Field Technician I in Woodland, California at Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District (CA)

Nature of Work:
Under the general direction of the Assistant Manager and direct supervision of the Field or Fisheries Supervisor, this position performs inspections and control operations or other related or specialized services in an assigned crew within the Control Operations department for the Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District. Crew assignments include Catch Basins, Fisheries, South Sacramento, North Sacramento, South Yolo and North Yolo.

The Field Technician I is the entry level class of the Field Technician series. Incumbents may advance to the Field Technician II class and pay scale after two (2) years as a Field Technician I and successfully obtaining certification in categories A, B, C and D of the Mosquito Control Technician certification.

Knowledge and Abilities:
The following are examples of attributes and competencies which can be gained and demonstrated through experience, education and training, and are necessary to successfully perform the tasks and duties listed within the Illustrative Tasks section of this description.

Knowledge of:
· Best practices of integrated pest management, biological and chemical control, vector-borne disease control, and vector prevention, techniques, equipment, and terminology;

· Mosquitoes and other vectors or nuisance species including, but not limited to, life cycle, habits, and characteristics;

· Operation of basic office equipment, including computer, keyboard, copier, scanner and other peripherals;

· Basic computer software applications and programs including word processing, databases, spreadsheets, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applications, e-mail and internet;

· Correct Business English, good grammar, punctuation, and spelling;

· Basic arithmetic including addition, subtraction, multiplication and division;· Duties, responsibilities, and Best Management Practices of the Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District.

Ability to:
· Identify various species of mosquitoes and other vectors or nuisance species found in Sacramento and Yolo Counties;

· Learn and understand pesticides used in mosquito and vector control, including understanding of application rates, safety policies, and procedures regarding the handling, storage and disposal of pesticides;

· Operate District pesticide application equipment, instruments, surveillance and other equipment or control devices;

· Safely operate District equipment after training and with appropriate supervision; train Seasonal Helpers on the safe and effective use of equipment by providing clear instruction and guidance;

· Service, repair and operate District equipment, instruments, and surveillance devices;

· Effectively communicate both orally and in writing with the public, land owners, government agencies, and coworkers in a tactful and courteous manner;

· Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the public; must maintain composure and professionalism in adverse situations;

· Accept and follow through on oral and written instructions from persons working at a higher level;

· Read and understand District policies, personnel manual, and other standard operating guidelines;

· Learn and understand pertinent federal, state, and local laws and regulations related to mosquito and vector control operations.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:
The position of Field Technician will require work which is varied in nature, including outdoor physical work and occasional indoor office work. Outdoor physical work includes, but is not limited to, occasional field work/visits traversing uneven ground such as fields, dirt banks, stream banks, rice fields, and shallow ponds. Incumbent may be exposed to pesticides, chemicals, communicable diseases, and other health hazards; inclement weather conditions including extreme heat and cold, and/or verbal confrontations from members of the public. The incumbent may be required to work non-standard work schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Incumbent will be expected to perform overtime or maintain a flexible work schedule during times when mosquitoes are most active.

The Field Technician will need to be able to perform the following essential duties and functions of the position regularly sitting at desk and in meetings for long periods of time; occasionally reaching and twisting to reach equipment surrounding desk; occasional walking, standing, bendingat the knees and waist, stooping, and squatting; Ability to periodically lie in a prone position and climb ladders or fences; periodically pushing, pulling or lifting up to fifty (50) pounds; periodically assist in lifting objects in excess of 60 pounds; ability to read (with corrective vision if necessary); constant use of overall vision; regular computer use; occasional color and depth vision; regular repetitive motion associated computer usage; regular writing and typing; regular operation of office equipment, computers and clerical supplies; regularly manipulate and operate small parts and tools; regular hearing and talking in person and on the phone; regular public and/or coworker contact; ability to use fine and gross motor coordination for driving both standard and automatic transmissions, ATV’s, and District equipment.
Illustrative Tasks:
The following tasks are typical and may vary depending upon the assignment. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all inclusive. Other tasks within the scope of experience and capability may be required and assigned.

Surveys assigned area or zone for vector breeding sources, such as, but not limited to, catch basins, swimming pools, septic tanks, dairy facilities, fields, and pastures; maintains an awareness of irrigation and flooding patterns and other factors conducive to vector breeding.

