County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Under the direction of the Supervising Vector Control Officer and oversight of the Senior Vector Control Officer, the Vector Control Officer, in conjunction with the vector control programs, conducts inspections and investigations and other related work as required, in an assigned geographical area within the Vector Control Services District. Incumbents are expected to be capable of performing their duties in an independent manner.

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 is the full journey level class in the Vector Control series in the Vector Control Services Division of the Environmental Health Department. Incumbents are responsible for performing their duties in an assigned geographical area within the district, in an independent manner. In addition, the VCO participates on a team or triad, under the leadership of a Senior Vector Control Officer who shares responsibility for a wider area of coverage. Positions in this class series are responsible for the assessment, abatement and prevention of Public Health Nuisances in their assigned area.

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

Either I

Experience:

The equivalent of one year as a Vector Control Officer Trainee in Alameda County classified service (non-classified includes District Attorney’s Office, Hospital Authority, and the Consolidated Courts.), or the equivalent of 12 months as Vector Control Technician in a public agency.

Or II

The equivalent of one year of full-time experience in pest control work in any environmental health program, governmental agency private or public agency or special district, and the equivalent of two years of relevant college course work in environmental health or closely related health science field is preferred.

Certificate:

Possession of a current California State Certificate as a Certified Technician in Vertebrate Vector Control and Invertebrate Vector Control is preferred. Incumbents without the aforementioned certification must pass the state examination for Certified Technician for Vertebrate and Vertebrate Vector Control within twelve (12) months of appointment.

License: Valid California State Motor Vehicle Operator's license.

Special Requirements:

Vision:

Ability to distinguish primary colors in order to conduct dye tests. This ability will be tested during the County pre-employment physical examination.

Physical Ability:

Must be able to pull manhole utility access covers (which require 75-100 lbs. force pull), climb ladders, and lift up to 50 lbs.

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.