Seasonal P/T Biology Assistant - Mosquito Control Technician

Salary : $16.38 Hourly

Location : Suffolk, VA

Job Type : Seasonal Part Time

Job Number : 03793

Department : PUBLIC WORKS-MOSQUITO CONTROL

Opening Date : 02 / 21 / 2025

Closing Date : 3 / 9 / 2025 11 : 59 PM Eastern

Description

• This is a Seasonal / Part-time position that may work 24-39 hours per week with the possibility of a flexible schedule

Under general supervision, performs specialized work in the Public Works Mosquito Control Division. Work involves routine surveillance and identification of adult mosquitoes; setting, maintaining, and collecting adult mosquito traps, as well as using a microscope to identify adult mosquito specimens to species. Reports to the Biologists and Mosquito Control Superintendent.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description.

Essential Job Functions

Schedule Availability :

Availability to work during the mosquito season of May through August, with available extensions of April through November.

Availability to work 24-39 hours a week (Monday through Friday between the hours of 6 : 30am to 4 : 00pm)

Essential Functions :

Conducting weekly surveillance schedules; setting and collecting adult mosquito traps throughout the city.

Identify collected mosquito specimens to species using a microscope and taxonomic key.

Separate and store mosquito specimens for disease vector testing.

Inventory and maintenance of surveillance equipment, supplies, vehicles, and workspaces.

Assists in the development of more efficient and effective workflow.

Provides support to the other functions of mosquito control to include but not limited to : mosquito surveillance, arboviral surveillance, and public education.

Performs related work as required.

Additional Duties :

Provide support to the other functions of mosquito control to include but not limited to : mosquito surveillance, arboviral surveillance, public education.

Required Qualifications

High school diploma or GED ; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job. Requires a valid driver's license.

Supplemental Information

Knowledge of practices, procedures, methods, and techniques relating to vector control, mosquito spraying programs, and the safe and effective application of larvicides and insecticides for mosquito control.

Knowledge of the principles associated with mosquito biology and medical entomology.

Knowledge of the terminology, principles, and methods utilized within the department.

Ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply regulations, procedures, and related information.

Ability to effectively communicate and interact with subordinates, supervisors, members of the general public, and all other groups involved in the activities of the department.

Ability to assemble information and make written reports and documents in a concise, clear and effective manner.

Ability to use independent judgment and work with little direct supervision as situations warrant. Has the mathematical ability to handle required calculations using percentages and decimals. Is knowledgeable and proficient with computers.

Ability to read, understand, and interpret financial, biological, chemical, and computer documentation, reports, and related materials.

Ability to effectively express ideas orally and in writing. Is able to exercise tact and courtesy in frequent contact with City employees, City officials, professionals, and the general public.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments.

Ability to compare and / or judge the readily observable, functional, structural, or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people or things.

Ability of speaking and / or signaling people to convey or exchange information. Includes receiving assignments and / or directions from supervisors.

Ability to read a variety of informational and legal documents, City and state codes, law books, etc. Requires the ability to prepare correspondence, memorandum, opinions, contracts, notices, petitions, etc. Must be able to speak with poise, voice control and confidence, and to articulate information to others.

Ability to plan work and develop procedures; to learn and / or evaluate complex information in order to make judgments and decisions.

Ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, to follow oral and written instructions. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in a variety of technical or professional languages including legal and municipal terminology.

Ability to utilize mathematical formulas; to add and subtract; multiply and divide; utilize decimals and percentages.

Ability to inspect items for proper length, width and shape.

Ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under stress and when confronted with (persons acting under stress) (emergency situations).

Seasonal Employees- No Benefits

Part-time Employees - Sick Leave (See below)

Retirement (Virginia Retirement System employer) for employees hired on or after 1 / 1 / 14 - Hybrid Members

Hybrid plan members contribute 4 percent of creditable compensation to the defined benefit plan and 1 percent to the defined contribution plan each month. Members may voluntarily contribute up to an additional 4 percent in 0.5 percent increments to the defined contribution plan each month. Members can increase or decrease their voluntary contributions on a quarterly basis. With the mandatory and voluntary contributions to the defined contribution component of the plan, members can contribute a maximum of 5 percent with a 3.5 percent match from the employer. Members invest in various investment options that best fit their needs.

