Mosquito Control Technician I

Performs specialized technical work in mosquito control, aquatic weed and invasive weed management. This position performs daily surveillance, identification, assessment, and treatment of pestiferous and nuisance species of insects and plants in strict compliance with Federal, State and County guidelines and regulations.The following statements describe the principal functions of this job and its scope of responsibility but shall not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements.   Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including working in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload.

• Investigates service requests and disease cases for mosquito breeding and adult presence.
• Provides source reduction and/or treatment as needed Off-Road Inspections.
• Inspects low-lying, semi- and permanently flooded areas, catch basins, equalizers, drainage retention areas and other locations on a regular basis for mosquito breeding.  
• Determines type, method, concentration and quantity of treatment needed based on observations, size/area of treatment.
• Applies treatment according to label directions and/or standard operating procedures when biological control is necessary.
• Utilizes off road and other similar equipment for inspections and treatments.
• Performs ground adulticiding with a sprayer mounted county truck to control adult mosquitoes.
• Studies and/or creates electronic map of target area to determine best route, no spray zones.
• Checks weather conditions for the mission and plans accordingly.
• Prepares sprayer and truck for mission, loads chemical using the proper PPE, creates pesticide diluents as needed. 
• Conducts surveillance of mosquitoes to include live landing rate counts 
• May occasionally assist with trapping of mosquitoes with a variety of traps
• Performs inspections to determine need of management areas.
• Assists the Tech II in the planning and application of herbicides to control aquatic and invasive weeds.
• Performs calculations of herbicide needs, usage, stickers, adjuvants and dilutions according to labels.
• Mixes, loads and applies herbicides to aquatic weeds, rights-of-ways and invasive weeds with or without supervision.
• Enforces the Mosquito Control Ordinance.
• Assesses and cites mosquito control ordinance violations and monitors abandoned pools.
• Pulls pool complaints from database and schedules inspections accordingly, provides abatement if necessary.
• Advises owners of required corrective actions.
• Completes all related paperwork for reports, inventory, daily sheets and surveillance.
• Records observations, treatments made and other details in MC database system, utilizes system for planning work assignments and treatments.
• Collects mosquito larvae samples for identification and record keeping.
• Interprets existing state and local regulations and codes impacting mosquito control and makes decisions in source reduction and treatment.
• Inspects tanks, pumps, vehicles and other equipment prior to operation.  Reports malfunctions or needed maintenance immediately.
• Regularly consults MSDS and other safety related resources for regulatory and safe work practices, and wears the proper PPE as required.
• Other duties as assigned.

Emergency Response
County employees are required to report for work during a state of emergency and are subject to recall around the clock for emergency response operations which may include duties other than those specified in this job description.Minimum Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent (GED)
• Education, training or experience which provides the knowledge, abilities, and skills needed to perform the essential functions of the position.
• Pest control experience (preferred).

Licenses, Certifications or Registrations

• Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Driver’s License and be insurable by current insurance carrier.
• Must possess or have the ability to obtain within six (6) months of employment:
  • State Certification in Public Health
  • Aquatic Weed and Right-Of-Way Licenses.  

A combination of education, training and experience may be substituted at the County's discretion.

Required Competencies

• Ability to understand and follow specific oral and written instructions.
• Ability to learn and use tablets for data collection.
• Ability to keep accurate records pertaining to work performed.
• Ability to safely and efficiently operate truck-mounted mobile spray units.
• Ability to perform the necessary physical work involved in Mosquito Control.
• Skill in the operation and maintenance of small engine equipment.

Special Requirements

• Must be able and willing to work at times outside the regular scheduled workweek to include evenings, weekends and holidays and may be required to be on call. 
• Hazmat, Chemical spill training as it relates to mosquito control, other training as needed and required.
• This position is subject to the Hepatitis B Vaccine and other vaccines as necessary.

Physical Demands

• Stooping, crouching, walking, sitting, pulling, lifting 10 to 50 pounds, grasping, hearing, seeing up close, seeing far away, digging, bending, kneeling, reaching, pushing, talking, standing, repetitive motions, depth perception.

Environmental Conditions

• Outdoor work with constant exposure to insects, reptiles, changes in temperature, humidity, exposure to irregular surfaces, exposure to chemicals, moving machinery, excessive noise levels, odors, slippery surfaces, and moving objects. 

Equipment Used

• Operates County gasoline, diesel, and electric equipment including but not limited to pick-up trucks, trailers, pumps, sprayers, blowers, fish traps, mosquito traps, and pesticide equipment necessary for the control of targeted species.
• Ability to wear for extended periods of time required safety equipment (approved) such as hard hat, rubber boots, rubber gloves, leather gloves, hearing protection, safety glasses/face shield, traffic safety vest, and vehicle seat belt.

Pay Grade: 3

Hernando County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, gender, orientation, national origin, age, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, disability, or any other protected characteristic as defined by law.
 
 Hernando County is a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to drug testing in accordance with Federal and Florida State Law.
 
 Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must provide notification to the BOCC in advance to allow sufficient time to provide an accommodation.

Salary : $36,213 - $47,070