Entomology Assistant Trainee

This is specialized technical work assisting with arbovirus surveillance, mosquito population surveillance, mosquito identification, insecticide testing and data/record keeping, assessing mosquito trap catches in the field for immediate integration into the adult mosquito suppression operation, assisting in care of the sentinel chickens, cleaning and maintenance of the chicken coops, as well as, draw blood samples from the sentinel chickens. Employees work directly under an administrative supervisor to execute field identification, and laboratory task, as well as care of a chicken flock kept at the base, and the transportation of infected chickens.

What Would You Do?

• Obtains routine blood samples from sentinel chicken flocks and record field information for laboratory processing.
• Assists in the placement of various types of traps, assesses, and documents mosquito trap catches in the field for immediate integration into the adult mosquito suppression operation.
• Identifies, records and maintains mosquito specimen collections for review and training purposes.
• Conducts field and laboratory efficacy tests and tests other mosquito control methods as necessary. Ensures proper operation, maintenance and replacement of designated equipment.
• Assists others in all areas as needed.
• Enters and maintains all related records i.e., state report, trap data, public outreach numbers.
• Responds to emergency situations, including weekends and nights.
• Works with public health agencies and citizens with tact and diplomacy.
• Cleans and maintains chicken coops.
• Assists with Helicopter calibration and characterization.
• Assists with droplet analysis on all ULV equipment.

What Do You Need To Have?

• 1 year of mosquito control experience; or
• High school diploma or GED; or
• An equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience.
• Possession and maintenance of Public Health Pest Control Certificates prior to the completion of the first year of employment.
• Participate in early morning truck fogging program (2:30 am – 6:30 am).
• A valid Florida Driver License, in good standing, will be required in order to travel to other locations for interviewing and various meetings.
• Assignment to work a variety of work schedules including compulsory work periods in special, emergency, and/or disaster situations.

Highly Desirable

• Mosquito biology and mosquito ID certification.
• Public Health License.
• Bachelors of Science in Biology, Entomology, Ecology, Marine Biology, Natural Science.
• Knowledge of scientific method and general laboratory techniques.
• Knowledge of mosquito biology and mosquito ID certification.
• Knowledge of the proper use of microscopes and other assigned equipment.
• Knowledge of data recording, graphing and the ability to keep accurate records of work performed.
• Ability to draw blood with a hypodermic needle and handle chickens in a calm and soothing manner.
• Ability to express oneself clearly and consistently, orally and in writing.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Knowledge of basic animal care procedures and techniques for the care and feeding of chickens.
• Knowledge of the scientific method and general laboratory techniques.
• Knowledge of data recording.
• Ability to learn mosquito physiology and identification to species.
• Ability to work with a hypodermic needle.
• Ability to read a map and get to remote areas where traps are located.
• Ability to read a map and maintain assigned trapping and collection equipment
• Ability to maintain assigned trapping and collection equipment.
• Ability to work in swampy, insect and reptilian infested locations.
• Apply computer applications and software

Our Benefits Rank Among The Top In The Area

• We are proud to offer our employees an excellent benefits package. See our Benefits Handbook.
• Looking for a strong retirement? We have you covered as members of the Florida Retirement System (FRS) with investment and pension options.
• We have deferred compensation programs, wellness centers, and tuition reimbursement to name a few perks. Check out what we offer!

Want to Learn More?

Please review the full classification description with the Physical/Mental Demands, Working Conditions, and Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities at the below link.

Entomology Assistant