The Biological Science Laboratory Technician - Animal will be assigned to Research and Development Service, VA Medical Center, Office of Research and Development, AUSH for Dean, Veterans Health Administration, Service, Department of Veterans Affairs, Buffalo, NY.

Duties

***THIS IS NOT A VIRTUAL POSITION, YOU MUST LIVE WITHIN OR BE WILLING TO RELOCATE WITHIN A COMMUTABLE DISTANCE OF THE DUTY LOCATION*** This position involves a multi-grade career ladder. The major duties listed below represent the full performance level of GS-7. At the GS-6 grade level, you will perform assignments of a more limited scope and with less independence. You will progressively acquire the background necessary to perform at the full performance level of GS-7. Promotion is at the discretion of the supervisor and is contingent upon satisfactory performance, availability of higher-level work, and availability of funds. Duties include, but may not be limited to the following: Prepare, Test, Examine and Analyze Animal Specimen/Data: Prepares samples of blood, tissue, urine, or other organic substance from animal test subjects to provide specimens that effectively support laboratory test, examination, or research procedures. Prepares samples, slides, smears, and diagnostic reagents common to the laboratory. Prepares primary cultures for relatively pure populations of specific cell types to evaluate regulation of cell behavior independent of the animal. Follows standard procedures and applies a practical knowledge of the properties of the specimens to ensure effective presentation of the qualities or characteristics critical for accurate testing or examination. Performs work involving operative and autopsy techniques, gross pathology techniques, special breeding or feeding methods peculiar to the collection and examination of animal cells, fluids or tissue, techniques for administering drugs or other chemical agents, or observations of physiological and behavioral effects of various conditions, agents, and stimuli on laboratory animals. Performs test and examination procedures for diagnostic, surveillance, experimental and reference samples that involve delicate and exacting steps using elaborate and complex instrumentation. Organizes and executes protocols. Oversees lower graded technicians in the performance of tests and examinations common to the laboratory and provides guidance to lower graded technicians concerning those instances of discrepant controls to validate or disclaim the results. Date Management: Maintains complete and accurate records of all procedures followed and all test results using laboratory databases. Develops and maintains detailed records of all experimental or other protocols. Performs data analysis including arithmetic calculations, algebra, graphing of data using interactive computer programs and preliminary statistical evaluations. Results are neatly kept and catalogued in appropriate format. Data are often graphed or displayed in tables to highlight results. Records information pertaining to the storage of specimens or reagents and completes appropriate tracking/inventory system information. Maintains Equipment/Supplies/Facilities: Maintains the laboratory facilities and equipment and controls supplies. Follows the medical center requirements for laboratory function as well as those of federal, state, and other regulatory oversight agencies. Establishes inventory and equipment maintenance requirements and maintains appropriate inventories and maintenance schedules. Maintains laboratory stock and orders materials, as needed. Maintains laboratory in a clean and safe condition according to agency or accreditation requirements. Calibrates and maintains laboratory instrumentation on timely intervals to minimize breakdown and delay of procedures. Conducts work according to laboratory safety regulations and instructs coworkers and students on safety policies and procedures. Performs other duties as assigned. **"Preferred: Veterinary Technician License or a New York State Veterinary Technician License"** Note: https://www.op.nysed.gov/professions/veterinarian/license-requirements Work Schedule: Monday - Friday; 8:00am - 4:30pm Recruitment & Relocation Incentives: Not authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not Required

Requirements

Qualifications

ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY: In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), No person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English. You must be proficient in basic written and spoken English in order to meet the requirements of this position. and SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE G-6: Applicants must have one (1) year of specialized experience that equipped them with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of this position, and that is typically in or related to the work of this position. To be creditable, this experience must have been equivalent to at least the GS-5 grade level in the Federal Service. Experience must have been related to the work of the position for which application is made. The specialized experience required for some positions in this series is normally work performed in a controlled environment. Examples of qualifying specialized experience include research activity or control program work; nursery work that required the growing and maintenance of plants in a controlled environment; work comparable to that with a large dairy farm where production records, animal environment, and sanitary conditions were kept in accordance with modern dairy practice. NOTE: This specialized experience also includes performing animal husbandry; administering medical treatments; maintaining records for animal care and treatment; and maintaining equipment used in the care of animals. OR SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION FOR EXPERIENCE GS-6: (TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED) I have successful completion of six (6) months of graduate education in a field of study directly related to the work of this position. This education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university. One (1) year of full-time graduate education is the number of credit hours that the school attended has determined to represent one (1) year of full-time study. If that number cannot be obtained from the school, eighteen (18) semester hours will be considered an academic year of graduate study. Part-time graduate education is creditable in accordance with its relationship to a year of full-time study at the school attended. OR COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE GD-6: (TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED) Combinations of successfully completed post-high school education and experience may be used to meet total qualification requirements for the GS-6. You will be rated on the following Competencies as part of the assessment questionnaire for this position: Animal HusbandryMechanicsResearchTechnical Competence IMPORTANT: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. All experience listed on your resume must include the month and year start/end dates. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Physical Requirements: The work requires regular and recurring physical exertion such as standing for long periods of time, bending over microscopes, manipulating small parts, and lifting moderate to heavy weights. The work also requires fine motor skills and coordination (hand/eye coordination) in the use of laboratory equipment. Some of the work may need to be performed under hoods. Tasks may involve repetitive motion. For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

There is no educational substitution at this grade level.

NOTE: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Contacts

• Address Buffalo ORD VISN 3 130 S. Elmwood Ave Buffalo, NY 14202-2478 US
• Name: VHA National Recruitment Center
• Phone: (844)456-5208
• Email: [email protected]