Biological Science Laboratory Technician (Animal)

Veterans Health Administration • Buffalo, NY

2d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is located within the Office of Research and Development at the Buffalo VA Medical Center. Duties include preparing research samples, slides, smears, and diagnostic reagents; using operative, autopsy, gross pathology, and special breeding or feeding methods to collect and examine animal cells, fluids, and tissue; observing physiological and behavioral effects of drugs and other chemical agents, conditions, and stimuli on laboratory animals; maintaining complete and accurate records of procedures and test results in laboratory databases; maintaining laboratory facilities, equipment, and supplies; maintaining laboratory cleanness and safety conditions; and maintaining animal safety/care. This is not a virtual position, and the incumbent must live within or be willing to relocate within a commutable distance of the duty location.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen to apply
• Must complete all required steps in the process, including the application, questionnaire, and an online assessment
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• Subject to background/security investigation
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process
• Acceptable forms of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement
• Must serve a 1-year probationary period
• One (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GS-6) in the Federal Service that has given the particular knowledge, skills and abilities required to successfully perform the duties of a Biological Science Laboratory Technician (Animal), and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled.
• Specialized experience must have been related to the work of the position for which application is made.
• 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.
• Specialized experience also includes providing routine animal care, using research techniques and analysis to compare animal specimen readings, measurements, tests, observations, and collected samples; maintaining laboratory records; maintaining cleanliness of a research facility, equipment, and supplies.

Nice To Haves

• New York State Veterinary Technician Licensed

Responsibilities

• Prepares research samples, slides, smears, and diagnostic reagents
• Uses operative, autopsy, gross pathology, and special breeding or feeding methods to collect and examine animal cells, fluids, and tissue
• Observes physiological and behavioral effects of drugs and other chemical agents, conditions, and stimuli on laboratory animals
• Maintains complete and accurate records of procedures and test results in laboratory databases
• Maintains laboratory facilities, equipment, and supplies
• Maintains laboratory cleanness and safety conditions
• Maintains animal safety/care
• Performs other duties as assigned

Benefits

• Federal employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee.
• Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience.
• A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package.
• As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree