MOSQUITO ABATEMENT FIELD TECHNICIAN

General Statement of Duties

To plan, organize, assemble resources, help to implement and evaluate mosquito control programs and projects, under the supervision of the Pest Control Supervisor.

Classification Summary

A person in this position is responsible to take all necessary and proper steps for the control of mosquitoes for public health and welfare importance in the district.

Examples of Work (Illustrative Only)

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Performs skilled, technical and administrative work in the area of seasonal insect, plague surveillance;
• Supervises the inspection and monitoring of mosquito infestations as outlined in the comprehensive and coordinated plan;
• Plans, carries out and evaluates vector control and preventive maintenance schedules for areas within Elmore County;
• Locates, surveys and monitors mosquito breeding sites; works with CDHD regarding collections and identification of specimens;
• Maintains maps, photographs, and records of each site and treatment applied;
• Monitors and manages enforcement of mosquito abatement program statutes;
• Recommends pest abatement public relations and community education programs;
• Assist in preparing documents for the Elmore County Commissioners and all State and Federal Departments for distribution as prescribed by law;
• Operates a personal computer, ArcGIS and GPS equipment to compile reports and generate information as required;
• Represents the Elmore County Mosquito Abatement District in operational, technical, public educational and professional organizations and meetings when required;
• Develops and maintains professional working relationships with agencies and organizations which work cooperatively with or are impacted by the Mosquito Abatement district and its activities;
• Provides information and technical advice in case of emergencies relating to department buildings, facilities, equipment, operations, and employees for fire, spill or accidents;
• Assists the supervisor in planning, procurement, usage and maintenance of the program;
• Maintain and repair equipment as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Mosquito management and ecology;
• Mosquito abatement control principles and practices and general Integrated Mosquito Management (IMM) practices as well as insecticide resistance management plans;
• ArcGIS and other field data capture techniques;
• Emergency response techniques;
• Insect/pest taxonomy or identification;
• Streets and unmarked roads in urban and rural Elmore County.

Ability to:

• Identify by physical inspection, most mosquito breeding sites within the district;
• Interpret and explain pesticide label directions to employees and the public;
• Execute a mosquito abatement program;
• Interpret and apply county, state and federal policies and procedures;
• Complete assigned projects within established deadline;
• Read, interpret and create road and topographic maps;
• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing;
• Follow written and oral instructions;
• Establish good rapport with department employees, the general public and personnel from other government agencies;
• Operate standard office equipment, a personal computer using program applications appropriate to assigned duties;
• Write reports, maintain records, logs and documentation;
• Safely operate, adjust and monitor spray equipment and proper chemical mixing;
• Work a varied schedule, including nights and early morning hours to include on call periods in case of fires, spills and other emergencies.

License/Certification Requirements:

• Idaho Professional Applicators License (Laws and Safety [LS]; Public Health [PH]; General Pest Control Operator [GP] and Statewide Consultant [SW] categories) or ability to obtain certification within one month of employment;
• Must possess and maintain a valid Idaho driver’s license and a good driving record.

Tools and Equipment Used:

• Motorized vehicle including four-wheel drive vehicle, ATV and UTV, ULV sprayer, hand sprayer, and a truck-mounted fogger;
• Various hand/power tools.

Acceptable Experience and Training

• High school diploma or equivalent general educational development (GED) certification;
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the knowledge and abilities necessary to perform the work.

Essential Physical Abilities

• Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to communicate effectively;
• Sufficient vision with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to perform the essential job functions, including working safely with pesticide mixtures;
• Sufficient manual dexterity, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to operate basic computer and office equipment and lift or move field equipment used in the program;
• Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to drive to various locations within the County, conduct field activities while surveying properties and areas which includes walking on unstable ground, hiking while carrying up to 30 pounds, and lift or move up to 50 pounds.