County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Under the direction of the Supervising Vector Control Officer, the Senior Vector Control Officer provides lead responsibility for the Vector Control programs, assumes the roll of a triad leader, and performs the duties of a Vector Control Officer, which include responsibilities in conducting vector control inspections, investigations and abatement work within an assigned area and does other related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

The Senior Vector Control Officer class is responsible for several specialty programs. Senior Vector Control Officers provide oversight for Vector Control Officers and Vector Control Officer Trainees in addition to performing the duties of a Vector Control Officer. Incumbents do not exercise supervisory authority in hiring, evaluating or disciplining staff, but they do assist in these processes. Incumbents in this classification provide leadership in planning surveys, assist in assigning work and reinforcing policy. In addition, incumbents in this class series are responsible for the assessment, abatement and prevention of Public Health Nuisances in their assigned area.

The Senior Vector Control Officer classification is found in the Vector Control Services District of the Environmental Health Department. Incumbents of these classes differ from those of Environmental Health Specialists, who provide a full range of environmental health services in an 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 or commercial properties for signs of insect and/or 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 trainings.

12. Prepares reports of program accomplishments, assists management staff with official reports and coaching staff on policy and procedures when appropriate.

13. Acts as liaison with other agencies, community groups and general public.

14. Coordinates special teams (of vector control officers) for group activities relating to vector control functions involving disease surveillance, community outreach or sewer/meter box inspections and pesticide applications.

15. Performs research and development of latest techniques and equipment relating to vector control issues, personal safety and pesticide use and applications.

16. Provides oversight and direction to assigned triad members which include assisting triad members with difficult cases and coordinates quarterly ride-along activities with triad members in order to assist in reinforcing district policies and quality control measures.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Either I

Experience:

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

Or II

The equivalent of two years of full-time experience in pest management in a private, public, or governmental agency and the equivalent of a four-year college degree from an accredited college/university with relevant course work in environmental health, integrated pest management or closely related health science field. (Some lead responsibility is preferred).

Certificate:

Incumbents must pass the State Examination for Certified Technician for Vertebrate and Invertebrate Vector Control within twelve (12) months of appointment. Possession of a current California State Certificate as a Certified Technician in Vertebrate Vector Control and Invertebrate Vector Control or a Structural Pest Control license for Field Representative, Branch II, or a Certificate as a Pesticide Applicator with the Department of Agriculture Category K.

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

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 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, 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.
· Read, write and speak effectively.
· Direct the work assignments of triad members.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

DW:Lm-h Retitled/Retyped: 3/85
AM:pb Rev: 9/1/89 - AM:tc Revised: 12/30/91
Old doc: 0509h - ys/7/01 - New doc: 5684.doc
CSC Date: 1/15/92
CC:pf Revised 2/14/03 - 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.