Website Placer Mosquito and Vector Control District

Seasonal Vector Control Assistant – Truckee

The Placer Mosquito and Vector Control District is seeking seasonal staff to assist in mosquito and vector surveillance, control, and other support roles. Our District is based in Roseville, CA and serves all of Placer County. This position is for the District’s Truckee substation.

Position Status: Temporary, Full-Time

Application Deadline: Open until filled. 

JOB DESCRIPTION

Positions will be assigned to mosquito duties that involve field and laboratory work and necessitate driving around the County in a District vehicle. This position can expect to be assigned a range of duties that support the District’s mission to protect public health.

This position will be based out of the Truckee Field Station; however, travel to the District’s headquarters in Roseville for work will occasionally be required.

Seasonal Vector Control Assistant staffing needs for Summer 2024 require one or two individuals to perform core mosquito and other vector surveillance, control, and respond to service requests from the public, AND participate in an ongoing yellowjacket baiting study in partnership with UC Riverside. The District would like to accommodate the availability of summer staff by offering the following options to cover all staffing needs:

  1. Full-Time (40 hours per week) Vector Control Assistant: June – September performing all necessary duties.

OR

  1. Full-Time Vector Control Assistant (40 hours per week):  June – mid-August performing core mosquito and other vector surveillance and control services in east Placer County.

AND

  1. Part-Time (minimum 8-10 hours per week) Vector Control Assistant/Intern: Mid-July – September participating in a yellow jacket baiting research project in partnership with UC Riverside.  This project requires at least 1 day per week of work.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, some or all of the following:

  • Set and retrieve mosquito surveillance traps
  • Set and retrieve yellowjacket surveillance traps
  • Use a microscope and dichotomous key to count and identify adult and immature mosquitoes and/or yellowjackets
  • Collect and prepare mosquito samples for further identification or disease testing
  • Observe, assess, and inspect areas for immature and adult mosquito presence or habitat
  • Collect samples of mosquito larvae that occur in many different habitats both urban and rural
  • Apply mosquito control insecticides under the supervision of a certified vector control technician
  • Use scientific field and laboratory equipment and instruments
  • Use a laptop or other device to collect and enter field data
  • Safely operate and navigate District vehicles to perform work-related activities
  • Correctly utilize personal protective equipment when required
  • General maintenance (cleaning laboratory workspace and equipment, District vehicles, etc.)
  • Communicate District messages when interacting with members of the public
  • Other duties as assigned

Physical Requirements

  • Environmental Conditions:
    • Outdoor: frequent work outdoors with exposure to uneven ground such as fields, dirt banks, stream banks, rice fields, and shallow ponds; occasional exposure to chemicals, fumes, and other environmental substances. Outdoor work may also involve operation or exposure to manned or unmanned aircraft.
    • Typical office/laboratory environment: Occasional work in an office setting using typical office equipment. Some assignments may be in a laboratory setting using common biological laboratory equipment and substances.
    • Work may require wearing appropriate personal protective clothing and equipment.
  • Mobility: Periodically climb ladders or other objects; occasionally sit in one place while operating lab equipment or operating a computer.
  • Labor: Occasionally standing or driving for long period of time; periodically bending at the knees and waist, stooping, crawling, reaching over head and squatting. Repetitive motion associated with computer usage and machinery operation.
  • Lifting: Periodically lifting up to 50 pounds, occasionally assist in lifting over 50 pounds.
  • Vision: Constant use of overall vision, including depth perception.
  • Dexterity: Frequent grasping, holding, and reaching.
  • Hearing/Talking: Regular hearing and talking in person.
  • Emotional/Psychological: Regular coworker contact; occasional working alone.

REQUIREMENTS

It is the applicant’s responsibility to identify in their application materials how they meet the MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS listed below:

  • Must be at least 18 years of age or older.
  • Education, training, and/or experience in vector control or a related field is desirable.
  • Experience in biological laboratory and/or field-work desirable. Basic computer skills required.
  • A valid California Driver License will be required at the time of employment and must be maintained throughout employment.
  • Must pass pre-employment screenings including: background check, physical, and drug test.
  • Must have a driving record that meets District’s self-insurance standards.

Employment Standards

Knowledge of:

  • Basic biology with familiarity with mosquitoes and other insects
  • Safe work practices including regulations related to worker safety, pesticide handling and application
  • Familiarity with principles of Integrated Vector (Pest) Management

Ability to:

  • Interact professionally and effectively with peers, supervisors and the public.
  • Safely operate standard district equipment related to vector control field work
  • Follow oral and written instructions
  • Effectively communicate verbally and in writing
  • Read and write at a level required for successful job performance
  • Operate standard business computer hardware, mobile devices and related software applications

Examination and Selection Process

Applications will be reviewed as they are received and interviews will be scheduled during regular business hours (Monday through Friday 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m.).  Selection will be based on a combined overall assessment of the oral interview, written application and resume.

Pre-employment Screening

A pre-employment background check and a physical and drug test will be required.  All persons selected for appointment must pass medical examinations administered by the District’s physician. Placer Mosquito and Vector Control District is committed to maintaining a drug and alcohol-free workplace.

Terms of Employment

Starting at $20.00/hour.

A full-length work term would start in June and end in mid-October which generally corresponds to our mosquito and yellowjacket seasons. The greatest need of the District for this position is from June through August where a part-time position may be considered.  Well-qualified or returning employees in this position may be granted flexibility in work term, if necessary, provided it does not compromise District operations or goals. Specific timing of all work schedules and terms will be dictated by environmental conditions and the needs of the District.

Workdays/hours: Generally, Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; may include weekends or evenings and be adjusted for weather, virus activity, or other District needs.

Workers compensation is provided.  Employees are protected under the Workers Compensation Laws of California.

Apply Now

The District reserves the right to change or alter this description at its sole discretion. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, gender, or sexual orientation.  Please contact the District at least five (5) working days before a scheduled examination or interview if you require accommodation in the examination or interview process.