avian species a wide range of scientific instruments including, but not limited to, the Accustat blood chemistry analyzer, hematology analyzer, cryostat, fluorescent microscopes and standard microscopes, and hemocytometer;

Ability to perform a wide range of bacteriological and chemical tests with a minimum of supervision and to train other employees in these procedures;

Ability to supervise technical assistants;

Ability to prepare reports and maintain records accurately;

Ability to maintain effective working relationships with others.

Education:   Completion of 60 credit hours in an accredited college or university, at least 24 credit hours must have been in the animal, biological, or chemical sciences.

Experience: Four years of experience performing laboratory tests in a veterinary diagnostic laboratory.

Note: Candidates may substitute the completion of a formal course in medical technology consisting of a minimum of 1600 hours of training from an American Veterinary Medical Association accredited training institution for the required education.

Class specifications are broad descriptions covering groups of positions used by various State departments and agencies. Position descriptions maintained by the using department or agency specifically address the essential job functions of each position.

This is a Skilled Service classification in the State Personnel Management System.  All positions in this classification are Skilled Service positions.  Some positions in Skilled Service classifications may be designated Special Appointment in accordance with the State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 6-405, Annotated Code of Maryland.

This classification is assigned to Bargaining Unit B- Administrative, Technician and Clerical classes.  As provided by State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 3-102, special appointment, temporary, contractual, supervisory, managerial and confidential employees are excluded from collective bargaining.  Additionally, certain executive branch agencies are exempt from collective bargaining and all positions in those agencies are excluded from collective bargaining.

Employees in this classification are eligible to receive overtime compensation.  An employee who works more than the normal workweek is entitled to be compensated for that overtime as provided by State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 8-305.