What are the responsibilities and job description for the Environmental Specialist II - Mosquito Control Surveillance Coordinator position at County of Volusia?
- Schedules, supervises, and evaluates field personnel, student/intern, etc. as required.
- Coordinates and actively participates in lab activities including deployment of traps, identification of mosquito species samples, and maintenance of mosquito collections.
- Coordinates and participates in the Sentinel Chicken Program including scheduling, chicken husbandry, analyzing and communication with outside agencies, departments and citizens.
- Assists in the initiation and performance of applied research projects including working with industry partners.
- Provides public assistance and information through citizen contact
- Participates in projects, studies, or programs dealing with mosquito control, chemical efficacy, and other programs, as required. Completes reporting requirements associated with programs, studies, grants, etc.
- Responsible for vector-borne disease surveillance program.
- Assists in the training and continuing education of personnel with respect to state law, current surveillance and control practices, proper handling of insecticides and record keeping and compliance with all Federal, State, and local laws and regulations of import to mosquito, midge, and plant control.
- Conducts presentations at public meetings such as community events, professional meetings, and schools
- Conducts equipment calibration and characterization
- Assists with the maintenance and management of the mosquito fish program
- Assists with Mosquito Control operations as needed.
- Analyzes information and data and makes estimates and projections based on this data.
- May be assigned to other county locations based upon operational needs.
- Attends work on a regular and consistent basis.
- Must adhere to Federal, State, County and Local ordinances.
- Responds to emergency situations.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Six (6) years of experience in Biology, Environmental Science, Entomology, or related field and experience in mosquito control and surveillance; or two (2) years of experience as an Environmental Specialist I with the County.
OR
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Biology, Environmental Science, Entomology, or related field and two (2) years experience in mosquito control and surveillance.
A comparable amount of education, training, or experience may be substituted for the minimum requirements.
Must possess a valid Florida Department of Agriculture Public Health License; and Public Applicator license with Aquatic Pest Control and Natural Areas Weed Management Categories within six (6) months of appointment and maintain thereafter.
Must possess a valid driver's license at time of hire.
Must obtain a valid Florida driver's license within 30 days of hire and maintain thereafter.
- Knowledge of and familiarity with all Federal, State and local laws associated with mosquito control including but not limited to Chapter 388, F.S. and Florida Administrative Code 5E-13.
- Knowledge of the practices and implementation of Integrated Mosquito Management.
- Knowledge of mosquito control strategies, including source reduction, stormwater/drainage, control formulations and application, aerial operations, and mosquito habitats and species.
- Ability to supervise subordinate personnel, students, volunteers, etc., as required.
- Ability to participate in lab activities including deployment of traps and identification of collections.
- Ability to perform complex chemical and biological work.
- Ability to manage virus response, assess the situation and plan and schedule resources to appropriately respond and coordinate with Department of Health as required.
- Ability to train direct reports and other personnel.
- Ability to make presentations at public meetings, schools, and professional meetings.
- Ability to utilize Geographic Information System (GIS) Spatial software and other various computer software and programs such as word processing, spreadsheets, work management system, and email.
- Ability to obtain and maintain required certifications.
- Ability to work effectively with County, Municipal, State, and Federal agencies
- Ability to work around insecticides and herbicides and calibrate application equipment.
- Ability to identify and classify biological specimens.
- Ability to fly as a passenger in a helicopter.
- Ability to respond to emergency situations.
- Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
- Ability to work under stressful conditions.
- Ability to interact effectively with others.
- Must be able to relocate to other county locations based upon operational needs.
Mental Demands: Ability to read and comprehend technical and professional journals and manuals, reports, blueprints, and legal documents. Ability to write clearly and concisely; memos, letters, reports, and data collection documents. Ability to effectively speak publicly. Ability to perform mathematical functions. Ability to analyze data and develop conclusions.
Physical Demands: Ability to traverse uneven and/or wet ground. Visual acuity (peripheral vision, depth perception) is necessary to operate a motorized vehicle and other assigned equipment. Ability to perform essential duties and responsibilities and meet the minimum qualifications. Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull 40 pounds; reach, see, hear, handle, feel, twist, manual dexterity. Ability to read blueprints/schematics and identify mosquitoes.
Environmental Demands: Both inside and outside work. Ability to tolerate inclement weather including extreme heat, humidity, cold, rain, and flooding conditions. Potential exposure to chemicals, insects, toxic plants, odors, dust, fumes, noise, and/or vibration.
Salary : $26 - $47