Surveillance Technician

Job Title: Surveillance Technician

Position Type: Seasonal

Job Summary: Perform mosquito and arboviral surveillance activities as part of an integrated mosquito management program within Canyon County.

Surveillance Technicians collect and identify mosquitoes, as part of an integrated mosquito management program within Canyon County. This entry-level position is a great opportunity for those seeking experience in the biological and environmental sciences, or public health fields. Surveillance Technicians receive training in the identification, collection, and testing of mosquitoes for disease. In this role, Surveillance Technicians will learn mosquito biology, taxonomy, and basic microbiological laboratory skills. This is a part-time to full-time seasonal position (5-12 hours a day, 4 days a week), where a typical day involves driving to mosquito trap sites, retrieving traps, identification in the lab, and preparing mosquito samples for arbovirus disease testing. There is potential for full-time and over-time hours in this role.

General Requirements:

• Must be 18 years of age or older
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Communicate effectively in English
• Valid Driver’s License with a good driving record
• May be required to obtain state pesticide applicator licensing
• Pass pre-employment drug screen and background check

Essential Functions:

• Identification of mosquitoes to the species level
• Operation of surveillance equipment
• Navigation by paper and/or digital maps
• Routine maintenance of surveillance and laboratory equipment
• Understanding of mosquito morphology in various stages of development

Job Duties:

• Set and collect adult mosquito surveillance traps, such as, EVS traps, CDC light traps, Gravid traps, etc., both routinely and as required by the District
• Accurately identify all mosquitoes collected in these traps (training provided)
• Properly handle all mosquito pools that are to be tested for arboviruses
• Record all surveillance data accurately on proper log sheets, and enter data into the computer worksheets if required by the Laboratory Manager
• Safely and accurately use any necessary laboratory equipment, including but not limited to microscopes, forceps, magnifying devices, lamps, RAMP testing machines, vortex agitators, centrifuges, pipettors, vials, emergence containers, mounting pins, etc.
• Know and follow proper safety, sanitation, and spill procedures always, in both field and laboratory settings, and use all required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) regularly
• Obey all traffic laws
• Report all incidents or accidents to a supervisor immediately
• Communicate respectfully, honestly, and knowledgeably to residents and members of the public if stopped and questioned
• Always keep truck clean and free of trash or debris
• Acquire and maintain required licenses, certifications, etc., as required by the law and the district
• Never allow a passenger, other than another district employee, to ride in a district truck at any time
• Fully support, enforce, promote, and implement the District’s safety policies and programs
• Fill trucks with gasoline as needed
• Maintain a clean, organized workplace and report safety hazards to management
• React to change promptly and effectively, and handle other essential tasks as assigned

Compensation:

18.00$ hourly for unlicensed technicians

18.50$ hourly for licensed technicians (we will teach you for the exam and pay for the test if you choose)

This is a non-exempt position, without benefits.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The work requires moderate physical exertion, and the employee could be required to drive, stand, walk, bend, climb, kneel, and crouch for extended periods of time, as well as see, talk, hear, and use hands and arms to grasp, handle, reach and feel. The employee must be capable of lifting and using items such as mosquito traps, dry ice, and coolers weighing up to 50 pounds.

Work is regularly performed outdoors and may include exposure to potentially hazardous situations and substances such as extreme weather, uneven/unstable terrain, dry ice, pesticides, dust and airborne particulates, excessive noise, biting insects, hazardous plants, and wild and domestic animals.

Disclaimer:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being assigned to this job. They are not intended to be considered as an extensive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of individuals in the job. The District has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.

Job Types: Part-time, Temporary

Pay: $18.00 - $18.50 per hour

Benefits:

• Professional development assistance

Schedule:

• 4 hour shift
• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• No weekends
• Overtime

Experience:

• Computer skills: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $18 - $19