County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Under the direction of the Supervising Vector Control Biologist and oversight of the Senior Vector Control Biologist, the Vector Control Biologist conducts inspections and investigations, disease surveillance and control, educational outreach and other related work as required, in an assigned geographical area within the Vector Control Services District; provides advice on Vector biology to the public and local code enforcement for property management in but not limited to bed bugs, fleas, flies, lice, mosquitoes, wasps, ticks, mites, rodents and nuisance wildlife; and participates in vector and vector-borne disease surveillance and research.


DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

The Vector Control Biologist is the journey level class in the series and is assigned to 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. Vector Control Biologists work within a team under the leadership of a Senior Vector Control Biologist who is responsible for a wider area of geographic coverage. Positions in this class series are responsible for the assessment and prevention of Public Health nuisances in their assigned area; recommend effective and sustainable methods of preventing or controlling vectors or wildlife problems by methods compatible with Integrated Pest Management Program (IPM) practices; are well versed Federal and State Health and Safety Laws and local ordinances with regard to vermin and nuisance wildlife; and provide professional evaluations of vector biology for the local enforcement agencies empowered to enforce relevant laws and regulations and local ordinances that protect the public from disease vectors and nuisance pest problems.

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 public complaints concerning insects, rodents and wildlife; conducts investigations and educates responsible parties on the principles of Integrated Pest Management and the biology of wildlife management to prevent or mitigate pest issues.

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

3. Works with local agencies, homeowners’ associations, property managements to implement environmentally sound control methods proven to reduce vectors and nuisance species.

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

5. Surveys neighborhoods for signs of rodent infestations, fly problems, bed bug complaints and other vector issues.

6. 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.

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

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

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

10. Investigates animal bites of rabies susceptible species; administrates local agencies’ rabies quarantine program for dogs, cats and livestock animals; and carries out other rabies surveillance activities as required.

11. Conducts vector or public nuisance (bed bugs, yellow jackets, fleas, flies, mosquitoes, ticks, rodents, wildlife) surveillances and studies in the assigned district area where Vector-borne Diseases (hantavirus, plague, West Nile virus, Lyme disease) are concerned.

12. Conducts field tests to determine efficacy of pesticides; investigates suspect resistance of pesticides for specific vectors (cockroaches/sewers, bed bugs, yellow jackets…etc.)

13. Provides trainings and presentations of vector biology and vector-borne diseases for local enforcement agencies, public schools, home owner associations, and property managements.

14. Provides written reports and testifies in hearings affecting the California Health and Safety Code, State regulations and local ordinance in order to create effective enforcement tools that protect the public from vermin infestations.

15. Attends staff meetings and other required committees, public meetings or trainings, Mosquito and Vertebrate Pest Annual Conferences, and continue education workshops.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university (180 quarter units or 120 semester units) 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, other earth sciences, or other closely related fields.

OR
Experience:

The equivalent of three years as a Vector Control Specialist/Technician in a private, public or other governmental agency.

Certificate:

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

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 utility access covers (which require 75-100 lbs. force pull), climb ladders, and lift up to 50 lbs. Must be able to work in adverse weather conditions and on uneven surfaces. Must be able to drive a motor vehicle for up to 1-2 hours on a routine basis. Must be able to work on a computer on a routine basis.

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:

• Biology and ecology, 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.
• Identifications of common vectors and nuisance wildlife.
• Methods of prevention and abatement of vector infestations, pesticide safety, personal protection, and hazards to non-target species.
• Scientific principles and procedures of conducting vector surveillance and control.
• General ecology of urban wildlife.
• Integrated Pest Management strategies for reducing/or eliminating vector populations and nuisance problems.
• Functions and goals of a public health department.
• Computer software applications (as applicable and required to the position).

Ability to:

• Safely 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.
• Collect and compile field data, analyze information and summarize findings.
• Interpret and apply relevant laws and regulations.
• Work cooperatively and effectively with other staff, local agencies and the public.
• Read, write and communicate effectively. Prepare comprehensive reports and depositions that are required and used for legal expert witness.
• Speak clearly and able to provide public presentations and trainings to home owners, local agencies, other county agencies.
• Basic computer skills in using hand-held tablets to access data, “Request for Services”, and enter pesticide usages in the field and away from office.
• Work independently.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

Newspecs: 5690
NLB:cs 11/26/14
CSC Date: 12/10/14

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.