Vector Control Ecologist

Description Under general direction, to plan, organize, coordinate and perform professional biological or entomological evaluation and identification in the assigned program areas of surveillance, census and control of vertebrate and invertebrate vectors and vector-borne diseases, and to serve as a technical advisor to staff and the general public. This recruitment REQUIRES that you attach copies of your degree ANDtranscripts. Any application received without required attachments will be deemed incomplete. Typical Tasks Plans and conducts studies and surveys of vector populations; Establishes a system of vector population measurements, by maintaining collections, identifying findings, conducting disease surveillances and recordings and evaluating results; Performs biological and chemical lab analysis; prepares reports including maps and graphs and analysis of program evaluation and development; Assesses the effectiveness of field operations and control methods; Reviews pesticide use and application procedures for current and proposed operational programs; Performs laboratory diagnostic tests such as polymerase chain reaction and biological assays of biological samples; Uses digital technologies including, but not limited to, standard office software, spreadsheets, statistical analysis, databases and GIS; Identifies organisms brought into the Vector Control District laboratory by the public; Evaluates and advises on biological control methodology; Conducts laboratory and field tests of pesticides, using established industry standards; Participates in public relations and community educational programs and events; Works in collaboration with the public and other agencies, such as wildlife refuge ecologists from Federal, State and municipal jurisdictions, and technical staff of other vector control agencies; Reviews and analyzes Federal, State, and local laws and regulations relating to pesticides and makes recommendations to management regarding changes needed to policies and procedures to ensure compliance; May lead or coordinate other staff on a project basis; Provides written recommendations for activities involving disease surveillance, specimen collection and oversight of laboratory colonies; Monitors mosquito trap operations and submits collection data to State authorities as needed; Trains staff and acts as a resource in safety and technical aspects of vector control; May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker, as required; Performs other related duties, as required. Employment Standards Sufficient education, training and experience to demonstrate the possession and direct application of the following knowledge and abilities: Training and Experience Note: Therequired knowledge and abilities are attained through possession of a Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Entomology, Life Sciences, Zoology, Marine Biology, Virology, Parasitology, Integrated Pest Management, Environmental Health, Toxicology, Biochemistry, Public Health, Global Disease Biology, Infectious Disease, Health Science, Epidemiology or a closely related field and One (1) year of experience in entomology or a closely related field. Research and/or internships in entomology or a closely related field, totaling 18 months in duration, may be substituted for the one-year of experience. OR Possession of 60 semester units (90 quarter units) of college, of which 12 semester units (15 quarter units) must be in Biology, Entomology, Life Sciences, Zoology, Marine Biology, Virology, Parasitology, Integrated Pest Management, Environmental Health, Toxicology, Biochemistry, Public Health, Global Disease Biology, Infectious Disease, Health Science, Epidemiology or a closely related field and Three (3) years of experience comparable to the County's Vector Control Technician II and/or Vector Control Technician III classifications. Special Requirements Possession of California Department of Public Health Vector Control Certifications in the areas of Pesticide Application and Safety Training for Applicator of Public Health Pesticides, Biology and Control of Mosquitoes in California, Arthropods of Public Health Significance in California and Vertebrates of Public Health Significance in California, must be obtained prior to completion of the probationary period. Possession of a valid California driver's license prior to appointment and the ability to qualify for and maintain a County Driver's Permit. Knowledge of: Principles and practices of integrated pest management, biological control, vector-borne disease biology and control, and vector prevention for water and land use development and biostatistics; Laws, regulations, policies and procedures pertaining to pesticides; Fundamental medical and urban entomology; Standard biological and physical sciences, related research and investigative techniques; Pesticide chemistry and toxicology field applications and their environmental effects; Current vector surveillance theories, methods and principles; Common office computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheets and databases; Appropriate safety practices and procedures. Ability to: Understand, interpret and apply provisions of Federal, State and local legislation, rules and regulations relating to the use of pesticides; Gather, analyze, interpret and present data effectively, and prepare clear and concise reports; Interpret program objectives and work independently; Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; Establish effective relationships with those contacted in the course of business; Assist staff in the proper implementation of vector surveillance methods; Apply biological and ecological principles to survey and monitor vector populations; Use pesticides according to label specifications and established standards; Use microscope, chemical testing equipment and other scientific instruments; Plan and conduct surveys. Physical Requirements Ability to lift up to fifty (50) pounds.