DEFINITION
Under direct supervision, performs inspections, surveillance, and control of mosquitoes and other vectors within the Operations or Surveillance Department as assigned. Conducts field investigations, applies pesticides in compliance with state and federal regulations, maintains accurate records of activities, engages the public on vector surveillance, prevention and control. Provides support to District programs and activities during peak seasons or specialized assignments.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives direct supervision from the Director of Operations or Director of Scientific Programs, depending on assignment. This position exercises no supervision over staff.

FLSA CLASSIFICATION AND EMPLOYMENT STATUS
This position is classified as Non-Exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and is designated as extra help, at-will employment.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This is an extra help classification assigned to either the Operations or Surveillance Department. Incumbents perform entry-level field and technical duties related to the inspection, surveillance, and control of mosquitoes and other vectors. Work is performed under direct supervision, with responsibilities focused on supporting District operations during periods of increased activity, special projects, or defined program needs.

This classification is distinguished from the Vector Control Specialist positions in that it is designed to provide temporary support, does not require state certification, is limited in duration, and does not include long-term program or zone management responsibilities.

The duties listed below are intended as illustrative only. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to this classification. The District reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential duties of the job.

The essential duties of this classification include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Performs inspections of residential, commercial, industrial, and natural areas for mosquito breeding sources and other vectors, as assigned.
• Conducts surveillance by setting, retrieving, monitoring, and maintaining traps and other equipment; collects and identifies mosquito specimens for analysis.
• Applies pesticides in compliance with state and federal regulations using hand-held, backpack, or vehicle-mounted equipment.
• Conducts field investigations related to vector-borne activity, unusual vector conditions, or habitat changes.
• Maintains accurate records of inspections, treatments, surveillance results, and pesticide applications.
• Responds to service requests and concerns from the public; provides information and education on source reduction and vector prevention.
• Removes vegetation or debris from vector sources using hand tools and other equipment as needed.
• Operates District vehicles and other specialized equipment safely and in accordance with policies.
• Maintains equipment and supplies in clean, safe, and serviceable condition.
• Provides support to District programs and activities during peak workload periods or special assignments.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Basic principles of mosquito and vector biology, habitats, and life cycles.
• Public health practices related to vector surveillance, prevention, and control.
• Safe and legal use of pesticides, including label interpretation and application equipment.
• Proper use and routine maintenance of vehicles, traps, tools, and equipment used in field and surveillance activities.
• Basic methods for data collection, recordkeeping, and reporting.
• Standard safety practices in field and laboratory environments.
• Principles of effective customer service and public communication.
  
  

Ability to:

• Conduct inspections to identify and eliminate sources of mosquitoes and other vectors.
• Apply pesticides safely and effectively in accordance with labels, regulations, and District policies.
• Set, retrieve, and maintain traps; collect and handle vector specimens using established procedures.
• Accurately record and report field and surveillance activities.
• Safely operate District vehicles and specialized equipment in varied environments.
• Work effectively in outdoor and laboratory conditions, including heat, cold, and rough terrain.
• Communicate clearly and courteously with staff and public.
• Follow written and oral instructions and adapt to new procedures quickly.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships in a team-oriented environment.

Education and Experience
Any combination of education, training, and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be considered. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications are:

Education:

• Graduation from high school or equivalent is required.
• College-level coursework in biology, entomology, environmental science, public health, or a related field is desirable.

Experience:

• Previous experience in vector control, public health, environmental health, field biology, or related outdoor/technical work is desirable.
• Experience working outdoors under varying conditions and interacting with the public is highly desirable.
  
  

Licenses and Certifications

Licenses:
Possession of a valid California Class C driver's license is required and must be maintained throughout employment. Employees will be enrolled in the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Government Employer Pull Notice Program which confirms possession of a valid driver’s license and reflects driving records during the course of employment. Employees must also be insurable with the District’s insurance carrier.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must possess the ability to:

• Demonstrate minimum single-eye corrected vision with measurable depth perception
• Demonstrate minimum single-ear aided hearing

Constantly:

• Sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces while working in the field.
• Reach, twist, turn, kneel, bend, stoop, squat, crouch, grasp, and make repetitive hand movements in daily duties.
• Operate a motor vehicle.
• Use finger dexterity to operate and handle various tools, equipment, and electronic devices.
• Maintain strength and stamina to perform medium to heavy physical work.

Frequently:

• Carry a 40-pound sprayer on one’s back over uneven surfaces
• Lift, carry, push, and pull materials or objects averaging 50 pounds or heavier with proper equipment and/or staff assistance.
• Sit for extended periods of time while driving, performing inspections, or conducting specimen processing tasks.
• Wear and use proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as required.

Occasionally:

• Climb and descend ladders.
• Operate specialized equipment such as boats, all-terrain vehicles, or other mechanized equipment.
  
  

Definitions of Frequency:
Constantly – Activity or condition exists 67% or more of the time
Frequently – Activity or condition exists from 34% to 66% of the time
Occasionally – Activity or condition exists up to 33% of the time

MENTAL DEMANDS
Employees are required to use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret data and documents; analyze and solve problems; observe and interpret situations; learn and apply new skills; perform detailed work; manage multiple concurrent tasks and frequent interruptions; meet established deadlines; and interact effectively with staff, the public, and others encountered in the course of work.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
Employees work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, traffic, homeless encampments, vibration, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, hazardous chemical substances and fumes, dust and air contaminants, vectors and vector-borne diseases, wild and domestic animals, and poisonous plants and animals. Employees may interact with upset or uncooperative members of the public and private representatives while interpreting and enforcing applicable laws, policies, and regulations.

POST-OFFER BACKGROUND CHECK, DRUG SCREENING, AND PHYSICAL EXAMINATION
Qualifying candidates must successfully complete a background check. Additionally, a licensed medical professional must certify that the candidate is physically capable of performing the essential duties of the position.

As part of the District’s commitment to maintaining a drug-free workplace, candidates must also successfully complete a post-offer drug screening in compliance with applicable laws. The post-offer drug screening and physical examination will be conducted by a medical professional and/or laboratory designated by the District. The District will cover the costs associated with these requirements.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
The San Gabriel Valley Mosquito & Vector Control District is an equal employment opportunity employer. The District does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law.

E-VERIFY
The San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with an employee's Form I-9 information to confirm that they are authorized to work in the United States. For additional information regarding E-Verify, please visit www.dhs.gov/e-verify.

DISCLAIMER
The San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector District reserves the right to modify, delete, augment, or supplement the duties, qualifications, and requirements stated in this classification at its sole and absolute discretion.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.