Vector Control Worker

Summary

Performs activities required for an effective vector control program to mitigate organisms that serve as pest and/or potential disease-causing vectors. Entry-level position to develop skills and enable employees to expand their knowledge regarding the role vector control serves in the public health industry.

Essential Functions

• Receives guidance and training on inspection and survey of properties, right of ways, private and public lands, and facilities to determine the presence of pest that could be vectors for public health disease in the City of Lubbock and Lubbock County.
• Receives guidance and training to understand the scope and purpose of source reduction and prevention measures including but not limited to; exclusion, sanitation, draining, filling, and eliminating harborage areas.
• Receives training on how to select appropriate tools and treatment options based on accessibly, and physical attributes of a chosen location.
• Demonstrate ability to work independently and use appropriate judgment in selecting treatment materials and methods for control of targeted vectors.
• Follows supervised training, and procedures, for pesticides used for City of Lubbock’s Vector Control program. Ensure products are stored and used according to label instructions.
• Responds to assigned citizens' complaints and service requests.
• Operates and maintains a variety of specialized vector control tools, equipment, and vehicles. Responsible for cleaning and maintaining vehicles and equipment.
• Clean and maintain facilities, including litter control; responsible for returning and storing tools to their designated storage area upon completion of equipment maintenance and repair tasks.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

High school diploma or G.E.D. equivalent; and two years employment history with one-year experience in vector control, pest management, turf or agriculture herbicide application or related field with experience mixing/ loading or application of pesticides;

Required:

• Physical Exam Required
• Valid driver's license (Texas upon hire)
• Valid TDA issued Non-Commercial Political Applicator license with Category 12 (Public Health Pest Control certification) or be able to obtain within 6 months)

• Current Pesticide Applicator License from the Texas Department of Agriculture
• Experience with chemical or spray applications.
• Previous experience with an organized mosquito control program
• Current experience with database and inspection software.
• Experience with Microsoft office products.

Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Knowledge of life cycles and habitats of insect and rodent vectors.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of vector control and pesticide usage.
• Knowledge of insect and rodent ecology as relates to public health.
• Basic knowledge and ability to operate and maintain small gas engines and sprayer equipment.

• Ability to safely operate pickup trucks and utility vehicles.
• Ability to learn how to identify different types of vectors, primarily mosquitoes, and set wide range of surveillance traps for collecting and monitoring pests.
• Ability to operate ultra-low volume (ULV) aerosol machine for application of mosquito adulticide.
• Ability to operate granular and liquid formulated sprayers to apply mosquito larvicide.
• Use computers, iPad’s, database and GIS mapping software.
• Ability to read and comprehend physical and digital maps for navigation.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other city employees, officials, and the public.
• Ability to prepare reports and maintain accurate records,
• Must be willing to work outside normal business hours when required.

• Frequently lift and carry up to 10 pounds, and occasionally lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Occasionally stand, walk, bend and kneel during the shift.
• Occasionally climb stairs, ladders, and other inclined surfaces.
• Occasionally push and pull objects.
• Place arms above, at, or below shoulder height.
• Must maintain ability to pass an annual OSHA half-face respirator fit test.