Laboratory Technician
Wyoming Game and Fish Department's Wildlife Health Laboratory is seeking a laboratory technician to assist with chronic wasting disease (CWD) surveillance during the fall and winter; duties will then transition to assisting with other disease surveillance and laboratory activities for the remainder of the contract. This position is responsible for assisting with the department's statewide disease surveillance and data management within a laboratory setting. This position may offer opportunities to learn diagnostic techniques and assist with wildlife sampling/capture in the field. The position will be 12 months in duration.
Seasonal temporary employees are eligible for health, dental, and vision insurance. The department contributes toward employee-only coverage, with options available for dependent and family coverage at an additional cost to the employee.
Preference may be given to those with a bachelor's degree or two years of college coursework toward a bachelor's degree in biology, molecular biology, microbiology, zoology, or other closely related fields; other related training and experience will be evaluated for placement in this position. Must have a valid driver's license. Successful applicants for employment must pass a background check prior to appointment.
The listed functions are illustrative only and are not intended to describe every function that may be performed in the job level.
- Prepares, processes, and handles tissue and blood samples.
- Follows quality assurance procedures including documentation.
- Accessions, tracks, and organizes CWD samples.
- Enters and manages datasets.
- Maps locations of hunter harvests utilizing OnX Hunt software and paper maps.
- Maintains a clean, organized, and productive laboratory space.
- Transports samples and carcasses within the state.
- Uses knowledge of CWD to accurately respond to inquiries from the public.
- Collects tissues from hunter-harvested deer, elk, and moose (at the Laramie Regional office).
- Prepares laboratory reagents.
- Organizes and inventories samples.
- Maintains field and laboratory equipment.
- Assists with other laboratory duties as required; potential to help with wildlife sampling/capture in the field.
Preference may be given to those with a bachelor's degree or two years of college coursework toward a bachelor's degree in biology, molecular biology, microbiology, zoology, or other closely related fields; other related training and experience will be evaluated for placement in this position. Must have a valid driver's license. Successful applicants for employment must pass a background check prior to appointment.
Ability to sit at a laboratory bench or computer for long periods. Ability to process bloody, foul-smelling tissue samples. Ability to work with bleach.