Veterinary Laboratory Technician

POSITION: VETERINARY LABORATORY TECHNICIAN

1. Job Identification

Item: Description

Position Title: Veterinary Laboratory Technician

Organization: Prime Veterinary Solutions Company

Duty Station: Baidoa, Bay Region, Southwest State, Somalia

Department: Veterinary Laboratory and Diagnostic Services

Employment Type: Full-time

Reports To: Laboratory Supervisor / Veterinary Services Manager

Supervises: Laboratory assistants, where assigned

Work Environment: Veterinary diagnostic laboratory and field sample collection activities

2. Position Overview

Prime Veterinary Solutions Company seeks a qualified, skilled, and detail-oriented Veterinary Laboratory Technician to support veterinary diagnostic services through the collection, processing, examination, analysis, and reporting of animal biological specimens.

The successful candidate  will be responsible for conducting routine laboratory investigations, supporting disease  diagnosis, maintaining laboratory equipment, ensuring quality control, and implementing appropriate biosafety and biosecurity procedures.

The position will support veterinary clinical services by providing reliable diagnostic information to Veterinary Doctors and other authorized professionals.

The candidate should have practical knowledge of veterinary laboratory procedures, microscopy, parasitology, hematology, basic microbiology, specimen management, laboratory safety, and diagnostic documentation.

3. Overall, Job Purpose

To provide accurate, timely, and reliable  veterinary laboratory diagnostic services  that support animal disease identification, treatment decisions, disease surveillance, and livestock health management.

The position will ensure that laboratory investigations are performed using appropriate procedures, validated methods where available, and established quality and safety standards.

4. Key Functional Sectors and Areas of Responsibility

4.1 Veterinary Specimen Collection and Sample Management

ªCollect, receive, identify, label, and register animal biological specimens.

ªCollect blood, fecal, urine, skin scrapings, swabs, and other samples according to approved

procedures.

ªEnsure appropriate sample collection techniques to minimize contamination and specimen

deterioration.

ªVerify patient or animal identification and accompanying sample request information.

ªAssign unique laboratory identification numbers to specimens.

ªEnsure appropriate specimen containers, preservatives, and transportation conditions.

ªReject or report unsuitable specimens according to established laboratory procedures.

ªMaintain accurate specimen reception and processing registers.

ªEnsure proper storage and disposal of collected specimens.

4.2 Parasitological Laboratory Investigations

ªPerform routine fecal examinations for identification of gastrointestinal parasites.

ªConduct direct smear examinations and appropriate concentration techniques where

available.

ªIdentify parasite eggs, larvae, cysts, and other diagnostic stages using microscopy.

ªSupport investigations of common livestock parasitic diseases.

ªConduct blood parasite examinations using appropriate staining and microscopy methods.

ªPerform skin  scraping    examinations for suspected mange and  other ectoparasitic conditions.

ªRecord parasitological findings accurately.

ªCommunicate findings to the responsible Veterinary Doctor for interpretation and clinical

decision-making.

4.3 Hematology and Blood Examination

ªReceive and process blood samples using appropriate anticoagulants.

ªPrepare peripheral blood smears using standard laboratory techniques.

ªPerform basic hematological examinations using available laboratory equipment.

ªSupport measurement of hemoglobin, packed cell volume PCV), and other                                                                                      routine

parameters where equipment is available.

ªExamine blood films for abnormalities and suspected blood parasites.

ªRecognize common abnormalities such as anemia and changes in blood cell morphology

within the technician's competence.

ªMaintain accurate hematological records.

ªFollow standard procedures for sample processing and result validation.

4.4 Microbiology and Bacteriological Investigations

ªPrepare appropriate specimens for basic microbiological investigations.

ªPrepare culture media and reagents according to laboratory procedures.

ªPerform basic bacterial culture procedures where facilities and authorization permit.

ªObserve and document colony characteristics.

ªConduct basic staining procedures, including Gram staining.

ªMaintain aseptic techniques during specimen processing and microbiological procedures.

ªSupport identification of suspected bacterial pathogens within the laboratory's available

capacity.

ªFollow appropriate containment, disinfection, and disposal procedures.

ªRefer complex or high-risk samples to an appropriately equipped reference laboratory.

4.5 Clinical Biochemistry and Diagnostic Support

ªPerform routine biochemical tests using available laboratory equipment.

ªAssist with testing of relevant blood and other biological specimens.

ªPrepare reagents and test materials according to manufacturer instructions.

ªOperate and maintain laboratory analyzers where available.

ªMonitor the performance of diagnostic equipment and report abnormalities.

ªRecord test results accurately and maintain appropriate quality control documentation.

ªEnsure that results are communicated through approved reporting channels.

ªAvoid interpreting or issuing   clinical diagnoses  outside the technician's professional

authorization.

4.6 Sample Preparation and Microscopy

ªPrepare slides, smears, wet mounts, and stained specimens.

ªOperate light microscopes and other diagnostic instruments.

ªMaintain appropriate microscopy techniques and cleanliness.

ªIdentify visible structures and abnormalities relevant to requested investigations.

ªEnsure correct slide labeling and specimen traceability.

ªMaintain microscopy registers and examination records.

ªClean and store microscopes and accessories appropriately.

