Field Technician, AMCAR
Harris County
Houston, TX 77054
Description
Position Description
If you’re looking to be a part of a collaborative environment where your skills can make an impact, explore our current opportunities in creating a better future for public health.
About Harris County Public Health:
Harris County Public Health (HCPH) includes a network of more than 1,100 public health professionals working together to improve health outcomes for the third most populous county in the United States. HCPH provides a multitude of services such as medical and dental services, community programming, and health education for the approximately 2.3 million people in unincorporated Harris County. Through its core values of innovation, engagement, and health equity, HCPH strives to bring meaningful solutions to public health issues while keeping Harris County healthy and vibrant.
Position Overview:
Under the Supervision of the Alternative Mosquito Control & Applied Research (AMCAR) Entomologist at the Mosquito Vector Control Division, the Field Technician's duties are to assist with ongoing field, insectary, and laboratory-based tasks. Additionally, this role will be to augment existing field and laboratory operations.
Duties & Responsibilities:
- Assist with the placement, monitoring, and collection of mosquito traps; maintain and repair trapping equipment as needed.
- Support sample processing and identification of mosquitoes and other vectors to the species level.
- Provide care for insectary colonies and assist with insectary-based research projects.
- Perform laboratory tasks, including solution preparation, DNA extractions, and related technical procedures.
- Contribute to operational improvements by designing data collection forms, identifying potential new trap sites, and enhancing field procedures.
- Maintain detailed and accurate records of fieldwork, insectary activities, and laboratory assignments.
- Support the Testing & Evaluation Section and perform additional related duties as assigned.
Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer
https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx
If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email ADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net
This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.
This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.
Requirements
Education/Experience Requirements:
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- 30 hours of science credits hours from an accredited college or university.
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- One (1) year of experience at HCPH Mosquito and Vector Control Division.
- Current and valid Driver’s License (TX upon hire) with good driving record.
- Basic skills: Microsoft Windows, MS Excel, MS Word, MS PowerPoint, MS Outlook.
- Basic word processing and data entry.
- Knowledge of biology and habitat.
- Basic knowledge of integrated pest management and vector-focused public health.
- Understanding of Mapping software preferred.
- Ability navigate around Harris County.
Core Competencies:
Organizational Leadership- Understands the organizational mission.
- Understands ethics and public good; is concerned with public trust.
- Demonstrates respect for the opinions and beliefs of others.
Collaboration
- Contributes to an inclusive workplace where equity, diversity, inclusion, and individual differences are valued and leveraged to achieve the vision and mission.
- Demonstrates a sense of responsibility for the success of the group.
- Collaborates with others to improve quality and address needs.
Innovation
- Ability to adapt to change.
Interpersonal Abilities/Personal Characteristics
- Treats others with courtesy, sensitivity, and respect.
- Behaves in an honest, fair, and ethical manner.
- Assesses and recognizes own strengths and weaknesses.
- Uses sound judgment.
- Self-motivated.
- Organizes and maintains work environment to allow for maximum productivity.
Communication
- Communicates clearly, effectively, and persuasively both orally and in writing.
NOTE:Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications
Preferences
Education:
- Bachelor's degree in Public Health, Entomology or related field
General Information
Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:
- This is a regular - full time position.
- 40 hours per week.
- Hours may vary depending on mosquito-borne disease activity.
- Laboratory –requires a consistent method to retain genetic quality in sample processing and DNA extraction. Involves heavy cleaning, concern over contamination, and adherence to MVCD protocol.
- Field –requires driving a county vehicle to collect mosquito samples in a variety of public and private properties located in a variety of urban and natural environments which may include areas of high heat and humidity, spoils site, ship channel location, asphalt, concrete, dirt streets, etc.
- Must be able to lift, bend, stoop, and walking up inclines.
- Must be able to lift up to 70 lbs.
- Harris County Public Health: Mosquito & Vector Control Division - 3330 Old Spanish Trail, Houston, TX 77021.
NOTE:Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.
HARRIS COUNTY EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
Harris County offers a highly competitive benefits program, featuring a comprehensive group health plan and defined benefit retirement plan.
The following benefits are offered only to Harris County employees in regular (full-time) positions:
Health & Wellness Benefits
- Medical Coverage
- Dental Coverage
- Vision Coverage
- Wellness Plan
- Life Insurance
- Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
- Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Ten (10) days of vacation leave per year (accrual rate increases after 5 years of service)
- Eleven (11) County-observed holidays
- One (1) floating holiday per year
- Paid Parental Leave*
- Sick Leave
Retirement Savings Benefit
- 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
The following benefits are available to Harris County employees in full-time and select part-time positions:
- Professional learning & development opportunities
- Retirement pension (TCDRS defined benefit plan)
- Flexible work schedule*
- METRO RideSponsor Program*
- Participation may vary by County department. The employee benefits plans of Harris County are extended to all eligible participants across various departments with the exception of the Harris County Community Supervision and Corrections Department, for which the cited Health & Wellness Benefits are administered through the State of Texas.
In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, group health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Harris County Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the County's behalf as needed.
For plan details, visit the Harris County Benefits & Wellness website:
www.benefitsathctx.com