Student Employment Job Board Posting: Shasta Mosquito & Vector Control - Vector Biologist

Field/Industry Natural Resources & Science

Business Name Shasta Mosquito & Vector Control

Address 19200 Latona Rd, Anderson, CA 96007

Phone Number 5303653768

Fax 5303650305

Email Address contact@shastamosquito.org

Website www.shastamosquito.org

Job Position/Title Vector Biologist

Rate of Pay $5,213- $6,400 Monthly

Days / Hours M-F 7am-3:30pm

Link to job application https://www.shastamosquito.org/employment

Job Description

Under the general direction of the District Manager and the direct supervision of the Scientific Operations Manager, the Vector Biologist assists with professional vector ecology services related to the surveillance and control of vertebrate and terrestrial invertebrate vectors, and zoonotic diseases associated with mosquitoes, rodents, fleas, flies, ticks and other medically important arthropods and animal reservoirs. This position works with supervision and within a framework of established guidelines regarding the use of vector control procedures and general laboratory practices.

Tasks include but are not limited to:

• Conducting ecological studies and surveys of vector populations as they affect the District;
• Sorts and identifies insect and other vector samples from surveillance devices; accurately records samples, updates surveillance databases, and prepares surveillance reports;
• Maintains colonies of mosquitoes and other invertebrates used for scientific, operational, and educational purposes;
• Prepares vector samples for arbovirus testing, including organizing samples and submission sheets, submitting samples to other agencies;
• Performs testing of samples for arbovirus detection by methods including RNA extraction and quantitative real-time PCR tests, accurately recording results in databases, and preparing reports of results;
• Provides direction to seasonal staff assigned to laboratory;
• Trains staff in mosquito identification, the surveillance program, and other laboratory and field duties;
• Assists in District research activities including research conducted by District staff and local, national, or international collaborators
• Assists in conducting studies and evaluations of the impact, efficacy, and resistance to pesticides or control products used for adult and larval mosquito control in both laboratory and field settings; collects, records, and interprets results as needed or as assigned
• Provides presentations, posters, and other forms of data dissemination at local, regional, and national meetings; prepares and assists with scientific manuscript writing, public information brochures, and website content
• Assists in testing and evaluating new technology in vector-borne disease surveillance and control
• Compiles data for reports and scientific publications using word processing, database, spreadsheets, statistics, GIS and map-based applications, and other District software as required
• Provides assistance to the other phases of the vector control program as required.

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills

The Vector Biologist (Ecological/Molecular) must have advanced knowledge of mosquitoes and other vectors of public health importance.

• They must have the ability to identify immature and adult mosquitoes and other vector species that occur in the District. This individual must have the ability to work with minimal supervision on assigned tasks. They must have the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationship with other employees and the public.
• Must be able to carry out oral and written instructions and have the ability to interpret and apply applicable district rules and regulations.
• Should have experience with computer software applications, preferably MS Office, data analytics software ArcView (GIS) experience is desirable.
• Must have knowledge of the duties and responsibilities of the Shasta Mosquito and Vector Control District.

Physical Demands and Essential Duties

The position of Vector Ecologist will require work that is varied in nature.

• Individual must be sighted with the ability to demonstrate measurable depth perception;
• Minimum of single ear aided hearing;
• Ability to speak, read, and write effectively in English;
• Ability to regularly operate a motor vehicle and be insured by our insurance provider;
• Ability to regularly manipulate small parts and tools;
• Ability to regularly bend at the knees and waist; Ability to occasionally reach over head;
• Ability to occasionally traverse uneven ground such as fields, dirt banks, stream banks, rice fields, and shallow ponds;
• Ability to periodically perform repetitive motion associated with computer usage;
• Ability to periodically assist in the lifting of objects weighing in excess of 60 pounds; Ability to periodically lift objects weighing 50 pounds;
• Ability to periodically climb ladders or other objects;
• Ability to sit in one place while operating lab equipment.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• A Bachelor of Sciences degree in biological sciences is preferred in combination with appropriate qualifying experience at the discretion of the District Manager.
• Strong background in biology, molecular biology and/or ecology as it relates to mosquitoes and/or viruses
• Experience with consumer-grade constructing and repairing mosquito traps, general molecular biology methods, nucleic acid extraction and PCR methods
• Possession of valid California Department of Public Health Certification in Mosquito Control, Terrestrial Invertebrate Vector Control, and Vertebrate Vector Control (Cat. A, B, C, D) and must be obtained within 12 months and maintained throughout employment.
• A valid California Drivers’ License will be required at the time of employment and must be maintained throughout employment. Must be insurable by the District’s insurance carrier.
• All persons selected for appointment must pass a pre-employment medical examination including pre-employment drug testing.
• Ability to learn and understand the duties and responsibilities of the Shasta Mosquito and Vector Control District.

Apply By

• Online Application

Additional Information

Interested parties who meet the qualifications must submit a District application. Resumes alone will not be accepted, but may be included with application. To obtain an application, please visit our website www.shastamosquito.org/employment, and look in section “About Us > Employment.” Apply online, or submit by e-mail to contact@shastamosquito.org. Please attach the application materials as a Word or PDF file with the classification title, VECTOR BIOLOGIST, in the subject line.