ªReport equipment faults and technical difficulties promptly.

4.7 Laboratory Equipment and Reagent Management

ªOperate laboratory equipment according to standard operating procedures.

ªConduct routine cleaning, maintenance, and performance checks.

ªMonitor equipment functionality and identify operational problems.

ªMaintain equipment inventory and maintenance logs.

ªMonitor reagent availability, storage conditions, and expiry dates.

ªPrepare reagents and solutions according to approved procedures.

ªEnsure appropriate labeling of prepared reagents.

ªMaintain appropriate storage and security of laboratory supplies.

ªReport equipment breakdowns and request servicing when necessary.

4.8 Laboratory Quality Assurance and Quality Control

ªFollow established laboratory standard operating procedures (SOPs).

ªPerform internal quality control checks according to available methods.

ªEnsure accurate identification and traceability of specimens.

ªMonitor the quality of reagents, stains, and laboratory consumables.

ªIdentify errors in sample collection, processing, and reporting.

ªMaintain laboratory quality control records.

ªParticipate in internal audits and laboratory quality improvement activities.

ªEnsure that results are reviewed and released through authorized procedures.

ªSupport corrective actions when laboratory errors or quality problems are identified.

4.9 Biosafety, Biosecurity, and Infection Prevention

ªApply laboratory biosafety and biosecurity procedures at all times.

ªUse appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, laboratory coats,

and protective eyewear where required.

ªFollow appropriate specimen handling and containment procedures.

ªDisinfect laboratory benches and working surfaces regularly.

ªEnsure safe handling of potentially infectious specimens.

ªSegregate and dispose   of biological, sharps, chemical, and general laboratory waste

appropriately.

ªMaintain hand hygiene and laboratory cleanliness.

ªReport accidental exposure, spills, injuries, and suspected laboratory-acquired infections

immediately.

ªPrevent unauthorized access to laboratory areas and biological materials.

Skills and qualifications

Educational Qualifications and Experience

ªDiploma or  Bachelor's degree in  Veterinary Laboratory Technology, Veterinary Laboratory Science, Animal Health Laboratory Technology, Medical Laboratory Technology, or a relevant laboratory science discipline.

ªRelevant practical laboratory training and  demonstrated competence                                                                                                  in diagnostic  procedures.

ªAt least one year of relevant laboratory experience is desirable.

ªKnowledge of veterinary parasitology, hematology, microbiology, and basic diagnostic

techniques.

ªExperience operating microscopes and laboratory equipment is an advantage.

ªKnowledge of biosafety, quality assurance, and laboratory documentation is desirable.

ªComputer literacy and report-writing skills are required.

ªFluency in Somali is essential; knowledge of English is an advantage.

8. Reporting and Working Relationships

The Veterinary Laboratory Technician will report to the Laboratory Supervisor  or designated Veterinary Services Manager and work closely with:

ªVeterinary Doctors.

ªVeterinary Technicians.

ªVeterinary Pharmacists.

ªLaboratory assistants.

ªAnimal health field personnel.

ªLivestock owners and sample-submitting clients.

ªRelevant reference laboratories and diagnostic institutions.

ªAppropriate veterinary and animal health authorities.

9. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

ªAccuracy and reliability of laboratory results.

ªTimeliness of sample processing and reporting.

ªProper specimen identification and traceability.

ªCompliance with laboratory SOPs.

ªQuality of microscopy and diagnostic procedures.

ªAccuracy and completeness of laboratory registers.

ªEquipment functionality and maintenance compliance.

ªProper management of reagents and consumables.

ªCompliance with biosafety and biosecurity standards.

ªTimely reporting of unusual and significant diagnostic findings.

ªQuality of coordination with clinical veterinary personnel.

10. Professional Ethics, Safety, and Accountability

The Veterinary Laboratory Technician must:

ªMaintain strict confidentiality of laboratory information.

ªFollow approved diagnostic procedures and laboratory SOPs.

ªAvoid falsification, unauthorized alteration, or manipulation of laboratory results.

ªReport technical errors and quality concerns honestly.

ªRelease laboratory results only through authorized procedures.

ªUse appropriate PPE and follow biosafety requirements.

ªMaintain proper handling and disposal of infectious materials.

ªEnsure that laboratory equipment and materials are used responsibly.

ªAvoid making independent clinical diagnoses beyond professional competence.

ªMaintain professional conduct and accountability in all laboratory activities.

GENERAL APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Interested and qualified candidates are invited to apply by submitting the following documents:

1.    Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).

2. Cover letter indicating the position applied for. 3. Copies of relevant academic certificates.

4. Copies of professional registration or licenses, where applicable. 5. Contact information for at least two professional referees.

Application Email: [email protected]

Application Deadline: 1st December 2026.

•                 IMPORTANT: EMAIL SUBJECT FORMAT

Applicants must include the exact position title and location in the email subject line. Examples:

•        Application for Veterinary Laboratory Technician – Baidoa Location

Incomplete applications or applications received after the deadline may not be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews and further assessment.

PRIME VETERINARY SOLUTIONS COMPANY

Professional Veterinary Care. Better Animal Health. Sustainable Livestock Development.

Baidoa, Bay Region, Southwest State, Somalia.

Email: [email protected]