SCWDS Necropsy Technician

Since our founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has operated as Georgia's oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 235 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University's main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University's enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly formed School of Medicine.

The University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, founded in 1946, is dedicated to training future veterinarians, providing services to animal owners and veterinarians, and conducting investigations to improve the health of animals as well as people. The college benefits pets and their owners, food-producing animals, and wildlife by offering the highest quality hospital and diagnostic laboratory services. Equipped with the most technologically advanced facilities located on a university campus, the college is dedicated to safeguarding public health by studying emerging infectious diseases that affect both animal and human health.

The College of Veterinary Medicine values all members of the university community, recognizing that differences in experience and culture can only lead to a more well-rounded, accepting academic environment as embodied in our Principles of Community.

Usual work hours are 8:00am -5:00pm; however, shifting hours to evening and weekend work may occasionally be required to accommodate certain tasks.

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, genetic information, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Requires technical knowledge in the field acquired through an apprenticeship, a 2-year degree, or professional certificate. Please contact your Human Resources office for an evaluation of education/experience in lieu of the required minimum qualifications.

Completion of a BS or BA degree in wildlife science, biological or veterinary sciences, physiology, and animal or laboratory science, or related field is preferred; however equivalent training or experience will be considered

The main objective of the position is to support diagnostic investigations of wildlife mortality at the Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study ( SCWDS). Causes of mortality may include viral, bacterial, and parasitic infections, toxicoses, traumatic injury, malnutrition, and others. The primary focus is to support the SCWDS Research and Diagnostic Service, which may also include surveillance efforts. The technician will be responsible for various stages of diagnostic case completion as well as aspects of surveillance and research projects. The technician is responsible for receiving and logging in carcass and tissue submissions, performing gross necropsy examinations, collection of tissue samples for ancillary diagnostic testing, ensuring sample submission and receipt of results, and performing additional diagnostic related tasks such as working with veterinary hospital staff to take radiographs and trimming formalin-fixed tissues for histopathology. The technician is responsible for shipping carcasses, coolers, and associated samples to outside laboratories. The technician is responsible for assisting with

organization of stored/archived samples, disposal of carcasses and samples, ensuring cleaning and disinfection of the necropsy room, instruments and equipment, maintaining adequately stocked supplies for the necropsy and trimming rooms, and archiving specimens. The technician is responsible for diagnostic report preparation, maintaining records in an online medical system as well as in excel spreadsheets, including freezer inventories and research and surveillance activities.

The technician may assist in training and overseeing activities of work study and volunteer students and in orientation of SCWDS externs and other visiting students. They may participate in the development of protocols for wildlife mortality investigations, including logistical arrangements for field studies, acquisition of biological specimens and ecological data, supportive lab work, and data entry and management. The technician will work closely with, and in support of, the Necropsy Lab Manager, Head Pathologist, and others. Usual work hours are 8:00am -5:00pm; however, shifting hours to evening and weekend work may occasionally be required to accommodate certain tasks. The technician may also assist in preparation of technical documents (e.g., quarterly and annual reports), newsletter articles, funding proposals, presentations, and manuscripts.

The technician should be able to lift objects up to 50 lbs, as well as go up & down stairs. (Building has no elevator.)

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.