Career Center

Basic Functions:
The Vector Ecologist conducts surveillance and control of one or more vectors; develops methods for vector-borne disease surveillance and control; educates the public; identifies a variety of vectors and conditions that support vectors; serves as biologist; and performs related work as required.

Relationship:
The Vector Ecologist is a Fair Labor Standards Act Non-Exempt position that is supervised by the Director of Scientific Programs.

Class Characteristics:
The Vector Ecologist applies principles of biology and other related scientific disciplines to assist in developing and implementing the District's vector-borne disease surveillance and control program. The Vector Ecologist assists the Director of Scientific Programs in the surveillance of all aspects of vector-borne disease, and is responsible for one or more aspects of the program.

Examples of Duties / Knowledge & Skills

Responsibilities:
The following are examples of duties that may be performed. Omitting specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment.

1. Develops methods, procedures, and performs laboratory work related to the surveillance and control of vector-borne diseases.
2. Monitor trends in vector population fluctuations across the district and collaborates with operations and communications department personnel in identifying areas of concern to public health, and recommends control measures.
3.  Compiles and evaluates data accrued from the programs managed, generates technical reports, and program recommendations.
4. Participates in developing and planning the technical phases of the control program by testing and evaluating vector control materials and methods in compliance with federal and state laws.
5.  Procures, designs, constructs, and maintains devices used to trap mosquitoes, birds, and other organisms.
6.  Investigates resistance of vectors to pesticides and related materials.
7.  Manages colonies of mosquitoes and mosquito fish.
8.  Participates in joint agency research projects.
9.  Monitors inventory of department supplies and follows district procedures procuring materials related to assigned programs.
10.  Assists in developing educational material and in providing public education regarding the surveillance and control of vectors.
11.  Assist in instructing new district personnel in the scope of responsibilities, duties, and Policies of the District as it applies to the surveillance and control of vector-borne disease.
12.  Monitors data entry and follows department procedures to resolve inconsistencies.
13.  Identifies organisms brought to the District laboratory by the public.
14.  Attend training sessions, read agency manual, and keep informed of policies and procedures.
15.  Plans, organizes, and supervises the work of assigned support staff, selecting, making assignments, setting priorities for and training personnel.
16.  Perform related work as required.

Minimum Qualifications & Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

Knowledge of:

• Entomology and parasitology, including natural history and ecology of vectors
• Application and effects of pesticides, including hazards to animal and plant life
• Methods to prevent and control vector-borne disease
• Procedures for managing sources of vectors and environmental resources
• Biological, chemical, and physical sciences
• Research techniques and investigative methods
• Principles of statistical analysis
• Federal, State, and local laws and regulations pertaining to vector control
• Organizational structure of State and Local Governments
• Water reclamation and management techniques as they relate to vector control

Ability to:

• Plan, organize, and direct one or more aspects of the District's vector-borne disease surveillance and control program
• Accept reasonable assignments
• Assist in implementing procedures to survey for and prevent vector borne diseases and abate major sources of vectors
• Assist in preparing public information and making educational presentations to the general public
• Collaborate with the Director of Scientific Programs to plan and conduct general surveys and specific studies
• Report issues related to vector surveillance and control
• Apply scientific principles to practical situations
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing and understand and carry out oral and written instructions
• Work cooperatively and effectively with other staff and the public

Education:
A Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university in a biological science such as medical entomology, parasitology, biology, zoology, or closely related field.

Experience:
One year of experience as a Vector Ecologist or comparable professional position.

Supplemental information

Certificates:
The Vector Ecologist must be certified by the California Department of Health Services as a technician in mosquito, vertebrate, and terrestrial invertebrate control within two cycles of testing once they are employed.  All certifications must be maintained while employed.

License:
A valid California driver's license is required at the time of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment. The Vector Ecologist must be insurable with District's insurance carrier.

Working Conditions:
The Vector Ecologist may be exposed to pesticides, communicable diseases, other health hazards; inclement weather conditions; and verbal confrontations with the public.  The Vector Ecologist must be willing to work non-standard work schedules which may include evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Functional Requirements:

Individual must:

• Be sighted with the ability to demonstrate measurable depth perception.
• Have a minimum of single ear aided hearing.
• Speak and write effectively in English.
• Regularly* operate a motor vehicle.
• Regularly* bend at the knees and waist.
• Regularly* perform repetitive motion associated with computer use and laboratory work.
• Regularly* manipulate and examine small objects while sitting for extended periods of time.
• Occasionally* traverse uneven ground such as fields, dirt banks, stream beds, and shallow ponds.
• Occasionally* assist in lifting objects weighing in excess of 60 pounds.
• Occasionally* reach overhead.
• Periodically* carry over uneven surfaces and lift over a barrier 50 pounds.
• Periodically* operate specialized equipment such as boats, all-terrain vehicles and other mechanized equipment.

* Periodically- Activity or condition exists up to 25 percent of the time.
* Occasionally - Activity or condition exists from 25 to 50 percent of the time.
* Regularly - Activity or condition exists from 50 to 75 percent of the time.
* Frequently - Activity or condition exists 75 percent or more of the time.