County of Alameda

Under the supervision and direction of the Scientific Program Manager of the Alameda County Vector Control Services District, provides technical assistance to the Scientific Program Manager and Vector Ecologist by conducting surveillance of invertebrate vectors and vertebrate reservoirs of zoonotic diseases; provides biological and scientific knowledge and assistance to Vector Control Biologists in regards to vectors and vector-borne diseases; and conducts all aspects of the disease surveillance and laboratory testing for detecting pathogens from mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, rodents and other vectors.    

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES  

The classification located in the Environmental Health Vector Control Services District, and is distinguished from the next higher level classification of Vector Ecologist, in that it assists the latter in basic laboratory work.  The Assistant Vector Ecologist performs entomological and molecular work related to the surveillance and control of invertebrates and vertebrates; and provides vector identifications and technical advice to Vector Control Biologists. The incumbent is knowledgeable with identification of invertebrate vectors and vertebrate reservoirs; current laboratory testing of various disease pathogens; and methods of control. Within one year of service in this class, the incumbent is required to be certified by the California Department of Public Heath for applying pesticides in controlling mosquitoes, terrestrial invertebrates, and vertebrates.

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.  Under the direction of the Scientific Program Manager, identifies insects and other arthropods, and provides public health information to County residents and vector control staff.

2.  Advise vector control staff and the general public on the identifications of vertebrates of public health importance and nuisance wildlife; and recommend methods of exclusion and control.

3.  Assist the Vector Ecologist and conducts disease surveillance operations in the field (taking blood samples from chickens, rodents and small animals; surveying nymphal and adult ticks; trapping rodents and nuisance wildlife for ectoparasites analysis, etc.) and laboratory testing (mosquitoes and dead-birds for arboviruses including, West Nile virus and Zika virus, and processing ticks for Lyme and other tick-borne diseases, and flea testing for Murine Typhus); insecticide resistance testing, and other related operational entomological programs.   

4.  Research innovative vector control methods and conduct efficacy trials for the control of bed bugs, fleas, venomous insects, ticks and other public health pest species.

5.  Assist the Vector Ecologist in developing/conducting surveillance and special research projects.

6.  Research on current knowledge of laboratory bio-safety and the public health risks of handling vectors (dissecting, culturing, storing, etc.); applying pesticides to control bed bugs, fleas, ticks and other vectors for surveillance and research purposes.

7.  Summarize/analyze surveillance and research data and draft reports, maps, and graphs as directed by the Vector Ecologist.

8.  Performs the duties of a Vector Control Biologist when necessary.

Either I  

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

Or II  

A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university (180 quarter units or 120 semester units) in Biological Science, Environmental Health, Physical Science, Integrated Pest Management or closely related field. Closely related fields include but are not limited to: Entomology, Microbiology, Toxicology, Integrated Biology, other earth sciences, or other closely related fields.  

AND  

The equivalent of one year of full time experience in vector ecology, surveillance and control.  

Certificate:  

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

License:  

Valid California State Motor Vehicle Operator’s license.        

Physical Requirements:  

·  Must be able to conduct field work (walk up/down and climb up/down steep canyons, creek beds, etc.).

·  Carry/move heavy field equipment up to 25 lbs.  

NOTE:     The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualif­ications in the announcement of an examination.  

Knowledge of:  

·  Ecology and biology of vectors and vector-borne diseases.

·  Identification of invertebrate vectors, vertebrate reservoirs, and nuisance wildlife; and their habitats.

·  Molecular testing methods for identifying pathogens carried by vectors and reservoir hosts.

·  Pesticides and their application and effects.

·  Vector and vector-borne surveillance principles.

·  General knowledge of research techniques and investigative methods.

·  Laws, rules, and regulations that Federal, State and local ordinance govern concerning environmental issues such as endangered species, restricted pesticides usages, wildlife relocation, medical waste disposal.

·  Computer skills in operations and software, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Power Point.  

Ability to:  

·  Identify common vectors and nuisance wildlife.

·  Under the supervision of the Scientific Program Manager, conduct all aspects of the District’s vector-borne disease surveillance and control programs, and special research projects; laboratory testing for identifying disease pathogens; and pesticide resistance tests.

·  Work closely with Vector Ecologist to collect and compile data, and analyze the scientific findings; prepare reports for Annual Report and Newsletter; and assist with preparing manuscripts for scientific journal publication.

·  Assist Vector Ecologist with developing brochures, factsheets, instructions, procedures and protocols. ·         Communicate orally to give presentations at the Annual Conference of Mosquito and Vector Control Association of California (MVCAC), MVCAC Continue Education Workshops, and other job-related events.

·  Work cooperatively and effectively with management, staff, and the public.    

New Spec: 5694

NLB: jf 11/15/17

CSC Date: 7/18/18

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.