West Nile Virus Coordinator

JOB SUMMARY: This is a technical position in the field of public health sanitation and vector control. Work primarily involves field identification, surveillance and control of mosquitoes. Work includes varied levels of communication with the public, specifically providing education in the form of: presentations, articles and personal interaction, to reduce the burden of vector borne diseases.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: The Coordinator will be responsible for mosquito larvae and adult surveillance in Bradford and Tioga Counties. The Coordinator will participate in a tick survey conducted biweekly, April 10 - August 25, consisting of 2 nymph sites and 2 non Ixodes sites; dragging a minimum of 100 meters per site in each county. The WNV Coordinator would also participate in educational events pertaining to mosquitoes and ticks in both counties. These events can be but are not limited to fairs, civic clubs, schools, state park events, farmers fairs, etc The Coordinator would also work with municipalities on identifying and reducing mosquito habitat. Habitat reduction events, such as tire collections or litter cleanups, can occur if funding is planned and available.

JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Uses insecticides, sampling and control equipment safely; strictly following Department of Agriculture and Department of Environmental Protection laws and regulations.

2. Conducts field examinations of samples to determine insect: population, age, sex, and species.

3. Prepares samples of mosquitoes or other arthropod vectors for laboratory processing.

4. Enters sampling information into multi-agency database, including location and environmental data.

4. Coordinates surveillance and control activities with other program staff, including the Department of Environmental Protection.

5. Analyzes mosquito sampling data; determines which larval and adult insect populations require treatment to reduce the risk of human illness.

6. Conducts mosquito control activities.

7. Assists in the development of strategies with DEP program staff to develop alterations or innovations to existing monitoring and control programs.

8. Prepares analysis and reports of vector disease in Bradford and Tioga Counties.

9. Interacts with the public to provide education and prevention of vector borne disease.

10. Conducts other duties as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS: Some early morning and evening or night hours will be required. This position will be required to work with biting insect that may be capable of transmitting disease. The position includes outdoor field work in a variety of terrain and weather conditions.

PHYSICAL and MENTAL REQUIREMENTS: Ability to traverse a variety of outdoor terrains. Must have the ability to record, convey, and present information, explain procedures, and follow instructions. Must be able to work in environments that could carry infectious disease.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES:

Properly handle, operate and utilize safety equipment during the course of mosquito control.

2. Use field collecting equipment.

3. Express ideas concisely (oral/written).

4. Interpret results from test.

5. Negotiate and carry monitoring and treatment equipment in rough and uneven natural and structural terrain in adverse weather conditions.

6. Ability to carry 40 pound bags of pesticide and 40-50 pound spray equipment.

7. Learn and follow data input procedures.

8. Operate a motor vehicle and/or independently travel to assigned work locations, meetings, etc.

9. Possess and maintain a Class C Pennsylvania driver’s license.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE and TRAINING:

1.B.S. Biology or related field preferred.

2. Class C Driver’s License.

3. Obtain Pesticide Applicators License from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture for Category 16, Invertebrate Public Health and Core Competencies

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $16.76 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Family leave
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Ability to Relocate:

• Towanda, PA 18848: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $17