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Wildlife Disease Biologist

State of Wyoming


HSSL10-2023-01167-Wildlife Disease Biologist-Laramie


SALARY
$5,486.00 - $6,857.07 Monthly

LOCATION
Laramie, WY

JOB TYPE
Full Time

JOB NUMBER
2023-01167

DEPARTMENT
040-Game & Fish

OPENING DATE
06/05/2023





Open Until Filled


GENERAL DESCRIPTION: 


The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is seeking a Wildlife Disease Biologist based out of Laramie, WY. This position provides wildlife disease diagnostic resources, surveillance, and research assistance to the Wyoming Game and Fish Department and other state and federal agencies. This position assists in managing statewide disease surveillance programs for brucellosis, chronic wasting disease (CWD), and other diseases of wildlife. Responsible for sample, processing, and testing using laboratory procedures and equipment, as well as reporting results to sportspersons and agency personnel.

Human Resource Contact: Laura Curtis  307-777-4507
 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The listed functions are illustrative only and are not intended to describe every function which may be performed at the job level.

 
  • Coordinates and conducts annual statewide surveillance for various wildlife diseases; including biological sample kit assembly, specimen collection under field conditions, and processing and testing of biological specimens including blood, tissues, and fluids.
  • Microbiological culture of tissues and fluids for the isolation and identification of various respiratory pathogens.
  • Statewide chronic wasting disease surveillance including sample kit assembly, tissue collection, data entry, sample processing, testing, reporting, and data management.
  • Must maintain Federal CWD testing (ELISA) certification.
  • Statewide brucellosis (B. abortus) surveillance including coordinating sample kit assembly, data entry, sample processing, testing, reporting, and data management. Must maintain Federal certification for Brucella abortus serological tests (FPA).
  • Develop, maintain, and adhere to standard operating procedures, quality control, nonconformance documentation, and corrective action reports on diagnostic assays and laboratory equipment to meet ISO 17025 and NAHLN requirements.
  • Submission of laboratory casework using databases, spreadsheets, and LIMS programs.
  • Dissemination of laboratory results by communicating with sportspersons, agency personnel, and numerous state and federal agencies.
  • Design and manage wildlife disease databases, spreadsheets, tables, statistical programs, and reports.
  • Analyze reports, scientific publications, and articles for the development and validation of new PCR, microbiological, and serological laboratory assays.
  • Retrieval of big and trophy game carcasses and other wildlife species from a variety of locations using a four-wheel drive pickup and electric winch. 
  • Collection of specimens for diagnostic testing from carcasses or live animals under field conditions in adverse weather conditions and steep terrain.
  • Participate in the department’s internal Animal Care and Use Committee (ACUC) as a member.

Qualifications


PREFERENCES: 


Preference will be given to individuals with a degree in microbiology or molecular biology and at least two years’ veterinary or human diagnostic laboratory experience with specimens/testing, as well as client communication.


KNOWLEDGE: 

 
  • Working knowledge of diseases in wildlife, including associated gross lesions, correct biological samples required for diagnosis, and health implications for wildlife populations.
  • Knowledge of veterinary laboratory diagnostic techniques, interpretation, evaluation, and confirmation of laboratory results as well as excellent troubleshooting skills.
  • Outstanding laboratory organizational skills in sample tracking through testing, reporting, and storage.
  • Skills in data entry and database management.
  • Ability to be flexible in time schedule to perform tasks in the laboratory and field to meet deadlines and complete casework in a timely manner.
  • Ability to initiate daily tasks and work independently with excellent attention to detail.
  • Ability to adhere to rigid laboratory standard operating procedures and quality controls, as well as a working knowledge of QA/QC requirements of ISO-17025 / NAHLN / AAVLD.
  • Computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite and SQL, proficient with word processing, databases, and spreadsheets; knowledge of statistical analysis, and report generation.
  • Knowledge of ArcGIS, and other topographic software programs.
  • Knowledge of proper laboratory safety precautions and procedures when handling zoonotic pathogens under BSL-2 conditions.
  • Working knowledge and developed skills in DNA extraction, and PCR assays, troubleshooting, optimization, and protocol development.
  • Knowledge of large animal handling and specimen collection techniques.
  • Working knowledge of necropsy techniques and sample collection.
  • Well-developed skills in interpersonal relations, oral and written communications, work prioritization, teamwork, and decision-making.
  • Ability to professionally interact with the public, University of Wyoming faculty and staff, Departmental personnel, and representatives of various state and federal agencies. 
  • Willing to travel and work independently with little or no supervision.
  • Ability to work outside, often for long periods in adverse weather conditions.


MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
 

Education:
Bachelor's Degree (typically in Science)

 
Experience:
1-2 years of progressive work experience (typically in a medical or environmental laboratory) with acquired knowledge at the level of a Laboratory Scientist II

 
OR

 
Education & Experience Substitution:
4-6 years of progressive work experience (typically in a medical or environmental laboratory) with acquired knowledge at the level of a Laboratory Scientist II
 
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:
None

Necessary Special Requirements


PHYSICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:


  • Travel is required.
  • Must be willing to be rabies vaccinated
  • Ability to lift fifty (50) pounds or more without assistance.
  • Ability to wear and work while wearing a respirator (PAPR, N95).
  • Ability to work outside in various weather conditions and terrain.
  • Ability to operate a 4-wheel-drive vehicle in various weather and road conditions.


NOTES: 
 

  • FLSA: Exempt
  • 95% of this position involves laboratory diagnostics and data management within a veterinary laboratory; 5% of duties occur outside of the laboratory.

Supplemental Information


040-Wyoming Game and Fish Department - Wildlife Division

Click here to view the State of Wyoming Classification and Pay Structure.


The State of Wyoming is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively supports the ADA and reasonably accommodates qualified applicants with disabilities.
 
Class Specifications are subject to change, please refer to the A & I HRD Website to ensure that you have the most recent version.
 
Agency
State of Wyoming
Address
See Human Resource Contact Information in the
General Description Section for questions RE Post
Statewide, Wyoming, 82002
Website