Mosquito Surveillance Lab/Field Technician
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.
This is a grant funded position.
About Harris County Public Health:
Harris County Public Health (HCPH) includes a network of more than 700 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 Technical Operations Manager, the Mosquito & Vector Control Lab/Field Technician works to collect field and laboratory samples for arbovirus testing. This position also provides general support services in the laboratory as well as performing technical works.
Duties & Responsibilities:
- Set and pickup mosquito traps throughout the community using various trap types to collect diverse mosquito species which are used for processing and disease testing purposes.
- Prepare vehicle with traps and other field materials based on number of traps and trap type being used depending on the assigned routes.
- Process and preserve mosquito samples after field collection by following standard procedures for samples to be used for identification and laboratory use.
Insectary and Laboratory duties: - Identify and document various mosquito species from traps for projects by using taxonomic keys.
- Record species and number of each species for data collection and analysis.
- Assist with laboratory duties and adherence of all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Other: - Performs regular inspections of equipment used in duties performed to include: traps and other collection equipment, laboratory and insectary equipment, tools and hardware, other items on maintenance checklist.
- Assists with training supervision of seasonal/new employees as required.
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 emailADACoordinator@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:
- Bachelor’s degree in Entomology or related field in science.
- At least one (1) year of related work experience in mosquito trapping, field collection and morphological identification.
- Valid Texas Driver's License.
- Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
- Beginning level coding (python, linux, etc.).
- Knowledge of arthropod biology and habitats, including insectary colony rearing and insecticide resistance testing.
- Knowledge of integrated pest management.
- Must be able to utilize a GPS unit.
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.
- 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.
- Ability to adapt to change.
- 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.
Preferences
N/A
General Information
Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:
- This is a grant funded - full time position.
- Up to 40 hours per week.
- Must be willing to work weekends, and on occasion holidays as required to accomplish the mission of MVCD.
- Field and Laboratory environment and operating County vehicles while out in field.
- Must be able to lift up to 70 lbs.
- Comfortable working outdoors, lifting, bending, stooping, walking up inclines.
- Must be in good physical health; able to tolerate high heat and high humidity for extended periods of time while working in a variety of habitats including: spoils site, ship channel location, asphalt, concrete, dirt streets, etc.
- Harris County Public Health: Mosquito & Vector Control Division - 3330 Old Spanish Trail, Houston, TX 77021
Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.
Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.
Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.
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 department.
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