Job Details

Under general direction, performs advanced entomological and vector ecology work related to the surveillance and control of biotic vectors of disease, such as but not limited to, mosquitoes, rodents, stinging insects and arthropods; to supervise and administer laboratory and field surveillance programs; to serve as a technical advisor to the District, staff and the public; to design, participate in and monitor research projects and to supervise and train assigned professional and technical staff.

Responsibilities:

• Interviews, hires, instructs, orients and trains assigned staff;
• Schedules, assigns and evaluates the performance of staff;
• Observes and documents performance of assigned personnel, prepares periodic evaluations of performance with supporting documentation, and makes recommendations for employee recognition and/or discipline;
• Responsible for supervision and administration of the District's vector control laboratory work;
• Develops procedures for and/or monitors the processing of organism/animals, bleeding, laboratory work and the submission of specimens and blood sera for analysis;
• Develops laboratory and surveillance budget component for the District;
• Develops procedures for and monitors the processing and/or coordination of all laboratory work ensuring the effective management, proper protocol and legal compliance with all local, State and Federal requirements;
• Procures, designs, constructs and supervises maintenance of devices used to trap mosquitoes, rodents, birds and other organisms;
• Develops procedures for all field surveillance programs;
• Develops procedures for the placement of traps and the collection and handling of specimens collected;
• Develops procedures, methods and standards for the application of chemicals for vector control;
• Investigates resistance of vectors to pesticides and related materials;
• Compiles and evaluates data accrued from the programs managed and generates technical reports and program recommendations;
• Provides training and technical consultation services to District operational staff;
• Conducts/participates in training programs and workshops for staff of public agencies;
• Participates in joint agency and collaborative research projects;
• Provides technical information and suggestions to the public in areas of vector ecology and control;
• Works in cooperation with District Management in developing standards relating to inspection and surveillance and treatment for selected special projects and routine District work;
• Prepares documentation for abatement proceedings;
• Reviews scientific journals, research and technical reports and attends scientific conventions to obtain state-of-the-art information related to vector ecology;
• Performs related work as required.

Knowledge of:

• Medical Entomology and Medical Parasitology at an advanced level;
• Theories and practices of vector and related disease control and surveillance and long-range issues related to vector control;
• Current laboratory practices;
• The use and effects of pesticides;
• Standard biological and physical sciences-related scientific research and investigative techniques;
• Record keeping;
• Advanced mathematics and biostatistics;
• Applicable laws and regulations including proper laboratory protocol and safety precautions and procedures;
• Principles of supervision including fundamentals of instruction and training, and public relations principles and practices;
• Principles of composition and report preparation.

Ability to:

• Manage vector control and related disease surveillance programs efficiently and effectively;
• Manage and supervise staff;
• Plan and schedule selected work assignments, select, set priorities for, train, evaluate, and recommend recognition and/or discipline of assigned staff;
• Define a problem to lend itself to quantitative and qualitative analysis;
• Apply conventional techniques in scientific research;
• Gather, organize and analyze information and arrive at sound conclusions;
• Write administrative and technical reports and display information and data in the most meaningful and understandable form;
• Plan and organize work with a high degree of independence;
• Speak clearly and effectively before groups and individuals;
• Read understand, interpret, evaluate and apply laws, policies, rules, and contracts, guidelines and literature of the profession;
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions;
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Any combination of training, education and experience which demonstrates possession of the knowledge and abilities stated above.

Note: A Bachelor's degree in Entomology, Zoology, Biology or closely related field and three years experience as an Entomologist, Biologist or in a closely related field. Experience in medical or vector entomology is preferred. A Master's Degree in a closely related field may be substituted for one year of experience.

Possession of valid and current certifications by the California Department of Health Services as a Certified Technician in Mosquito Control, Terrestrial Invertebrate Vector Control and Vertebrate Vector Control are required prior to the completion of the probationary period.

Handles and has contact with toxic and hazardous substances, a variety of biting and stinging insects, poisonous plants, and dangerous and diseased animals and other vectors.