Mosquito Control Technician And Laboratory Technician

JOB TITLES: MOSQUITO CONTROL TECHNICIAN and LABORATORY TECHNICIAN

SALARY: $18.72 - 23.48 per hour

OPENING DATE: March 14, 2023

CLOSING DATE: Open until filled

DURATION: SEASONAL (April – September)

HOURS: 6:00am – 4:30pm Monday - Thursday

All applicants who meet the qualifications must submit an official District application. Resumes alone will not be accepted but may be included with application. To obtain an application and apply online, please visit our website https://jcvcd.org/about/job-opportunities/ and carefully follow the instructions found there.

Jackson County Vector Control District (JCVCD) is seeking self-motivated individuals for several temporary positions (approximately April through September): Mosquito Control Technician and Laboratory Technician. Successful applicants will be working to protect Jackson County residents from nuisance mosquitoes and arboviruses. For students majoring in Biology, Entomology, Agriculture, or similar applied science, these positions are excellent resume builders and offer an opportunity to gain experience in vector ecology, mosquito and tick biology, entomological sampling techniques, insect identification, and molecular diagnostics.

Mosquito Control Technician (Multiple Vacancies)

• Acts in a professional and courteous manner at all times, particularly when interacting with the public.
• Under direction of the Vector Control Technician and District Manager, surveys for and monitors a variety of mosquito sources and habitats such as irrigated pastures, ditches, marshes, riparian areas, sumps, water troughs, artificial containers etc. within an assigned zone.
• Keeps accurate records of mosquito control product applications and inventories.
• Operates a District vehicle and keeps the assigned vehicle clean and in good working order.
• Operates and maintains a variety of specialized equipment and reports equipment deficiencies to supervisor.
• Correctly identifies stages of mosquito development and treats the area as needed with the appropriate mosquito control product in accordance with Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles.
• Responds to public mosquito service requests.
• Utilizes a variety of mosquito traps.
• Performs work outdoors, sometimes in steep, rugged terrain; works in all weather conditions, including high temperatures.

Laboratory Technician (One Vacancy)

• Sets, collects, and maintains multiple mosquito trap types including EVS traps, BG-Sentinel traps, gravid traps, and oviposition traps.
• Under direction of the Vector Ecologist, performs a variety of duties related to the District’s mosquito and arbovirus surveillance programs.
• Assists with field and laboratory studies of mosquitoes as required.
• Cleans and maintains laboratory working areas and equipment.
• Acts in a professional and courteous manner at all times, particularly when interacting with the public.
• Operates a District vehicle and keeps the assigned vehicle clean and in good working order.
• Collects, organizes, and maintains accurate field data using MS Excel and specialized vector control software.
• Assists with Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing.
• Counts and sorts mosquitoes into pools for disease testing.
• Utilizes microscopes and dichotomous keys to correctly identify mosquito species.
• Helps maintain laboratory mosquito colonies.
• Performs work both in the laboratory and field; fieldwork is conducted in all weather conditions, including high temperatures, and sometimes in steep, rugged terrain.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR BOTH POSITIONS:

• Must pass background check and drug test.
• Must have valid a valid driver’s license.
• Must be able to traverse rugged and uneven ground.
• Must pass the ODA Public Pesticide Applicator exam within 30 days of hire.
• Must be able to work outside for extended periods during hot weather.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must be able to routinely lift and carry up to 30 pounds, and occasionally up to 50 pounds.

MINIMUM EDUCATION: Graduation from high school or equivalent, or combination of education and experience that has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for satisfactory job performance.

EXPERIENCE: None required butgeneral familiarity with mosquitoes and their biology/life cycle, or knowledge regarding identification and control of other insect pest species is desirable.

Job Types: Full-time, Temporary

Pay: $18.72 - $23.48 per hour

Schedule:

• 10 hour shift

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Central Point, OR 97502: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Preferred)

Work Location: In person