Job Class Specification for:
LABORATORY TECHNICIAN II

Class Specification Schematic Number: 7350005

Class Summary:

Positions in this class, under general supervision, lead and coordinate laboratory operations, and supervise the activities of a laboratory technician, ensure aquarium water quality by conducting and evaluating the more complex tests of the aquarium life support environment; perform pathological examinations on fish; and coordinate and perform research related to aquarium exhibits.

Distinguishing Characteristics of the Class:

This class is the advanced level in the Laboratory Technician series. It is distinguished from the Laboratory Technician I in that this class has lead responsibilities for laboratory operations, supervises the work of subordinate staff, and performs the more complex testing and analysis tasks.

The work of this class requires an experienced knowledge of laboratory techniques related to water quality analysis and fish disease diagnosis, and of the theories, concepts and methods of relevant areas of chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology and fish pathology. Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of a variety of specialized laboratory equipment is required. Incumbents must be able to plan, prioritize and schedule the work of other laboratory personnel, and to oversee operations of a testing and analysis laboratory.

Established guidelines, principles and techniques are available, but do not cover all aspects of the work. Independent judgment is required in developing laboratory procedures, interpreting the results of the more complex laboratory tests, and overseeing the work of subordinate laboratory staff and volunteer researchers.

Personal contacts are inter-departmental to coordinate work activities; contact with the public includes universities and government agencies to provide information and obtain grant sources.

Examples of Work:

• Directs the operation of an aquarium laboratory; schedules water quality procedures; establishes and coordinates daily laboratory activities; recommends and implements laboratory policies and procedures; supervises a subordinate laboratory technician and coordinates the activities of volunteer researchers.

• Performs pathological examinations on fish; diagnoses diseases and initiates treatment; coordinates with biologists to develop, implement and provide emergency medical treatment and quarantine procedures.

• Supervises chemical and bacteriological testing of aquarium water samples; conducts non-routine and emergency testing; prepares evaluations and recommendations for senior biologist.

• Coordinates with aquarium veterinarian for medical and health care of birds and mammals.

• Supervises the development and maintenance of a centralized animal husbandry record system including animal inventory, necropsy reports, disease treatment, and water quality reports.

• Provides technical expertise in life support systems development and operations.

• Conducts special projects related to animal husbandry and systems development.

• Solicits research opportunities from universities, government agencies and industry. Acts as a liaison between City and grant source.

• Conducts research activities, prepares grants and proposals. Monitors grant-funded research activities.

• Prepares scientific and popular papers for publication or presentation to lay or professional groups.

• Prepares reports on laboratory findings and other related reports as directed.

• Prepares a variety of reports on test results including result interpretation, as well as summary reports related to animal health and inventory.

• Performs other related duties of a comparable level/type as assigned.

May be exposed to dangerous animals, animal diseases and feces. May work on slippery surface in a cold wet environment. Requires the ability to lift 50 pounds or less. Requires handling or working with toxic/hazardous substances and possibly hazardous electrical currents.

Requires two years of laboratory operations experience including testing and analysis of aquarium water quality, and research involving the aquarium life support environment; and a baccalaureate degree in biology, bacteriology, chemistry or related field (or a combination of education, training and/or experience which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class).

State of Washington Driver's License.

Comments:

This description was prepared to indicate the kinds of activities and levels of work difficulty required of positions in this class. It is not intended as a complete list of specific duties and responsibilities.

Class History:

Class adopted January 2, 1991.

Date posted 6/24/1999

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