Research & Surveillance Technician
4 days ago
Odessa
Job DescriptionDepartment: Entomology Reports To: Research and Surveillance Director Employment Type: ☒ Full-Time ☐ Part-Time ☐ Temporary ☐ Seasonal FLSA Status: ☐ Exempt ☒ Non-Exempt Pay Grade: 103 Primary Work Location: Odessa, FL Travel Required: ☒ Yes ☐ No (If yes, describe) Local and out-of-county travel for training, surveillance activities, and professional events Position Summary Reporting to the Research and Surveillance Director, the Research and Surveillance Technician performs technical field and laboratory work in support of the District’s mosquito surveillance, research, and disease monitoring programs. This position is responsible for daily processing of adult mosquito surveillance collections, sentinel chicken blood sampling, and assisting with laboratory, insectary, and field operations in accordance with established protocols. The role requires independent work, attention to detail, sound judgment, and effective communication, with supervisory guidance and technical support readily available as needed. Essential Functions & Responsibilities The following duties are representative of the essential functions of this position. Employees may be assigned additional duties as operational needs require. Core Responsibilities • Monitor mosquito populations throughout Pasco County by setting, collecting, sorting, and identifying adult mosquitoes using stereoscopes and dichotomous keys., • Process daily adult mosquito surveillance collections, dedicating significant time to accurate identification and data recording., • Conduct weekly blood collection from sentinel chickens as part of the mosquito-borne virus surveillance program., • Maintain accurate and detailed surveillance, laboratory, and field records in accordance with established protocols.Operational / Technical Duties, • Collect and rear field-captured mosquito eggs and larvae to designated life stages for laboratory and field studies., • Maintain healthy colony and field populations through daily insectary care, organization, and strict sanitation protocols., • Assist with laboratory, semi-field, and field testing of mosquito larvicides and adulticides., • Maintain sentinel chicken coops, including feeding and routine care of chickens, as required., • Perform maintenance, cleaning, and troubleshooting of surveillance equipment., • Clean and maintain laboratory, insectary, and field equipment to ensure safe and effective operations., • Assist with field setup, data collection, and support activities related to equipment spray calibrations., • Perform intricate manual tasks such as sewing, gluing, cutting, and assembling research or surveillance materials., • Participate in evening, early morning, or weekend, aerial or ground testing activities when required to support surveillance or research operations., • Assist with special research projects or pilot studies outside routine surveillance activities., • Provide support during emergency response or atypical surveillance operations., • High school diploma or possession of a General Educational Development (GED) certificate., • Ability to communicate effectively and to understand and follow oral and written instructions., • Demonstrated ability to work dependably, manage assigned tasks responsibly, and meet established performance and safety standards., • Proficiency with computers, including data entry and use of digital or mobile data collection systems., • Possession of a valid Florida Driver’s License and the ability to maintain an acceptable driving record., • Ability and willingness to work outside normal business hours, including evenings, weekends, holidays, or early morning shifts, as operational needs require., • Ability and willingness to work with insecticides and related materials in accordance with applicable safety regulations and training., • Authorization to work legally in the United States.Preferred Qualifications, • Bachelor’s degree in entomology, biology, environmental science, or a related scientific field., • Two (2) or more years of experience in mosquito identification or mosquito surveillance activities., • Demonstrated proficiency in the use of dichotomous keys for species-level identification., • Possession of a current Public Health Pest Control License issued by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), or be able to acquire the license within 1 year of employment. Knowledge of: • Mosquito taxonomy, anatomy, biology, and ecology., • Mosquito surveillance techniques and systems, including landing rate counts and trap-based surveillance., • Identifying mosquitoes to the species level using stereoscopes and dichotomous keys., • Collecting, managing, and maintaining accurate surveillance and research data., • Maintain assigned equipment in proper working condition., • Keep detailed records, prepare reports, and follow complex oral and written instructions., • Work outdoors for extended periods in varying and sometimes challenging weather conditions., • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, and the public. This position requires the ability to perform moderate physical activity on a regular basis. Duties may include lifting, carrying, and moving materials weighing up to fifty (50) pounds; standing, walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, and squatting for extended periods; and climbing in and out of vehicles or accessing equipment as part of field surveillance activities. The position also requires frequent use of hands and fingers to manipulate small specimens, operate laboratory instruments, use hand tools, and perform computer-based data entry and analysis. Work is performed in a combination of laboratory, insectary, office, and outdoor field settings. Indoor work is generally conducted in climate-controlled environments, though field activities may involve exposure to varying weather conditions. Occasional local travel is required to conduct surveillance, service traps, and support field operations. Noise levels are typically low to moderate. Technology & Data Responsibilities • Utilizes computers, mobile devices, and/or specialized software to perform job duties., • Responsible for accurate data entry and adherence to data security and privacy protocols., • Consistently meet established productivity, quality, and safety standards while following applicable laws, regulations, and procedures., • Comply with all organizational policies, procedures, and ethical standards, including safety, attendance, and conduct requirements., • Perform assigned duties reliably, responsibly, and with a high level of professionalism and accountability. Base pay adjustments may occur through Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLA), which are intended to maintain wage competitiveness relative to economic conditions, and through merit-based increases, which are awarded based on individual performance, skill development, and organizational needs. All compensation adjustments are subject to District policy, budget approval, and performance standards. The District offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employee health, financial security, and professional development. Benefits are subject to eligibility requirements and may be modified or discontinued at any time in accordance with applicable laws and District policy. • Medical Insurance, • Paid Time Off (PTO), • Dental and Vision Insurance, • District-Paid Holidays, • Employer-Paid Life Insurance, • Employee Assistance Program (EAP), • Long-term Disability (LTD) Coverage, • 457(b) Deferred Retirement Plan, • Florida Retirement System (FRS), including Investment and Pension Plan options, • District-provided uniforms and uniform reimbursement, • Voluntary supplemental insurance plans, including life, accident, hospital, short-term disability, cancer, and legal coverage, • Training and professional development opportunities This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Duties and responsibilities may be modified or assigned at any time to meet the needs of the organization. This organization is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment is at-will unless otherwise provided by applicable law or a written employment agreement. Monday-Friday 7:00am-3:30pm