Maryland Department of Agriculture

I.          NATURE OF WORK:

            This is proficient level of work as an autopsy technician in an animal health laboratory.  Under immediate supervision of professional personnel, an incumbent of this classification assists in the performance of animal autopsy examinations and takes responsibility for maintenance, sterilization and cleanliness of the autopsy area and equipment.  The employee keeps records in reference to the disposition of organs and incinerates post-mortem material.  When not engaged in autopsy room duties, the employee assists in animal care activities and in other basic service work.

            Persons appointed to this classification may be required to work Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays when scheduled.

            Supervision is received from the Laboratory Director or pathologist.  Work is evaluated by observation of performance, maintenance of files and cleanliness of autopsy room and equipment.  Employees in this class may occasionally supervise lower level service workers or assistants.

II.         EXAMPLES OF WORK:  (Examples are illustrative only)           

Unloads animal carcasses from truck by means of a hoist and properly places them on the autopsy table;

Under the direction of a pathologist, proceeds to section animals to be autopsied, remove organs, take samples and delivers them with written instructions to other laboratory workers;

Under limited supervision, conducts routine laboratory tests such as urine tests fecal examinations, routine blood counts, etc;

Chemically sterilizes and cleans autopsy area after all post-mortem examinations.

Cleans and maintains instruments and equipment for use in the area including autopsy tables, sinks, electric bone saws, dictating machine equipment, knives, and refrigerators;

Incinerate post-mortem specimen material;

Prepares solutions for routine and special fixations of organs;

Cleans, paints, and makes minor repairs to autopsy building; assists maintenance crew in making repairs to buildings;

As needed, assists maintenance crew in animal caretaking activities and in maintenance of grounds and buildings;

Performs other necessary duties as required.

III.       REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Elementary knowledge of high school biology and chemistry; of the use and care of ordinary laboratory equipment.  Ability to handle large domestic animals; to performduties without being adversely affected by the sight of blood or offensive odors; to clean and sterilize glassware, fragile laboratory equipment and instruments; to understand and effectively carry out instructions; to work harmoniously with others; to properly feed and house all species of animals in a manner that will meet animal care standards of both domestic and laboratory animals; to recognize abnormalities and report condition to supervisor; to take and record body temperatures and other required data, such as feed consumption, mortality, production, etc.

IV.       MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

Education:

Graduation from a standard high school or possession of a State high school equivalence certificate.

Experience:

One year of experience in an animal autopsy area or experience assisting in veterinary surgery or experience working on a slaughter house kill floor.

V.        LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATES:

NOT APPLICABLE.

VI.       SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE CLASSIFICATION:         

Some positions in this classification are assigned duties which will require the individual to be examined by a physician.  After an offer of employment, applicants for such positions will be given a medical examination to certify the ability to perform the essential job functions.

DATE ADOPTED:    July 1, 1978

DATE REFORMATTED:  December 1, 2003

Class specifications are broad descriptions covering groups of positions used by various State departments and agencies.  Position descriptions maintained by the using department or agency specifically address the essential job functions of each position.  

APPROVED:  ___________________________________

                          Director, Division of Salary Administration

                             and Position Classification