Salary Range: 

Season 1 - $23.00/hr   Season 2- $24.00/hr   Season 3- $ 25.00/hr  

Season 4- $26.00/hr  Season 5- $27.00/hr 

Reports to: Field Supervisors, Scientific Programs Manager

DEFINITION

Under the direction of the Field Supervisors or the Scientific Programs Manager the Seasonal Vector Assistant (VCA) supports the District's vector control and surveillance operations. This seasonal role may involve both fieldwork and support tasks related to mosquito and vector control, surveillance, and research, including disease prevention and public health initiatives. The position is full-time, seasonal, and not to exceed 1,500 hours per year.

SCOPE OF POSITION

The Seasonal Vector Control Assistant plays a key role in supporting vector control efforts in the field and assisting in surveillance tasks. Responsibilities include performing field surveillance and control activities, assisting in research, and maintaining equipment and facilities. The role also involves handling biological specimens and adhering to health and safety standards in both field and District environments.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

May include but are not limited to:

·        Routine mosquito and vector control operations in the field.

·        Field collection of mosquitoes, ticks, and other vectors.

·        Collecting mosquitofish

·        Trap placement for mosquito surveillance.

·        Assisting with larval and adult mosquito identification.

·        Participating in research projects related to vector control and public health.

·        Maintaining District field equipment, vehicles, and grounds.

·        Assisting with service requests for mosquito, rodent and yellowjacket control.

·        Assisting in maintaining insectary colonies, as needed.

·        Adhering to biosafety and universal precautions in both field and laboratory settings.

·        Maintaining the laboratory and assisting with various research tasks as directed.

WORK HOURS

40-hour work week, Monday – Friday, with varying hours based on operational needs.

Overtime may be required.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Benefits include:

·        Contributions to Federal Medicare, Unemployment Insurance, and Social Security.

·        Paid sick leave, holidays observed by the District, provided the seasonal employee is in paid status on both the workday immediately preceding and the workday immediately following the observed holiday. (e.g., Memorial Day, July 4, Labor Day).

·        Overtime compensation for hours worked beyond 40 hours per week.     

·        This position does not accrue vacation hours.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Outdoor work in various weather conditions, including:

·        Exposure to polluted water sources (e.g., wastewater, stagnant ponds).

·        Fieldwork will take place in rough terrain, dense vegetation, and marshlands, with potential exposure to poison oak, ticks, yellowjackets, and other hazards.

·        Occasional work around hazardous materials and biological specimens.

·        Required use of protective equipment, such as hip waders, bee suits, and rubber boots.

·        Must tolerate insect bites, bee stings, and work in adverse weather conditions.

PREREQUISITES

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills

·        Knowledge of vector control and public health practices is preferred but not required.

·        Strong oral and written communication skills to interact effectively with staff and the public.

·        Ability to follow field protocols and safety procedures.

·        Good organizational skills to manage time and workload efficiently.

·        Ability to use a computer for data input and retrieval.

·        Basic math skills for calculating pesticide ratios and other field-related tasks.

Education

High School diploma or equivalent.

Experience

·        Experience in biology, field biology, vector control, or public health is desirable but not required.

·        Interest in aquatic biology, ecology, or related fields is encouraged.

Certification

None required.

Driver’s License

·        Valid California Class C Driver’s License.

·        Must be insurable under the guidelines set by the District’s insurance carrier.

Physical Requirements

·        Ability to pass the pre-employment physical and drug screening.

·        Ability to occasionally lift up to and including 50 pounds.

·        Ability to lift items between 50 and 75 pounds including, but not limited to, large truck tires, storm drain grates, manhole covers, and septic tank lids with aid of appropriate tool or equipment.

·        Ability to change vehicle tires in the field with training.

·        Ability to frequently work outdoors in all types of adverse weather conditions, including high temperatures.

·        Ability to regularly perform physical labor in widely varying physical environments.

·        Ability to hear aided or unaided and speak clearly enough to use a two-way communication system and to converse with staff and the public.

·        Ability to occasionally walk in 2-3 feet of water, climb in and out of a vehicle, and walk up and down steep creek embankments.

·        Ability to bend, twist, crawl, balance, lift, push, perform simple grasping, power grip, squat/crouch, kneel, reach, climb, pull and use sense of smell.

·        Ability to occasionally negotiate steep, rough and uneven terrain.

·        Ability to occasionally carry a backpack sprayer, ultra-low volume applicator, or granule applicator with a weight of at least 45 lbs. for extended periods during all types of weather

·        Ability to swim.

·        Stamina sufficient to frequently walk in and along creeks and marshes.

·        Stamina sufficient to regularly operate and move in and out of vehicles, all-terrain vehicles and boats, while meeting insurance requirements.

·        Tetanus vaccination is required upon employment.

*Periodically – Activity or condition exists up to 25 percent of the time

Occasionally – Activity or condition exists from 25 to 50 percent of the time

Regularly – Activity or condition exists from 50 to 75 percent of the time

Frequently – Activity or condition exists 75 percent or more of the time

This job description does not imply any written or verbal contract. It is for management communication only. Marin/Sonoma Mosquito & Vector Control District reserves the right to change this job. 

Job posting will remain open until filled.