Vested after 5 years in the defined benefit part of the plan. Vested in phases based on years in the Defined Contribution part of the Plan. The retirement eligibility for a full or reduced retirement pension in the Hybrid Plan is very detailed. Please contact the Virginia Retirement System or the Human Resources Department for details.

Paid Time Off (PTO) Yearly earnings

120 Hours (1-59 months), 144 Hours (60-119 months), 168 Hours (120- 179 months), 192 Hours (180 and over)

Sick Leave

Part Time employees earn 4 hours per month Sick leave accrues at the end of the month and may be accrued with no ceiling.

Personal Leave

All regular full time employees are granted 24 hours of personal leave each calendar year. Personal leave must be preapproved and is not cumulative.

Health Insurance

Coverage available for you and your eligible dependents using pre-tax payroll deductions if elected.

Supplemental Insurances

Employees may purchase the following supplemental insurance policies : short term and long term disability, cancer, accident, supplemental hospitalization, and group universal life insurance.

Employer Sponsored Short Term and Long Term Disability

Provides disability coverage for employees work and non-work related disabilities. Work related disabilities are covered starting on day one (1). Non work related disabilities are covered starting on day eight (8), after you have been employed for one year.

Flexible Spending Accounts

Employees may participate in the Health Reimbursement, Dependent Care Reimbursement and Premium Reimbursement Accounts. All deductions are made on a pre-tax basis and will reduce your taxable income.

Life Insurance

The city pays the entire premium for life insurance coverage in the amount of 2 times annual salary for natural death and 4 times annual salary for accidental death.

Optional Life Insurance

Employees have the option of electing additional life insurance coverage in the amount of 1, 2, 3 or 4 times their annual salary. Employees may only purchase optional life insurance on spouses and children if they are enrolled in optional life insurance for themselves.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

12 weeks of job protected leave for leaves approved in accordance with the Family Medical Leave Act. Employees receive continuation of health insurance, job protection and consideration for a comparable job when available, or an equivalent job, upon return to work.

Funeral Leave

24 hours of paid leave of absence in case of death in immediate family.

Holidays

Suffolk follows the Virginia State holiday calendar as set by the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Jury Duty

Time off with pay with difference between jury pay and regular pay or use annual leave and keep check.

457 Deferred Compensation, ROTH IRA, Traditional IRA

Offered through ICMA Retirement Corporation as a way to shelter a portion of your salary from income taxes and save for retirement.

Employee Assistance Program

Offers employees and immediate family members (3) free, confidential counseling sessions related to a broad range of issues such as marital or family conflict, job or personal stress, alcohol or drug abuse, financial or legal worries, etc.

Worker's Compensation

Should an employee have an on the job injury, he / she could be eligible for Workmen's Compensation Benefits, except in cases of willful neglect.

Pay Days

Employees will be paid on the 15th and last working day of each month.

Credit Union

A Suffolk Credit Union is available to employees.

Legal Services

Employees may prepay for access to legal assistance.

Notary Public Services

Services available in the Human Resources Department.

Alternative Work Schedule For some positions -Offers 4 Alternative Work Schedule options to provide employees with greater control over their personal and professional time, as well as reducing absences.

Do you have a high school diploma or GED?

Do you have a valid driver's license?

How many college level Biology or Public Health Courses have you taken?

Have you been employed in any Biology or Public Health positions, volunteer positions, or internships, if so how many?

Do you have any experience working with a microscope or taxonomic keys?

Are you available to work 24-39 hours a week (Monday through Friday between the hours of 6 : 30am to 4 : 00pm)?

Required Question

Salary : $16