County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Under close supervision of the Supervising Vector Control Officer and oversight of the Senior Vector Control Officer is expected to learn the duties of a Vector Control Officer through on the job training in the inspection, control, and prevention of causal environmental conditions.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

Incumbents of these classes differ from those of Registered Environmental Health Specialist, who provide a full range of environmental health services in an assigned area. Vector Control Officer, Trainee is a trainee classification. Incumbents in this classification receive on the job training and are expected to learn the duties of a Vector Control Officer for an assigned geographical area within the district. In addition, the VCO, Trainee participates in a team or triad, under the leadership of a Senior Vector Control Officer who shares responsibility for a wider area of coverage. The VCO, Trainee must pass the State examination for Certified Technician for Vertebrate and Vertebrate Vector Control within twelve (12) months of appointment from the California Department of Health Services to promote to the next higher-level class of Vector Control Officer. Incumbents in this classification receive direct training in the assessment, abatement and prevention of Public Health Nuisances in their assigned area. This class is distinguished from the Vector Control Officer in that the latter is the journey-level class.

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. Investigates complaints concerning insect and rodent infestation; conducts investigations and advises responsible parties on principles of vector control and pest management.

2. Responds to complaints regarding garbage, refuse or vermin harborage and follows up to achieve compliance with environmental health laws and regulations when necessary.

3. Traps and processes rodents in accordance with CDC Guidelines for zoonotic disease surveillance.

4. Inspects waterfront areas, parks, and residential and commercial properties for signs of insect and rodent activity.

5. Conducts dye/smoke tests to locate breaks in sanitary sewers by injecting colored dye in rat burrows or smoke producing flares in the sewer main.

6. Inspects and places rodent baits in public sewer manholes, burrow systems and at waterfronts when appropriate.

7. Maintains records of field inspections, pesticide usage and field surveys.

8. Investigates complaints regarding yellow jackets and honeybees and takes appropriate action to reduce potential risks to the public.

9. Investigates animal bites of rabies susceptible species and carries out other rabies surveillance activities as required.

10. Posts and distributes public notices or other environmental health information and warnings.

11. Attends staff meetings and other required committees, public meetings or training.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Experience:

No experience required. Two years of relevant course work in science or health is preferred.

Certificate:

Incumbents must pass the State Examination for Certified Technician for Vertebrate and Invertebrate Vector Control within twelve (12) months of appointment to the class of Vector Control Officer, Trainee.
License: Valid California State Motor Vehicle Operator's license.

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:

• Vector-borne diseases, breeding places and habits of insects and animal vectors particularly rodents, including ecto-parasites such as but not limited to fleas, ticks, lice, as well as flies and cockroaches.
• Methods of prevention and abatement of vector infestations, pesticide safety and hazards to non-target species.
• Functions and goals of a public health department.
• Computer software applications (as applicable to the position).

Ability to:

• Handle and dissect rodents, collect laboratory specimens and ecto parasites.
• Obtain the voluntary cooperation of the public in vector prevention and control measures.
• Handle and place pesticides effectively and safely.
• Interpret and apply relevant laws and regulations.
• Prepare comprehensive reports.
• Read, write and communicate effectively.
• Work independently.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

DW:Lm-h
Retitled/Retyped: 3/85
AM:pb Revised: 9/1/89
AM:tc Revised: 12/30/91
Old doc: 0509h
New doc: 5682-5683.doc
ys/7/01
CSC Date: 1/15/92
CC:pf Rev. 2/13/03
Revised sw 6/27/03
CSC Date: 7/9/03

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) 
• 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
• Catastrophic Sick Leave
• 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.