VETERINARY PATHOLOGIST SENIOR - 05192026-77855

Job Information

LOCATION OF (1) POSITION(S) TO BE FILLED: DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, DAVIDSON COUNTY

For education obtained outside the United States, degree certification is required per DOHR Policy 12-006 and must be attached to this application.

This position is with Technical Services and is located at the Ellington Agricultural Center.

Qualifications

Education and Experience: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or equivalent degree and completion of a Residency training in veterinary anatomic pathology (includes veterinary diagnostics, necropsy, histopathology, or similar veterinary diagnostic laboratory-based pathology work in academia or industry), and the successful completion or eligibility for American College of Veterinary Pathologists (ACVP) or European College of Veterinary Pathologists (ECVP) certification and five years of experience in veterinary pathology , specifically in veterinary diagnostics, histopathology, and necropsy within a veterinary diagnostic laboratory or research setting in academia or industry.

OR

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or equivalent degree and a Master of Science (MS) in veterinary anatomic pathology (includes veterinary diagnostics, necropsy, histopathology, or similar veterinary diagnostic laboratory-based pathology work in academia or industry), and the successful completion or eligibility for American College of Veterinary Pathologists (ACVP) or European College of Veterinary Pathologists (ECVP) certification and five years of experience in veterinary pathology, (specifically in veterinary diagnostics, histopathology, and necropsy within a veterinary diagnostic laboratory or research setting in academia or industry).

Necessary Special Qualifications: A valid vehicle operator's license may be required for employment in some positions.

EXAMINATION METHOD: Education and Experience, 100%, for Preferred Service positions.

Overview

Under general supervision, performs and leads veterinary anatomic pathology activities (e.g., necropsy, histopathology, and ordering of ancillary diagnostics) for companion, production, and exotic animal species.

This is the advanced working class in the Veterinary Anatomic Pathologist sub-series and has increased responsibilities related to providing second opinions on histopathology, managing complex cases, and training others. The role involves independent case management and acts as a key reference point for other pathologists in the organization. This class differs from the Veterinary Pathology Manager in that employees in the latter class are responsible for supervising subordinate staff and have reduced responsibilities performing necropsies and histopathology.

Responsibilities

1.Performs comprehensive necropsy and gross examination of animal carcasses including detailed evaluations of limbs and organs, to accurately determine the cause of disease/death.

2. Conducts detailed histopathological analyses on both postmortem and antemortem biopsy specimens, offering precise morphologic diagnoses and interpret lesions in the context of clinical history, gross necropsy findings and results of ancillary diagnostic tests.

3. Provides expert second opinions on complex necropsy and biopsy cases where cause of disease/death is not clear from gross/histopathological examination, ensuring diagnostic consistency and accuracy.

4. Serves as point of contact for legal cases and biopsies (companion or farm animal) for critical and quick reporting.

5. Orders appropriate ancillary diagnostic tests based on interpretation of clinical history provided, gross necropsy findings, client concerns, and submitted samples to determine cause of disease/death.

6. Compiles and interprets diagnostic findings by integrating clinical data, gross necropsy observations, histopathology findings, and ancillary diagnostic results into comprehensive case reports, ensuring clarity and accuracy.

7. Conforms to requirements of administrative policies (e.g., procurement, quality, and safety) to maintain efficiency, accuracy, and safety of the laboratory's operations.

8. Communicates with internal and external customers to gather detailed sample submission information and effectively communicate diagnostic results, managing responsibilities related to reportable diseases.

9. Trains and may coordinate activities of less experienced veterinary anatomic pathologists, technicians, and other team members of the laboratory.

10. Participates in professional development opportunities such as technical workshops, conferences, online courses and reviewing scientific literature to stay abreast of advancements in veterinary pathology.

Competencies (KSA's)

Competencies:

1. Manages Complexity
2. Decision Quality
3. Directs Work
4. Ensures Accountability
5. Situational Adaptability

Knowledge:

1. Biology
2. English Language
3. Public Safety and Security
4. Customer and Personal Service
5. Medicine and Dentistry

Skills:

1. Active Learning and Listening
2. Critical Thinking
3. Complex Problem Solving
4. Reading Comprehension
5. Writing

Abilities:

1. Limb and/or Full Body Coordination
2. Deductive Reasoning
3. Selective Attention
4. Near Vision
5. Visual Color Discrimination

Tools & Equipment

1. Microscopes
2. Hoist
3. Biosafety Cabinets, Respirators, and other PPE
4. Hand and Power Tools (e.g., loppers and saws)
5. Sharps (e.g., needles, knives, scissors and scalpels)