CS-214
REV 8/2007
1. Position Code
LABYTCHEA31R
State of Michigan
Civil Service Commission
Capitol Commons Center, P.O. Box 30002
Lansing, MI 48909
Federal privacy laws and/or state
confidentiality requirements protect
a portion of this information.
POSITIO N DESCRI PT ION
This form is to be completed by the person that occupies the position being described and reviewed by the
supervisor and appointing authority to ensure its accuracy. It is important that each of the parties sign and
date the form. If the position is vacant, the supervisor and appointing authority should complete the form.
This form will serve as the official classification document of record for this position. Please take the time to
complete this form as accurately as you can since the information in this form is used to determine the proper
classification of the position. THE SUPERVISOR AND/OR APPOINTING AUTHORITY SHOULD
COMPLETE THIS PAGE.
2. Employee’s Name (Last, First, M.I.)
8. Department/Agency
Natural Resources
3. Employee Identification Number
9. Bureau (Institution, Board, or Commission)
Resource Management
4. Civil Service Classification of Position
10. Division
Laboratory Technician-E (8/9/E10)
Wildlife
5. Working Title of Position (What the agency titles the
position)
11. Section
Wildlife Health
Laboratory Technician
6. Name and Classification of Direct Supervisor
12. Unit
Stephen M. Schmitt, State Administrative Manager
15
Wildlife Disease Laboratory (WDL)
7. Name and Classification of Next Higher Level Supervisor
13. Work Location (City and Address)/Hours of Work
Douglas A. Reeves, State Division Administrator 17
4125 BEAUMONT ROAD; LANSING, MI 48910 /
Monday through Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
14. General Summary of Function/Purpose of Position
This position acts as technical support for wildlife population biometric and genetic laboratory analysis. This
position also supports a variety of laboratory activities for disease control and surveillance. Work is performed
through the application of a body of knowledge related to standard laboratory methods, practices, procedures,
policies, regulations, and laboratory materials and equipment.
For Civil Service Use Only
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15. Please describe your assigned duties, percent of time spent performing each duty, and explain what is done
to complete each duty.
List your duties in the order of importance, from most important to least important. The total percentage
of all duties performed must equal 100 percent.
Duty 1
General Summary of Duty 1
55% of Time
Assists Laboratory Scientist with laboratory aspects of statewide biometric surveys of wildlife.
Individual tasks related to the duty.

Technical support for population biometric analysis program in the Laboratory for the Wildlife Division.
o
Assists with statewide collection of over 5,000 specimens annually for population analysis through
cementum annuli aging (procurement and distribution of supplies, instructions for collection
procedures, troubleshooting).
o
Assists with processing of over 5,000 specimens annually for age determination (laboratory data
collection, radiographic screening, tooth cleaning and preparation, sectioning of teeth, and aging of
tooth sections through microscopic evaluation)
o Assists with statewide registration database (comparing data from collected specimens to registration
data, data error investigation and correction, combining validated laboratory and registration data)
o Assists with purchase, operation, and maintenance of lab equipment (e.g. cryostat (microtome),
microscopes, isomet saws, centrifuges, analytical balances, autoclave, tissue processor, etc.) and
supplies (e.g. glassware, dry chemicals, solvents, etc.).
o Evaluates data validity through collection of genetic samples for gender determination.
o Assists with summarizing data and reporting results in the form of scientific publications and data
summaries to biologists, managers, and program leaders.

Assists with biochemical, histological, parasitic, and serological analyses.
Duty 2
General Summary of Duty 2
30% of Time
Assists Laboratory Scientist with genetic analysis research support for the genetic analysis program of the
Wildlife Division.
Individual tasks related to the duty.




Technical support for genetic analysis research in the Laboratory for the Wildlife Division.
o Assists with coordination of genetic sample collection, extraction, and archiving, as well as related
record keeping for samples and metadata. More than >4,000 tissue and >8,000 extracted DNA samples
from multiple Michigan wildlife species are currently archived.
o Assists with background research and the development of ad hoc in-house genetic procedures as
requested by research and habitat biologists for specific Division projects. Many procedures relate to
wildlife population size and dynamics.
o Maintains specialized genetic analysis equipment. Conducts background research on the purchase of
equipment and supplies, set up, and make operational.
o Assist in the gray wolf biometric data project (perform body measurements, DNA sample collection
and genetic analysis, photo documentation of teeth; maintain, summarize and disseminate data to field
personnel as requested).
Assists Division field personnel and other researchers regarding their needs for genetic data.
Advises staff on proper collection and transport of genetic samples.
Assist in contributing to research manuscripts related genetic analysis for publication in scientific journals and
Division Reports.
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


Assist with the Lab’s participation in cooperative projects involving genetic analyses (e.g. Predator-Prey
Project).
Assist with the Lab’s participation in population management initiatives involving genetic analyses (e.g. hair
snare analyses and genetic sexing for population estimation in furbearers).
Distribution of DNA samples to researchers nationally and internationally.
Duty 3
General Summary of Duty 3
10% of Time
Assists with wildlife disease surveillance and control.
Individual tasks related to the duty.

Examines deer, elk, and moose for TB and chronic wasting disease (CWD) surveillance activities.