Performs inspections on a variety of premises including, but not limited to residential or commercial properties, farms, ranches, and other potential or known vector breeding sources; responds to Yellow Jacket and Africanized Honey Bee service requests; follows District protocols to select equipment used for locating and treating nests.

Advises property owners on source reduction explaining the reason(s) for the Field Technician’s presence and the vector control services to be performed; informs owner of improper maintenance or other activities causing or contributing to breeding of mosquitoes or vectors; refers more complex public relations issue to supervisor and refers property access issue to Ecological Management department.

Determines or identifies abundance, species and/or stage of larval development and notes other factors such as, but not limited to, presence and type of beneficials, water quality and ability to support fish, and potential for water management at the breeding source; initiates requests for aircraft service and provides required information to supervisor.

Selects appropriate biological or chemical control material and dosage rates; wears personal protective equipment and performs application of selected control product according to label and applicable laws or regulations; arranges for and conducts fish planting in targeted areas as needed; re-inspects treated areas to evaluate product and application efficacy.
Collects and enters inspection and treatment data into mobile electronic devices, such as, but not limited to, smart phones, tablets, and laptop computers; prepares documents and reports for review by supervisor; updates spreadsheets, databases, and other District or department applications.
Revises operational maps of zones and areas within the District including properties, ponds, topographic characteristics, and other features relevant to vector control operations and submits to appropriate department.

Drives automotive equipment outfitted with powered and hand spray equipment; depending upon the area of assignment, travels within the area by foot, bicycle, truck, ATV or other equipment following all District safety protocols and any applicable local, state, and federal vehicle or traffic laws.

Performs general labor, routine facilities and equipment maintenance, repairs, and fabrication including fish ponds and tanks, pumps, equipment and small engines, buildings, landscaping and grounds; cuts vegetation and prepares trails for equipment and/or personnel movement; may lead or assist in construction, removal, or other related projects as needed or assigned.

May perform activities involving the collection (seining) of gambusia affinis (mosquitofish) or other predatory fish of mosquito larvae at the District owned hatchery or other sites identified by the Fisheries department; may performs routine water chemistry and analysis of District fish culturing ponds as outlined by the Fisheries department.

Assists District personnel conducting studies and surveys; collects, identifies, and records data; may perform related biological and chemical field work.

Assists with conducting presentations for schools, community groups and professional organizations on topics such as, but not limited to, vector ecology, pesticide resistance, and best practices in integrated pest management.

Keeps informed of current developments in vector control and vector surveillance, as well as biological, environmental and regulatory changes to maintain skill levels by attending conferences and continuing education programs; assists in the training of seasonal helpers and provides guidance as needed.

Incumbent may be required to work overtime hours, weekends, and holidays.

Incumbent may be exposed to infectious diseases associated with mosquitoes and other vectors.
Minimum Qualifications
Listed below are some typical ways a person can obtain the required education, experience, knowledge and abilities to perform the responsibilities and tasks of the position. Equivalent combinations of training and experience may be considered qualifying at the sole discretion of the District.

Education and Experience:

• Equivalent to graduation from High School;
• Completion of two (2) years of accumulated service as a Field Technician I or equivalent and possession of the licenses and a certifications listed below are requirements to move to the Field Technician II class and pay scale.

Licenses or Certifications:

• Possession of a valid California Department of Public Health Certification in Mosquito Control categories A, B, C, and D; or, must be obtained within two (2) years of employment and maintained throughout employment;
• Possession of a valid California drivers’ license; must be insurable with the District self-insurance program; must maintain valid license and insurability throughout employment.

Examination and Selection Process:

Applications will be reviewed for minimum qualifications and relevant education, training, and experience. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee advancement.

Selected applicants will be invited to an in-person skills assessment covering District and vector control knowledge, technical instructions, applied mathematics, attention to detail, safety, judgment, and written communication. Applicants are encouraged to review the job description and www.FIGHTtheBITE.net beforehand.

Candidates who advance may be invited to an in-person interview. Final selection will consider qualifications and performance throughout the selection process.

Assessments and interviews are generally scheduled Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Alternative appointments may be limited.

The District provides reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants with disabilities. To request an accommodation, contact jobs@fightthebite.net.