Vector Surveillance Assistant (Seasonal)

POSITION SUMMARY (GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES):

Under the direction of the District Biologist and designated Program Supervisor, performs laboratory and field support duties associated with the District’s adult mosquito and invasive Aedes aegypti surveillance programs. Responsibilities include processing mosquito surveillance samples, species identification using taxonomic keys and microscopy, maintaining accurate data records, supporting field-based surveillance activities, and assisting with equipment maintenance. May assist with molecular diagnostics and laboratory procedures under supervision, depending on program needs and experience. This position works both independently and as part of a team in field, office, and laboratory environments. Works with property owners and the general public to resolve concerns regarding mosquito surveillance activities.

PAY RANGE: $26.00-$28.00 per hour.

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-Time, Seasonal (May through October), Non-exempt. Compensation Factors include Education, Training & Experience.

Minimum age requirement: 18 years.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (Employee must be able to fulfill the following essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation):

1) Process adult mosquito trap collections, including sorting, counting, and identifying mosquito species using dichotomous and taxonomic keys.

2) Support invasive Aedes aegypti surveillance activities, including trap placement, servicing, and retrieval; larval sampling; species identification; and processing of egg, larval, and adult samples.

3) Deploy and retrieve adult mosquito monitoring equipment in the field, including early morning trap pickups and evening trap placement.

4) Enter, maintain, and verify surveillance data using District databases, VectorSurv, Excel, and related systems.

5) Assist with organization of surveillance data and preparation of basic summaries and graphical outputs as assigned.

6) Inspect, maintain, troubleshoot, and perform basic repairs on mosquito surveillance equipment, including battery replacement, light maintenance, wiring adjustments, and minor soldering as trained.

7) Operate and maintain District-issued equipment and vehicles in accordance with established policies.

8) Assist with laboratory procedures, including preparation of mosquito samples for arbovirus testing under direct supervision, as assigned.

9) Follow laboratory safety protocols appropriate for a BSL-1 environment and utilize required personal protective equipment (PPE).

10) Interact professionally with property owners and the public when conducting field activities.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS:

1) Assist with laboratory organization, cleaning, and maintenance.

2) Support basic GIS-related data entry and mapping tasks as assigned.

3) Participate in training related to mosquito identification, surveillance techniques, and laboratory procedures.

4) Perform other related duties as assigned by the District Biologist or the Program Supervisor.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

1) High school diploma or equivalent required.

Preferred:

2) Bachelor’s degree in Biology or a closely related scientific field, or currently pursuing a degree in Biology or related field.

3) Experience using dichotomous or taxonomic keys.

4) Experience with data management systems, Excel, or GIS software a plus.

5) Experience with laboratory techniques, including PCR or molecular workflows a plus.

SPECIALIZED QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLSREQUIRED:

1) Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

2) Strong attention to detail for accurate species identification and data entry.

3) Ability to follow written and verbal technical instructions.

4) Effective oral communication skills.

5) Valid driver’s license.

6) Basic mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn equipment maintenance techniques.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

1) Must lift and carry up to 50 pounds on a regular basis.

2) Must push/pull equipment and materials in and out of District vehicles.

3) Must perceive and comprehend by the sense of sight.

4) Must communicate with others, including hearing, speaking and listening.

5) Driving ability (local, on and off road).

WORKING CONDITIONS:

1) Combination of office, field-based, and laboratory work.

2) Exposure to varying environmental conditions (e.g. heat, sun, wind, rain, mosquitoes).

3) Exposure to mosquitoes and mosquito-specific control materials.

4) Variable schedule including early mornings and evenings.

5) May work independently or as part of a team depending on operational needs.

ACCOUNTABILITY:

The Vector Surveillance Assistant is accountable to the Grand River Mosquito Control District Biologist and the Program Supervisor.

Pay: $26.00 - $28.00 per hour

Work Location: In person

Salary : $26 - $28