ANIMAL SCIENCE TECHNICIAN II8296F3 Pay Grade: 18 DEFINITION OF WORK Summary This is technical and supervisory animal care work in a teaching or research environment. Work involves directing staff who are engaged in providing care to animals and the overall responsibility for maintenance of facilities and equipment. Work may also include assisting a veterinarian, scientist or other animal professional in procedures and activities involving animal health and disease; supervising or independently performing a wide range of complex technical procedures and assisting or coordinating work with a professional staff. 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 D: Consequences of actions or decisions at this level are significant as the work may be rarely if ever reviewed, making errors difficult to detect. Errors may cause major program failure or a high degree of confusion. Injuries to others due to errors are serious or incapacitating or both and costs due to errors are substantial. Injuries due to errors may be serious or incapacitating and costs substantial in terms of money and research time. Contacts - LEVEL C: The purpose of the contact is to influence, motivate, conduct interviews, make formal presentations or counsel to achieve common understanding or solutions to problems when the information is sensitive in nature or the individuals or groups are skeptical or uncooperative. Communication techniques and well developed communication skills become an important requirement at this level. 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 C: Typically involves limited supervisory responsibility which entails performing as a "first line supervisor" for a small number of employees. Supervision is not the primary responsibility of the job. Responsibility includes training, instructing, scheduling, and reviewing work and recommending hiring and disciplinary actions to a higher level of authority. Distinguishing Features Differs from the Animal Science Technician I class where work is of a less technical nature or may involve lead work responsibilities. EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED Inspects animals and their living quarters to ascertain if the care the animals are receiving complies with federal regulations and established standards for sanitary and climatic conditions. Determines nutritional diets for animals or special diets; determines supplies and equipment necessary; requests and directs the receipt and storage of supplies and equipment. Observes animals regularly for evidence of disease or injury; maintains records on breeding, sickness, special diets, weight and other special instructions for care. Reviews the work of others in order to ensure the precise following of instructions given by professional personnel in the treatment and care of animals; resolves care problems. Directs the operation of specialized support areas such as diagnostic labs and animal health programs. Coordinates animal health and related activities with animal care workers. Provides technical advice or assistance to facility users and professional staff. Consults with animal users to ensure that their needs are being met and to plan for future needs. Assists investigators in meeting general or specific requests regarding animal husbandry, animal health or technical needs. Reviews data and compiles reports on a variety of test results. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS Knowledge *Knowledge of normal health patterns, animal behavior and abnormal manifestations of illness or injury. Knowledge of sanitizing and disinfecting measures used in animal care facilities. *Knowledge of animal nutrition and the quantities and kinds needed for different animals. Knowledge of sexing and breeding animals, including gestation periods and weaning ages. 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 compile and report pertinent information. Ability to train, instruct and supervise employees and students. *Necessary at Entry MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: High school diploma and one year of experience in caring for animals. Education may be substituted for experience as determined relevant by the agency. NC: 06/93 |