Assists with entering records from sampled wildlife into DNR TB database.

Prepares materials, collects, and processes wild animals and specimens (teeth, blood, feces, tissues) for
wildlife health surveys.

Assists pathologist with preparation, examination, and radiography of wildlife specimens.

Works in a high-biosecurity (BSL-3-Ag) environment on wildlife infected with zoonotic diseases.

Completes annual tuberculosis skin testing, annual respirator fit test, and biannual rabies titer check.

Transports specimens/animals using Department vehicles.
Duty 4
General Summary of Duty 5
Other duties as assigned.
5 % of Time
Individual tasks related to the duty.

Assists with preparation of PowerPoint slides, handouts, and other communication materials.

Participates in various training sessions and activities (i.e. chemical immobilization, annual Division Meeting).

Helps with other Division activities as needed (i.e. deer check stations, oil spill response).

Communicates with public regarding wildlife health issues and wildlife aging results.

Assist with research activities by collecting and summarizing data and scientific literature.
16. Describe the types of decisions you make independently in your position and tell who and/or what is affected by those decisions.
Use additional sheets, if necessary.
Decisions are to be made regarding the most effective and efficient way to complete assigned tasks. Daily work
schedule to be determined through these decisions. Decisions require judgment based on formal educational
experience, work experience and an understanding of Division priorities.
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17. Describe the types of decisions that require your supervisor’s review.
Decisions regarding setting priorities when time conflicts arise, changes to established laboratory procedures, and
purchasing decisions. Issues of concern to the Division or Management Team where outcome can have major
impact on the Division.
18. What kind of physical effort do you use in your position? What environmental conditions are you physically exposed to in your
position? Indicate the amount of time and intensity of each activity and condition. Refer to instructions on page 2.
While this assignment is primarily in a laboratory and office environment, the incumbent may encounter adverse
weather conditions while providing support to programs in the field. There is regular exposure to diseases, some
potentially fatal, work in a Biosafety Level 3-Ag laboratory, and frequent exposure to strong smells and
chemicals. Lifting, standing, and long periods of repetitive laboratory bench work are everyday tasks. Occasional
exposure to stress may be brought on by various deadlines and seasonally heavy workloads.
19. List the names and classification titles of classified employees whom you immediately supervise or oversee on a full-time, on-going
basis. (If more than 10, list only classification titles and the number of employees in each classification.)
NAME
CLASS TITLE
NAME
CLASS TITLE
20. My responsibility for the above-listed employees includes the following (check as many as apply):
21.
Complete and sign service ratings.
Assign work.
Provide formal written counseling.
Approve work.
Approve leave requests.
Review work.
Approve time and attendance.
Provide guidance on work methods.
Orally reprimand.
Train employees in the work.
I certify that the above answers are my own and are accurate and complete.
Signature
Date
NOTE: Make a copy of this form for your records.
TO BE COMPLETED BY DIRECT SUPERVISOR
22. Do you agree with the responses from the employee for Items 1 through 20? If not, which items do you disagree with and why?
Not applicable.
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23. What are the essential duties of this position?
As stated in Items 14 and 15, above.
24. Indicate specifically how the position’s duties and responsibilities have changed since the position was last reviewed.
Additional responsibilities added to assist with genetic analysis. Duties more focused on main tasks assigned –
laboratory assistance with population biometry, genetic analysis, and disease surveillance.
25. What is the function of the work area and how does this position fit into that function?
The DNR Wildlife Health Section is responsible for monitoring the health and well-being of wildlife in the State
of Michigan. This position is responsible for supporting this mission, assisting with laboratory support for disease
surveillance and control, population biometry, genetic analysis, and research.
26. In your opinion, what are the minimum education and experience qualifications needed to perform the essential functions of this
position.
EDUCATION:
Possession of an associate’s degree in engineering technology, the physical or biological sciences, or a related
field.
A bachelor’s degree in biological sciences with laboratory or pathology work and wildlife management emphasis
is preferred.
EXPERIENCE:
Laboratory Technician 8 - No specific type or amount of experience is required.
Laboratory Technician 9 –One year of experience equivalent to a Laboratory Technician 8.
Laboratory Technician E10 – Two years of experience equivalent to a Laboratory Technician, including one year
equivalent to a Laboratory Technician 9.
Alternate Education and Experience:
Laboratory Technician E10 – Possession of a bachelor’s degree or higher with 16 semester (24 term) credits in
job specific or related course work may be substituted for the education and experience requirements.
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KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:



Knowledge and skills in laboratory work, wildlife pathology, wildlife management, data processing, and
strong computer skills.
Ability to handle biological samples and laboratory equipment.
Must be willing to take an annual TB test, respirator fit test and rabies vaccination/titre determination.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:
Valid driver’s license.
NOTE: Civil Service approval of this position does not constitute agreement with or acceptance of the desirable qualifications for this position.
27.
I certify that the information presented in this position description provides a complete and accurate depiction
of the duties and responsibilities assigned to this position.
Supervisor’s Signature
Date
TO BE FILLED OUT BY APPOINTING AUTHORITY
28. Indicate any exceptions or additions to the statements of the employee(s) or supervisor.
29. I certify that the entries on these pages are accurate and complete.
Appointing Authority’s Signature
Date
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