ANIMAL SCIENCE TECHNICIAN I8295F3 Pay Grade: 16 DEFINITION OF WORK Summary This is technical work in an animal research/teaching unit or performing technical support to veterinary professionals. Work involves carrying out assigned portions of animal research projects by performing assigned phases of a single operation. Work may also involve assisting a scientist or research professional in procedures that involve animal health and disease. Standard Classification Factors Supervision Received - LEVEL C: "Under direction..." Employees at this level usually receive a general outline of the work to be performed and are generally free to develop their own sequences and methods within the scope of established policies. New, unusual, or complex work situations are almost always referred to a superior for advice. Work is periodically checked for progress and conformance to established policies and requirements. Difficulty - LEVEL B: Average - Where the employee is confronted with a variety of duties susceptible to different methods of solution which, in turn, places a correspondingly higher demand upon resourcefulness and concentration. Positions which require the analysis and evaluation of raw data and the rendering of conclusions would, in many instances, fall into this category. Complexity - LEVEL B: Work is of a structured nature including duties that have several related steps. This level involves simple analysis of data, identification of easily distinguishable facts and recognition of differences in related situations. Workers at this level exercise limited independent judgment in determining methods or procedures to be used in making minor decisions. Work is normally controlled by frequent review and consultation with supervisors. When guidelines exist at this level, they are usually specific and aid in determining an approach to problems or situations. Workers at this level must be able to identify basic differences in situations to determine the actions which need to be taken. Consequences of Actions and Decisions - LEVEL C: Consequences of actions or decisions at this level are limited in scope and effect as the work is reviewed occasionally. Errors may cause moderate inefficiency. Costs due to errors may be significant. Contacts - LEVEL B: The purpose of the contact is to plan, coordinate and advise on work efforts, interpret guidelines or instructions, elicit opinions or give guidance on the basis of facts to resolve common issues or problems when the information is not sensitive in nature or the individuals or groups are working toward mutual goals and have basically cooperative attitudes. Well developed communication skills are required. Physical Demands - LEVEL C: The work requires moderate physical exertion. Environmental Conditions - LEVEL B: The work environment involves moderate hazards, risks or discomforts. Exposure to minor deviations from pleasant environmental conditions is normal. Minor to serious injuries are possible. Supervision/Leadership - LEVEL B: Involves functional leadership responsibility. As a "senior worker", performing essentially the same or similar work as those overseen, responsibility includes training, instructing, scheduling and reviewing. As a "project leader" may be responsible for a phase(s) of a single project which includes planning, coordinating and reviewing the work of others. This level may also involve limited administrative responsibility such as participating in the evaluation of work performance. Distinguishing Features Differs from the Agricultural Assistant class where work is manual or semi-skilled. Differs from Plant Science Technician I where work is primarily dealing with plant materials. Differs from Animal Science Technician II where work is highly specialized or supervisory. EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED Provides appropriate food and liquids for animals according to the specie's nutritional requirements; prepares food rations according to instructions by processing food products; stocks supplies and associated equipment necessary to feed, bed and clean animals. Cleans, sanitizes and disinfects animal equipment; monitors animal room environments and reports temperature and humidity fluctuations; assists in designing and installing special animal environments. Observes and reports abnormalities and deviations in animal health and behavior; assists animal health professionals in routine animal care treatments by administering preventative vaccinations, special exercises and topical medications as directed. Assists in research related activities such as collecting specimen samples, breeding, tattooing, ear tagging, implanting, and weighing animals. Maintains and reports inventory records for animal research by collecting relevant data. Constructs and repairs animal research facilities and associated equipment for animals. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS Knowledge Knowledge of laboratory principles techniques, terminology and equipment Knowledge of normal health patterns, animal behavior and abnormal manifestations of illness or injury. Knowledge of the sanitizing and disinfecting measures used in animal care facilities. Abilities Ability to handle research animals or diseased and injured animals. Ability to observe animal behavior. Ability to supervise the work of students or employees. Ability to determine pertinent information to report to clinical staff and supervisors. *Ability to maintain satisfactory working relationships with other employees, professional personnel and the public. Ability to record information following standardized procedures. Ability to operate and care for laboratory equipment. *Ability to follow directions regarding the care of animals. *Necessary at Entry MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: High school diploma or equivalent and six months of experience in caring for animals. Education may be substituted for experience as determined relevant by the agency. NC: 06/93 |