Vector Control Ecologist

Description Under general direction, to plan, organize, coordinate and perform professional biological or entomological evaluation and identification in the assigned program areas of surveillance, census and control of vertebrate and invertebrate vectors and vector-borne diseases, and to serve as a technical advisor to staff and the general public.

This recruitment REQUIRES that you attach copies of your degree AND transcripts. **Any application received without required attachments will be deemed incomplete. Typical Tasks

• Plans and conducts studies and surveys of vector populations;
• Establishes a system of vector population measurements, by maintaining collections, identifying findings, conducting disease surveillances and recordings and evaluating results;
• Performs biological and chemical lab analysis; prepares reports including maps and graphs and analysis of program evaluation and development;
• Assesses the effectiveness of field operations and control methods;
• Reviews pesticide use and application procedures for current and proposed operational programs;
• Performs laboratory diagnostic tests such as polymerase chain reaction and biological assays of biological samples;
• Uses digital technologies including, but not limited to, standard office software, spreadsheets, statistical analysis, databases and GIS;
• Identifies organisms brought into the Vector Control District laboratory by the public;
• Evaluates and advises on biological control methodology;
• Conducts laboratory and field tests of pesticides, using established industry standards;
• Participates in public relations and community educational programs and events;
• Works in collaboration with the public and other agencies, such as wildlife refuge ecologists from Federal, State and municipal jurisdictions, and technical staff of other vector control agencies;
• Reviews and analyzes Federal, State, and local laws and regulations relating to pesticides and makes recommendations to management regarding changes needed to policies and procedures to ensure compliance;
• May lead or coordinate other staff on a project basis;
• Provides written recommendations for activities involving disease surveillance, specimen collection and oversight of laboratory colonies;
• Monitors mosquito trap operations and submits collection data to State authorities as needed;
• Trains staff and acts as a resource in safety and technical aspects of vector control;
• May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker, as required;
• Performs other related duties, as required.

Employment Standards Sufficient education, training and experience to demonstrate the possession and direct application of the following knowledge and abilities:

Training and Experience Note: The required knowledge and abilities are attained through possession of a Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Entomology, Life Sciences, Zoology, Marine Biology, Virology, Parasitology, Integrated Pest Management, Environmental Health, Toxicology, Biochemistry, Public Health, Global Disease Biology, Infectious Disease, Health Science, Epidemiology or a closely related field and

One (1) year of experience in entomology or a closely related field. Research and/or internships in entomology or a closely related field, totaling 18 months in duration, may be substituted for the one-year of experience. OR

Possession of 60 semester units (90 quarter units) of college, of which 12 semester units (15 quarter units) must be in Biology, Entomology, Life Sciences, Zoology, Marine Biology, Virology, Parasitology, Integrated Pest Management, Environmental Health, Toxicology, Biochemistry, Public Health, Global Disease Biology, Infectious Disease, Health Science, Epidemiology or a closely related field and

Three (3) years of experience comparable to the County's Vector Control Technician II and/or Vector Control Technician III classifications.

Special Requirements

• Possession of California Department of Public Health Vector Control Certifications in the areas of Pesticide Application and Safety Training for Applicator of Public Health Pesticides, Biology and Control of Mosquitoes in California, Arthropods of Public Health Significance in California and Vertebrates of Public Health Significance in California, must be obtained prior to completion of the probationary period.
• Possession of a valid California driver's license prior to appointment and the ability to qualify for and maintain a County Driver's Permit.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of integrated pest management, biological control, vector-borne disease biology and control, and vector prevention for water and land use development and biostatistics;
• Laws, regulations, policies and procedures pertaining to pesticides;
• Fundamental medical and urban entomology;
• Standard biological and physical sciences, related research and investigative techniques;
• Pesticide chemistry and toxicology field applications and their environmental effects;
• Current vector surveillance theories, methods and principles;
• Common office computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheets and databases;
• Appropriate safety practices and procedures.

Ability to:

• Understand, interpret and apply provisions of Federal, State and local legislation, rules and regulations relating to the use of pesticides;
• Gather, analyze, interpret and present data effectively, and prepare clear and concise reports;
• Interpret program objectives and work independently;
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing;
• Establish effective relationships with those contacted in the course of business;
• Assist staff in the proper implementation of vector surveillance methods;
• Apply biological and ecological principles to survey and monitor vector populations;
• Use pesticides according to label specifications and established standards;
• Use microscope, chemical testing equipment and other scientific instruments;
• Plan and conduct surveys.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to fifty (50) pounds.

Benefits

The County offers comprehensive first-class medical, dental, and vision benefits plans for County employees and their dependents, including plans with no deductibles, no co-pays, no co-insurance, and no prescription drug co-pays. Learn more here.

The County also offers generous paid time off with significant vacation, sick time, and 13 paid County holidays annually! Details are included in the Memorandum of Understanding/Agreement with the bargaining unit applicable to the job classification.

In addition to the amazing perks above, the County also offers the additional benefits below.

Retirement Benefits The County offers robust retirement plans including a 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan (similar to the private sector’s 401(k) plan) and the CalPERS pension plan. In addition to lifetime retirement income available through the CalPERS pension plan, the 457(b) Deferred Compensation plan provides a great way to save for retirement and supplement the defined benefit pension available to employees. These plans help our employees build a plan for their future and contribute to their family’s long-term financial well-being.

Health Flexible Spending Account The Health Flexible Spending Account (HFSA) empowers employees to manage healthcare expenses efficiently with tax-free contributions (up to $3,200 for the 2024 calendar year). Secure tax-free solutions for your healthcare expenses and enjoy the flexibility to manage your healthcare finances effectively with the HFSA.

Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP) The Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP) enables employees to utilize tax-free funds for dependent care services, facilitating a convenient and cost-effective approach for managing your dependent care expenses. The County also offers the Employee Childcare Assistance Plan, an employer-funded DCAP, for employees with annual income under $120,000.

Life and AD&D The County offers life and disability benefits including Life Insurance, Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance, Long-Term Disability insurance, California State Disability Insurance, and Integration with Leave. These benefits ensure financial security and income support when you and your family need it most.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) The County prioritizes employee mental health and well-being and offers a top-tier Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through Concern providing confidential counseling sessions covering stress, anxiety, relationships, grief, as well as financial/legal services, personal coaching, child and elder care referrals, and comprehensive crisis support.

Employee Wellness The Employee Wellness Program offers free wellness programing, fitness classes and resources; including Elevate My Wellness an all-in-one platform designed to elevate your well-being journey.

Education Reimbursement A generous Learning and Employee Development program is available, including Education Reimbursement for employees seeking additional training and professional development.

NOTE: Benefit and Retirement information may vary from bargaining unit to bargaining unit. Due to changes in State Law, current pension provisions described in the union contracts are not automatically applied. Specific pension benefits for new hires who start on or after January 1, 2013 may be different than indicated in the union contracts.

Click here to access all Memoranda of Understanding and most recent Summary of Changes.