County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Under the supervision and the direction of the Chief, Environmental Health, of the Alameda County Vector Control Services District, the Scientific Program Manager, plans, implements, directs and administers the District’s disease surveillance and control programs and the operations of the Department of Environmental Health Vector Control Laboratory. The Scientific Program Manager also assists in planning and implementing special surveillance and research projects related to vectors and vector-borne diseases.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

The Scientific Program Manager is single-position management level classification in the Vector Ecologist Series located in the Environmental Health Vector Control Services District, performing and managing entomological and molecular studies of disease testing related to the surveillance and control of invertebrates and vertebrates. The incumbent designs, participates, and monitors all aspects of research projects; supervises the Vector Ecologist and Assistant Vector Ecologist, trains assigned professionals and technical staff; and performs any other District work as directed by the Chief, Environmental Health.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

NOTE:  The following are the duties performed by employees in this clas­sifica­tion.  However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level.  Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

1.   Under the direction of the Chief, Environmental Health, plans, organizes, and directs the activities of the scientific programs; supervises and coordinates the scientific staff (Vector Ecologist, Assistant Vector Ecologist, and other staff whose duties/projects concerns vectors and vector-borne disease surveillance) in conducting all laboratory operations that includes disease testing, pesticide resistance, and other vector related analysis.

2.  Provides the technical expertise of entomology, medical parasitology, laboratory safety practices, and pesticides application to assist the Chief, Vector Control Manager, and Vector Control Biologists in developing, organizing, and managing with current research, technology, methods, and training related to vectors, vector-borne disease assistance and other public health issues.

3.  Oversees and coordinates all disease surveillance operations and programs that include but are not limited to: mosquitoes/arbovirus, dead birds/West Nile virus, ticks/Lyme disease, fleas/Murine Typhus, rodents/hantavirus, nuisance wildlife/rabies, and other vectors and their diseases and special projects.

4.  Plans and coordinates special vector surveillance and research projects conducted by the Vector Ecologist, Assistant Vector Ecologist and Vector Control Biologists.  

5.  Researches and evaluates the effectiveness of vector control methods and conduct efficacy and resistance trials for the control of ticks (Lyme disease), fleas (plague/Murine Typhus), mosquitoes (West Nile virus), venomous insects (yellowjackets), and other pest species (bed bugs). 

6.  Provides expert knowledge and maintain safety standards of laboratory bio-safety and public health risks of handling vectors (live bed bugs, mosquitoes, fleas, ticks for dissecting, culturing, storing, etc.); and applying pesticides for surveillance and research purposes.

7.  Coordinates, summarizes, and analyzes surveillance and research data and draft reports, maps and graphs; works with Vector Ecologist and Assistant Vector Ecologist to develop technical information factsheets, and publish scientific findings in peer reviewed scientific journals.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EITHER I  

Experience:

The equivalent of two years as a Vector Ecologist, or three years as a Senior Vector Control Biologist, or two years as a Supervising Vector Control Biologist in the Alameda County classified service.  

 

OR II  

Education: 

A Master’s of Science degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Biological Sciences, Physical Sciences, Environmental Health, Integrated Pest Management or closely related Health Sciences field is required. Examples of related fields include but are not limited to Microbiology, Entomology, Toxicology, Integrated Biology, or other related fields. A PhD degree in similar field is highly desirable.  

AND  

Experience:

The equivalent of three years of full time experience in vector ecology, surveillance, and control. Experience providing lead responsibility is required.  

 

Certificate:  

Possession of a California State Certificate as a Public Health Vector Technician specializing in Mosquito Control, Terrestrial Invertebrate Vector Control, and Vertebrate Vector Control is required within one year of employment.  

 

License:  

Valid California State Motor Vehicle Operator’s license.

 

Physical Requirements:  

• Physically fit to conduct field work (walk up/down and climb up/down steep canyons, creek beds, etc.).
• Carry/move heavy field equipment.
• Required medical clearance to wear respirator in conducting rodent-borne diseases surveillance and applying pesticides.  

 

NOTE:  The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualif­ications in the announcement of an examination.  

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

NOTE:   The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the “Examples of Duties” section of this specification.

 

Knowledge of:  

• Ecology, biology, environmental science, epidemiology, medical entomology, microbiology, parasitology and wildlife biology.
• Pesticides and their application, safety and effects.
• Vector and vector-borne disease surveillance principles.
• Expert knowledge of research techniques, laboratory testing, and investigative methods.
• Management and supervision.
• Laws, rules and regulations that Federal, State and local ordinance govern concerning environmental issues such as endangered species, restricted pesticides usages, wildlife relocation, medical waste disposal, and other related sensitive issues.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Data management for scientific applications and publications.
• Computer skills in operations and software, including Microsoft Word, Excel and Power Point.  

 

Ability to:

• Provide management of a scientific laboratory and supervision of Vector Ecologist and Assistant Vector Ecologist.
• Plan, supervise, review and evaluate the works of direct and indirect subordinates.
• Make scientific and technical judgements and recommendations to the Chief regarding environmental issues, pesticides application, and other vector related matters.
• Prepare precise and accurate reports, correspondence, protocols, policies, brochures, factsheets, and other written materials.
• Develop training materials and conduct training sessions to prepare the new Vector Control staff for taking the California State Public Health Technician Certifications in Mosquitoes, Terrestrial Invertebrate, and Vertebrate Controls.        
• Exercise tact, sensitivity, and sound independent judgment when communicating with staff, general public and other governmental agencies.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, general public, and other governmental agencies.
• Execute effective computer skills.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

New Spec: 5696
NLB: jf 11/15/17
CSC Date: 10/24/18

BENEFITS

Alameda County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many different employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall well being.  These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Well-Being

• Medical – HMO & PPO Plans
• Dental – HMO & PPO Plans
• Vision or Vision Reimbursement
• Share the Savings
• Basic Life Insurance 
• Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees)
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance 
• County Allowance Credit
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits - Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services
• Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

• Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)

For your Work/Life Balance

• 12 paid holidays
• Floating Holidays
• Vacation and sick leave accrual
• Vacation purchase program
• Management Paid Leave**
• Catastrophic Sick Leave
• Group Auto/Home Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Guaranteed Ride Home
• Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
• Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
• Child Care Resources
• 1^st United Services Credit Union 

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement.  This provides a brief summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.

** Non-exempt management employees are entitled to up to three days of management paid leave. Exempt management employees are entitled to up to seven days of management paid leave.