Lab Assistant

General Scope of Work: Perform duties related to the District’s Science Program including caring for the sentinel chicken flocks, setting & collecting traps, occasionally assisting in research. Maintain detailed records of all activities.

Essential Functions (without accommodations): The listed essential functions are intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this position. The omission of an essential function does not preclude the District from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are logical assignment to the position.

• Provide care for the District’s chicken flocks. Collect and distribute eggs as needed. Keep inventory on chicken feed. Transport individual birds or entire flocks from the District yard to field locations and back as needed. Provide appropriate care for new chicks outside of regularly scheduled hours.
• Maintain sentinel chicken field sites. Inspect all field cages and chicken houses, including the water systems and perform any necessary maintenance or repairs. Perform a complete refurbishment of chicken house annually in preparation of arrival of new chicks, including but not limited to periodic soil replacement, cobweb removal, pressure wash wall surfaces and other cleaning duties as assigned by supervisor.
• Follow personal protection procedures/biohazard policies pertaining to chicken care.
• Transport collected specimens to FedEx.
• Assist with data entry of science department data.
• Set and collect traps at assigned locations within the District.
• On occasion will assist with scientific research and development project
• Assist in collection of rainfall data from rain gauges.
• Assist with insectary maintenance.
• Perform tasks of other job descriptions as deemed necessary to fulfill the functions of the District.

Typical Requirements

Education/Experience

• High school diploma, or Graduate Equivalency Diploma (GED), and/or supplemented by a minimum of two years previous experience in mosquito control.

Licenses and Certifications

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Public Health Pest Control license from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services within six months of employment. Must be maintained through employment.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Florida Driver’s License. Must be maintained through employment. Must be insurable with the District’s insurance carrier.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Perform basic computer and data entry functions, keep detailed, accurate records both in digital and hard-copy formats, and accurately enter detailed information into a database.
• Ability to work around and hold a live chicken and be comfortable handling blood on a frequent basis. Manual dexterity is necessary to manipulate small equipment and tools.
• General knowledge of the basic care and treatment of farm animals.
• Knowledge and proficiency in computer data entry and time management.
• Knowledge of safety rules and regulations and of the precautions to be taken to avoid accidents.
• Read maps and interpret aerial photographs to locate specified
• Effectively interact and communicate with the public and District staff; communicate detailed reports and observations; follow detailed verbal instructions; and read and understand chemical label instructions written in
• Operate and routinely maintain a 4-wheel drive vehicle with associated Ability to drive and back-up a truck with a trailer on rough terrain.
• Physical strength and agility to work outside, occasionally under adverse weather conditions.
• Physically capable of occasionally operating small equipment, including, but not limited to pressure washer, chain saw, weed eater or rototiller and ground aspirator. Physically capable of carrying a backpack with battery pack for short periods.
• Ability to wear rubber and or steel-toed boots all day.
• Be aware of environmental surroundings, hear heavy equipment back-up warning signals, visually inspect surrounding areas for potential hazards and avoid wildlife.
• Perform skilled tasks without direct
• Work flexible hours, when necessary, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• On occasion, attend out-of-town meetings, classes, and other events, some of which involve overnight stays.

Work Environment/Physical Requirements:
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Physical Requirements: Moderate physical activity is required on a regular basis including lifting to 50 pounds, reaching, and pulling with arms, stooping, kneeling, and bending frequently and walking for long distances and climbing over and around natural obstacles.

Work Environment: This position involves work in both inside and outside environmental conditions. Frequent indoor duties are required for using a microscope, computer data input, processing, and analysis. Working outside under adverse weather conditions, possibly encountering wildlife, noise, vibration, proximity to moving parts, working in high places, exposure to chemicals, fumes, odors, and oils and may be required to wear a respirator and use a machete. The work environment varies but includes warehouses, office buildings, vehicles, mangroves, and fields. Regular exposure to all types of weather is required as the position is required to work outside, exposed to sun, rain, mud, and insects. Frequent local travel is required. Noise level is usually low but occasional exposure to moderate noise levels when around pony motors. Working with and around chemicals, which are stored, handled, applied/used, and disposed of according to exact labeling instructions, is frequently required.