Lab/Collection Technician

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

To assist the lab technicians in the process of collecting boars, processing semen and general maintenance.

REQUIREMENTS:
Physical Requirements: Ability to stand, kneel and walk on concrete floors most of the day. Medium strength is required for the training of boars, collection of semen and lifting of buckets. May have to lift or assist in positioning of boars. Ability to reach for and handle supportive devices or equipment such as thermoses, feed scoops, gates, etc. Possess near visual acuity and depth perception to examine boars and semen for pertinent detail. The animal environment is dusty and has animal dander, odor and noise. Appropriate personal protection equipment is provided.

Education and Experience: High school graduate preferred with general office experience and a farm background.

Skills and Abilities: Dependable, self-motivated, detail oriented, neat, flexible, people oriented, able to maintain confidentiality, possess organizational and time management skills, proven skills in effective communication.

Equipment Operation: Telephone, computer, electronic calculator, bagging/sealing machine, CASA, microscope, parastalic pump, thermometers and domestic appliances.

Temperaments

Preference for scientific and technical activities to master principles, techniques and procedures in the swine industry.

Ability to follow set procedures and standards with satisfactory results.

Capability to evaluate information based on measurable and verifiable criteria.

Ability to communicate with staff and clients who may be under physical and emotional stress.

TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Exhibit teamwork, including working to achieve team goals and embracing new technologies.

2. Must treat all animals in a humane manner, animal abuse will NOT be tolerated.

3. Follow bio-security protocol set forth by veterinary consultant and PCM.

4. Use equipment which bags and seals semen doses in a timely manner, including labeling of all doses.

5. Understand and prepare extender; use it in the extending of semen for mass production.

6. Assist with orders and record keeping.

a. Record boar IDs with batch numbers, processing and expiration dates.

b. Track clients’ names, addresses and number of doses ordered.

c. Ready orders for delivery.

d. Log daily accounts with delivery charges.

e. Keep daily lab logs.

7. Perform cleaning and maintenance tasks as scheduled.

a. Wash glassware and utensils used in the processing of semen.

b. Clean all work areas

c. Use washer and dryer.

d. Mop floors.

8. Communicate with Manager and team members regularly.

9. Notify Manager of any concerns or problems.

10. Continuing education / development:

a. Seek to learn and further develop leadership skills.

b. Develop personal goals and mission.

c. Present professional image of the farm and PCM.

d. Pass TQA and PQA+ certification test.

*The preceding statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed.