Necropsy Technician

Position Function:

Provide support to veterinary pathologists residents and students during post mortem examinations. Duties include active participation in necropsy procedures for a wide range of animal species (mammalian avian reptile etc.) and maintaining necropsy laboratory facilities and equipment in a clean organized and ready to use condition. This position requires regular communication and coordination with pathology faculty other necropsy staff sample receiving staff case submitters and other laboratory personnel.

Salary Grade:12

Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges. For salary grade UC these positions are Unclassified and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.

Area of Specialization:

PPM Lab

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Maintain cleanliness of floors walls tables countertops sinks cabinets equipment and instruments in the necropsy cooler digester and loading dock areas daily before and after necropsy activities.
2. Assist with the performance of necropsies including preliminary setup and opening of the animal carcasses.
3. Assist in the collection and labeling of tissue samples for ancillary testing and coordinate preparation of samples for submission to diagnostic laboratories.
4. Operate maintain and ensure the safe use and proper function of necropsy-related equipment including hoists winches bandsaws and the forklift.
5. Maintain adequate supplies solutions fixatives disinfectants and equipment required for necropsy procedures and sample collection.
7. Manage the proper disposition of animal remains including operating the incinerators in accordance with safety and regulatory requirements.
8. Maintain the cleanliness and availability of laboratory coats coveralls and other personal protection equipment (PPE) used by pathologists residents students and other laboratory personnel.
9. Be responsible for inventory including determining needs and ordering necropsy supplies and equipment and scheduling equipment maintenance
10. Ensure that all safety and biosecurity regulations are strictly followed
11. Gross sectioning of necropsy specimens for histologic processing for pathologists
12. Serve as a liaison with Sample Receiving personnel to ensure smooth coordination of necropsy cases and sample handling.
13. Cross-train in Sample Receiving and aid in other sections when needed
14. Routinely assist with staining cover slipping and digitally scanning cytologic and histologic slides
15. Support and participate in the laboratory quality assurance program.
16. Participate in the laboratorys response to foreign animal disease investigations or outbreak situations.
17. Ensure compliance with all safety regulations and federal guidelines related to biosecurity and waste disposal.
18. Participate in the process of interviewing hiring and scheduling necropsy student workers and oversee their daily duties
19. Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. High school diploma or equivalent.
2. Ability to lift move or carry up to and occasionally over 50 lbs.
3. Ability to pass Powered Air-Purifying Respirator (PAPR) Medical Clearance for use of PAPRs when needed
-or-
Any equivalent combination of related experience and/or education approved by the Department of Human Resources Management.

ABDs or degree pending considered (all but DISS):

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Bachelors degree.
2. Experience with animal care and handling.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

Excellent written interpersonal and verbal communication skills.
Excellent multitasking skills.
Excellent time management and prioritization
Skill in the use of computers and working knowledge of word processing spreadsheet and database software packages.
Ability to maintain quality safety and/or infection control standards
Skill in providing guidance and instruction in laboratory protocols and in the safe use of laboratory equipment
Proactivity and initiative

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Work is normally performed in a typical interior/laboratory work environment.
The employee is frequently required to stand for long periods walk use hands to manipulate handle or feel reach with hands and arms talk and hear.
This individual is regularly required to stand sit stoop kneel or crouch.
Heavy lifting has been minimized where possible with a hoist system and wheeled equipment but this individual will be required to lift up to 50 pounds independently and up to 200 pounds with group assistance.
Duties will require wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) including lab coats coveralls face masks or face shields gloves or powered air purifying respirators (PAPR).
Rabies vaccination and routine antibody titer checks are required.
Work hours may vary including occasionally working after 5:00 pm on rare weekends and on limited holidays
Frequent interruptions based on changing priorities and occasional exposure to requests from people other than the immediate supervisor.
Limited exposure to elements such as heat cold noise dust dirt chemicals etc.
Vision requirements: Ability to see information in print and/or electronically.

Instructions for Applying:

Link to apply: must apply online at . Please include a cover letter and resume along with the names and addresses of at least three references. Please contact Dr. Ann Marie McBride at if you have any additional questions or concerns.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment programs or activities based on race color ethnicity sex pregnancy religion national origin disability age sexual orientation genetic information status as a U.S. veteran or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance 231 Famous Maroon Band Street P.O. 6044 Mississippi State MS 39762 .

What do I do if I need an accommodation

In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA) if you have a disability and wouldlike to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi StateUniversity please contact the Department of Human Resources Management attel: or.

If you have any questions regarding this policy contact the Department of Human ResourcesManagement ator. Upon request sections of thisjob listing are available in large print and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.