See Veterinary Specialist 1

This is the senior or lead worker level of the series. Under general direction, positions perform veterinary technical specialized work related to public and animal health, care and management through the inspection and promotion of disease detection and diagnosis, analysis, control, eradication, and prevention. Positions are responsible for laboratory animals used in scientific research and maintain continuous surveillance for disease by conducting screening tests to monitor laboratory animal health and administering chemotherapy when warranted; preparing animals for surgery, including pre-operative sedation, general anesthetic, and preparing operative field for aseptic procedures; and may perform minor surgery and provide post-operative intensive care; or work in the field conducting surveillance, applying animal disease traceability, and enforcing animal health regulations.

Initiates diagnostic tests on laboratory animals in which abnormalities are suspected, e.g., blood sampling for complete hematology and chemistry workups, radiography, paracentesis, auscultation, palpation, etc.;

Maintains detailed records regarding individual laboratory animals including animal's health, weights, procedures performed, medications administered, research project assignments, etc.;

Assists with necropsy procedures and collection of samples;

Prepares detailed reports;

Performs tests of livestock, poultry, and other avian species on ranches, farms, auctions, markets, etc., to detect animal diseases and parasites;

Completes National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP) inspections for assigned flocks;

Audits records, collects avian influenza samples and completes Pullorum Typhoid testing;

Provides program information regarding preventive measures and biosecurity to livestock owners;

Prepares hold orders and quarantine orders granting approval of movements of disease-free, infected, or exposed livestock;

Subject-matter expert on the use and maintenance of all response equipment avian depopulation equipment;

May lead lower level staff;

Performs the duties of the lower levels in the series;

Performs other work as required.

Knowledge of: poultry and/or the livestock industry; livestock handling equipment; public livestock market operations; animal care; animal care tools, medicines, and techniques; quality control procedures; common emergency and critical care case types; leadership skills; medical records; supervisory and management practices.

Ability to: handle livestock and poultry in a safe manner; safety protocols; teach and model veterinary nursing care; instruct others on technical skills required; manage an American Society of Anesthesiologists 4 or 5 level case with minimal support; act as a patient advocate; effectively communicate.

There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.

Persons legally authorized to work in the U.S. under federal law, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, are eligible for employment unless prohibited by other state or federal law.

Bachelor’s degree in a medical, biological, or allied field, and two years’ experience in the animal, avian, or veterinary field.

OR

Registration, certification or licensure in an animal or veterinary technician program and four years’ experience in a mixed or large animal practice or working with laboratory animals.

Note: Registration by the state of Washington may be required. Positions at the Department of Agriculture are required to be a Certified Veterinary Technician.

New class replaces 4892 Veterinary Technologist; effective June 1, 2005.
Base range salary adjustment (from 42 to 47); revised class series concept, definition, typical work, knowledge and abilities, and qualifications: adopted June 22, 2023, effective July 1, 2023.

Revised Legal Requirements; effective June 6, 2024, due to adopted legislative action.