VECTOR CONTROL SPECIALIST (#TC6 )

$36.38-$46.01 hourly / $6,306.00-$7,975.00 monthly / $75,670.40-$95,700.80 yearly

Under direction, perform inspections and vector control operations in zones of benefit within the County of Santa Cruz; assist with vector-borne disease surveillance and community education programs; and perform related work as required.

The Vector Control Specialist is a single position class that exercises considerable judgment in organizing and carrying out the details involved in performing duties assigned by the Assistant Vector Control Manager. This class may be given varying degrees of responsibility for providing advice and assistance to property owners in the abatement of mosquito sources and other vectors on their property; however, controversial problems are referred to higher levels. The incumbent is responsible for scheduling inspections and operations to effectively cover assigned duties and for exercising judgment in evaluating mosquito and vector producing conditions and in choosing the most effective control method for any given situation. Due to the seasonal nature of the work performed by this position, this classification has a one-year probationary period.

•  Inspect assigned area for mosquito and other vector breeding sources;
• Maintain an awareness of patterns and practices conducive to mosquito and other vector breeding which are significant to the timing of operations;
• Identify vector species and stages of development;
• Determine appropriate integrated management strategy;
• Apply insecticides as needed, selecting appropriate material, dosage rates and equipment to obtain optimum coverage and results;
• Maintain an awareness of ecologically sensitive sources and use treatment regime appropriate for habitat;
• Initiate requests for aerial application and provide information required for an effective result;
• Reinspect treated areas to evaluate efficiency of treatment;
• Stock mosquitofish or other biological control agents as required;
• Maintain records of work done;
• Assist with population monitoring of adult mosquitoes and other arthropods;
• Assist with vector-borne disease surveillance program;
• Perform routine arthropod identification and maintain pertinent records;
• Use a computer and mobile devices to prepare and revise operational maps, including properties, topographic characteristics, and other features relevant to mosquito and vector control operations;
• Record significant changes and compile data as directed on work done, types of service, costs, and vector population history, and otherwise assist in collecting and compiling data;
• Advise local citizens of mosquito and vector control problems and request consent to enter onto property;
• Assist with presentations and implementation of community education program;
• Drive vehicle and operate unmanned aerial, all-terrain and aquatic craft and use power and hand spray equipment in a safe manner;
• Keep equipment in working order;
• Use brush cutting equipment to prepare trails for access;
• Perform general labor, and operate equipment used in vector control activities;
• Attend training sessions;
• Read agency manuals, and otherwise keep informed of policies, procedures and pertinent scientific advances;
• Keep supervisor informed of progress and problems.

Knowledge of:

Working knowledge of:

• Biological and ecological relationships.

Some knowledge of:

• Record keeping.
• Geographic information systems.
• Maintenance of gas motors and small electrical and mechanical equipment.

Ability to:

• Work independently and responsibly.
• Organize and conduct assigned mosquito control field operations.
• Make accurate observations and keep detailed records.
• Work cooperatively and effectively with others.
• Evaluate situations accurately and adopt effective course of action.
• Maintain and practice safety precautions.
• Put on, wear and use a respirator and other personal protective equipment to avoid exposure to pesticides and to stinging and biting arthropods.
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Follow oral and written instructions.
• Input and access information using computer applications.
• Make presentations to community groups.
• Bend, squat, climb and twist while traversing uneven ground such as dirt banks, streambeds and pond shallows in the course of collecting mosquitoes or ticks, while climbing onto a rock in a creek bed, or while setting traps in trees.
• Lift and carry up to 50 pounds such as a backpack motorized sprayer filled with granules and wade with equipment for a few hundred feet into three (3) foot deep water.
• Operate a chainsaw, outboard motor and similar mechanical equipment.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of education and experience, which would provide the required knowledge and abilities, is qualifying, unless otherwise specified. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Equivalent to an associate’s degree with a major in biology or a closely related field,

OR

Two years of full-time experience in mosquito abatement or vector control work.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS/CONDITIONS:

• License Requirement: Possession of a valid California Class C Driver License.
• Certificate Requirement: Fulfill necessary requirements set forth in the California Administrative Code to function as a California State Certified Technician qualified in Mosquito Control during probationary period.
• Special Working Conditions: Exposure to wetness, such as while walking through creeks, ponds and sloughs to conduct mosquito surveillance; non ionizing radiation, such as sunburn while working in the field; toxic conditions, such as while spraying oil on water to kill mosquitoes; odors, such as from marshes and ripe water; infections, such as tick-borne Lyme disease or mosquito-borne encephalitis; vicious animals, poisonous plants and animals; irate or hostile individuals; inclement weather conditions; hazardous gases and chemicals.
• Hours: Subject to emergency call on a 24-hour basis.

Note: This classification has a 12-month probationary period.