Wildlife health technician (Veterinary Specialist 1)
Wildlife Program, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
Spokane , Washington
Duration: 12-month temporary position, with possibility of continuation
Compensation: $2,119 – 2,669 per month plus state benefits
Start date: No later than July 15, 2006
Qualifications: Education and/or experience as a veterinary assistant, and education and/or experience with wildlife. Good organization skills and the ability to multi-task highly desirable.
CONTACT: Email resume to Dr. Kristin Mansfield at mansfkgm@dfw.wa.gov before June 30, 2006 if interested in this position.
General job summary:
This position provides support for the Department’s Wildlife Health Section under the supervision of the Department’s wildlife veterinarian. Emphasis will be on assisting with statewide wildlife health investigations, including coordination of avian influenza and chronic wasting disease surveillance.
Job responsibilities:
Coordinates wildlife disease investigations
Responds to reports of dead or sick wildlife and, using established criteria or in consultation with supervisor, determines when further investigation is warranted
Relays reports of sick and dead wildlife to field staff within the Department or cooperating agencies for follow-up and sample collection when indicated
Gives guidance to field staff on appropriate collection, preservation, and shipping of biological samples using supervisor-approved protocols
Consults with diagnostic laboratories to arrange for submission of biological samples for analysis
Manages biological samples and associated data
Processes biological samples for cataloging and laboratorry submission using standard laboratory techniques
Develops and maintains databases of wildlife health information, including wildlife morbidity and mortality investigations, archived samples, and laboratory reports
Summarizes wildlife health data and prepares reports
Provides technical and administrative support for the WDFW wildlife health section
Collects samples from live and dead animals in the field using supervisor-approved techniques
Orders supplies and assembles disease sampling kits for distribution to Department biologists and cooperators
Assists the wildlife veterinarian and biologists with wildlife captures
Completes paperwork and clerical tasks related to
administration of the wildlife health section
Organizes training materials under the supervisor’s direction
Maintains the wildlife health section’s readiness for disease outbreak investigations and animal captures
Keeps laboratory organized and stocked with veterinary supplies and equipment
Maintains vehicles and keeps them stocked for emergency responses
Maintains laboratory equipment
Working Conditions:
This position will require 20-50% of the time traveling throughout eastern Washington and will include some weekend and evening work. Time not spent traveling will be spent on the phone and working on computers.
Must be willing to work during inclement weather, in difficult terrain, and with potentially diseased or dangerous animals.
May be required to humanely euthanize animals using methods approved by the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Must be able to do light to moderate lifting and spend extended periods of time in the field,
This job will provide ample opportunity to do fieldwork, including wildlife disease investigations and wild animal capture.
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