County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Under the direction of the Supervising Vector Control Biologist, the Senior Vector Control Biologist provides lead responsibility for the Vector Control programs and performs the duties of a Vector Control Biologist which include responsibilities in conducting vector control inspections, investigations, disease surveillance and control, educational outreach and does other related work as required within an assigned area.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

The Senior Vector Control Biologists provide oversight to, in addition to performing the duties of, Vector Control Biologists. 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 for coordinating vector surveys and vector-borne disease studies; administrating local animal rabies surveillance program; assisting in assigning work and reinforcing policy; providing staff training in pesticide safety and risk management; conducting mosquito surveillance and control (Albany) and urban wildlife management. In addition, incumbents in this class series are responsible for the assessment and prevention of vectors and public health nuisance species in their assigned area; recommends 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 problems.

The Senior Vector Control Biologist classification is found in the Vector Control Services District of the Environmental Health Department.

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 insect and wildlife infestation; conducts investigations and educates responsible parties on the principles of Integrated Pest Management and the biology of wildlife management.

2. Responds to complaints regarding garbage, refuse, or vermin harborage achieve 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 to reduce vector and nuisance species.

4. Inspects and monitors 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 sanitary 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; administrates local agencies’ rabies quarantine program for dogs, cats and livestock animals; and carries out other rabies surveillance activities as required.

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

11. Under the direction of the Supervising Vector Control Biologist, takes a lead responsibility to conduct and coordinate vector or public nuisance (bed bugs, yellow jackets, fleas, flies, mosquitoes, ticks, wildlife) surveillances and studies in assigned area where vector-borne diseases (hantavirus, plague, West Nile virus, Lyme disease) are concerned.

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 the general public.

14. Takes a lead responsibility to coordinate special teams (of Vector Control Biologists) for group activities relating to vector control functions involving disease surveillance, community outreach or sanitary sewer inspections, field tests to determine efficacy or resistance of 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.

17. Promotes vector prevention outreach to the public schools; gives classroom presentations.

18. Gives expert presentations of biology/behavior, effective inspections, control methods and best management practices in District sponsored “Bed Bug Certification Training” and Mosquito and Vector Control Association’s Continue Education Workshops.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Either I
Experience:

The equivalent of two years of full-time experience in the class of Vector Control Biologist in the Alameda County classified service.

Or II
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 and other earth sciences.

And
Experience:

The equivalent of three years of full-time experience in pest management, vector surveillance and/or control. Experience providing lead direction and responsibility is highly desirable.

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 at the time of appointment.

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. 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, flies and cockroaches.
• Identification 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 or urban wildlife.
• Knowledge of Integrated Pest Management strategies to recommend environmentally sound methods to the public for reducing/or eliminating vector populations and nuisance problems.
• Knowledge of sensitive environmental issues.
• 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 homeowners, 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 but with good organization skill to be able to direct and delegate the work assignments and take a lead responsibility of triad members.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

Newspecs: 5691
NLB:cs 11/13/14
CSC Date: 11/25/14
NLB:cs Revised 10/4/16
CSC Date: 10/12/16

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.