County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Under general direction of the Vector Control Program Manager, to supervise and direct the everyday work and operations of Senior Vector Control Biologists, Vector Control Biologists and support staff for conformity with established policy and procedures; to supervise the Vector Control programs; to assist in planning, developing and evaluating the Vector Control Programs; to assist the Program Manager and to act in his/her absence; and to perform related work as required.


DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

This is the first supervisory level in the Vector Control Biologist series. Incumbents of the positions in this class are assigned to a major geographical region (North and South) comprising several districts. Incumbents are responsible for maintaining an adequate and professional level of services provided by Vector Control Biologists to all residents within the region.

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. Receives, reviews and approves staff records and daily work logs; maintains time and attendance records; participates in selection of employees and resolving personnel problems.

2. Plans, assigns and establishes work priorities; provides training and orientation of new staff as well as on-going training for tenure staff; monitors continuing education units; establishes priorities and coordinates assignments; evaluates employee's work performance.

3. Conducts periodic field inspections to develop familiarity with district problems, to observe and evaluate staff fieldwork, and to assist staff in work problems.

4. Provides updates of state laws, regulations and local ordinances in health safety and environmental issues that relate to public health risk from vectors or nuisance pest problems.

5. Confers periodically with the Vector Control Program Manager to clarify problems, policies and programs; provides input into program policies and operations.

6. Responds to community requests for information by providing technical information and interpreting general policies; prepares correspondence utilizing applicable laws, ordinances and regulations; address community complaints and problems related to vector control.

7. Supervises Vector Control Programs (Field Project, Invertebrate Surveillance, Multi-agency, Pesticide Safety and Risk Management, Staff Training, Rodent Surveillance, Urban Wildlife Management, and Vertebrate Surveillance/Rabies) that assigned to Senior Vector Control Biologists within his/her region.

8. Directs, supervises and reviews investigations (fact findings/evidence gatherings) for violations of health safety codes.

9. Assists in preparing deposition documents and subpoenas for legal/court procedures.

10. Conducts annual employee evaluation and provides necessary counseling and follow-up.

11. Keeps inventory and service records of field equipment, vehicle fleet, computers, field hand-held tablets and office equipment/supplies.

12. Assists the Vector Control Program Manager in the hiring process; serves as the interview panel/evaluator in new employee selection and promotion processes.

13. Develops and promotes staff trainings in writing and public speaking skills and leadership.

14. Develops, edits and reviews the District brochures; writes news items of vectors and vector-borne diseases and updates District activities on the District website.

15. Reviews and analyzes statistical data; prepares narrative and statistical reports for Vector Control Administration.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Either I

Experience:

The equivalent of two years full-time experience in the class of Senior 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 experience in pest management, vector surveillance and/or control of which one year must have been in a supervisory capacity.

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 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 of vectors and vector-borne diseases.
• General ecology of urban 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.
• Knowledge of Integrated Pest Management strategies to recommend environmentally sound methods to the public for reducing/or eliminating vector populations and nuisance pest problems.
• Knowledge of sensitive environmental issues and relevant state and local ordinance that govern environmental impact such as the Water Code, Fish and Wildlife Code, hazardous Waste Code, Air Quality Code, Pesticide and Fungicide Code, local zoning and code compliance rules and others.
• Knowledge of Environmental issues that relate State and local ordinance. Field investigative procedures.
• Methods of enforcement with regard to vermin and nuisance wildlife to empower the local enforcement agencies to protect the public from disease vectors and nuisance pests and wildlife.

Ability to:

• Provide clear and accurate protocols, procedures, policies, correspondence and other instructional materials; prepare reports, evaluations, and recommendations.
• Supervise manage and control of Vector Control Biologists.
• Communicate orally; provide clear advice, guidance and instructions in regards to interpretation of the policies, laws, rules and regulations.
• Work with a diverse group.
• Work cooperatively and effectively with staff, local agencies and public.
• Make decisions.
• Execute effective computer skills.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

Newspecs: 5692
NLB:cs 11/13/14
CSC Date: 11/25/14
NLB:cs Revised 8/9/16
CSC Date: 8/31/16

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)
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance 
• 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
• Management Paid Leave**
• 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.

** Non-exempt management employees are entitled to up to three days of management paid leave. Exempt management employees are entitled to up to seven days of management paid leave.