Vector Control Technician

Job Title: Vector Control Technician Reports to: Field Supervisors  

DEFINITION

Under the direction of the Field Supervisors, the Vector Control Technician (VCT) performs duties related to the District’s Integrated Vector Management Program (IVMP) which include, public relations and education, mosquito and vector surveillance, mosquito and vector source reduction, biological control, larval mosquito control (e.g. larvicides) and adult mosquito control (e.g. adulticides). Responsibilities include the application of comprehensive vector surveillance and control measures with an emphasis on evaluating and controlling mosquito populations in Marin and Sonoma counties and assisting and educating the public with regard to vector related issues. The Vector Control Technician also performs yellowjacket control, public relations, and education with regard to rodent control (i.e. rats and mice).

The VCT is also responsible for operating, maintaining, and calibrating many different types of on and off road vehicles, pesticide application equipment, and other types of equipment used while performing IVMP duties. The VCT will, at times, work within the District’s shop facilities, and perform work associated with the maintenance of  the District’s grounds and buildings, and the District’s fleet of on and off road vehicles. In all operations safety is the foremost priority and responsibility.

ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Includes, but is not limited to:

• Mosquito Control Operations
•  Interact with the public and other agencies. 
• Perform mosquito surveillance in habitats such as ponds, creeks, catch basins, marshes, tree holes, wetlands, septic systems, and irrigated pastures.
• Maintain records of mosquito production, control work, and findings relative to service requests and mosquito habitat.
• Inspect known and potential sources for mosquito production, collect samples for identification, and record observations regarding environmental conditions such as drainage patterns and vegetation present.
• Access cryptic sources of mosquito production (e.g. storm water, sewer, and septic systems) by lifting, moving, and manipulating manhole covers, septic tank lids etc., to perform mosquito surveillance and control.
• Perform adult mosquito trapping and mosquito population sampling associated with determining the distribution and abundance of mosquito populations and mosquito-borne disease and pathogen surveillance.
• Identify adult mosquitoes in the field.
• Efficiently, effectively, legally, and safely apply mosquito larvicides and/or adulticides for temporary control when there is no other practical means of preventing mosquito production or while source reduction measures are being planned and/or performed.
• Re-inspect treated areas to evaluate the efficacy of control operations.
• Advise the public regarding mosquito related issues and the importance of mosquito control and source reduction.
• May work at the District’s information booth at fairs, festivals, etc.
• Respond to service requests to eliminate or suppress mosquito-breeding sources.

Yellow-jacket Operations

Respond to yellow jacket service requests.

Utilize specialized control equipment and personal protective equipment to treat nests.

Rodent (i.e. rats and mice) Operations

•  Educate the public regarding control and exclusion methods pertaining to rats and mice.
• May respond to service requests and perform rodent prevention inspections that include providing information and performing inspections to determine points of access into buildings, homes, and assess rodent activity on properties.

General Operations

• Use GPS units for preparing and revising operational maps of zones and areas in the District, including properties, ponds, topographic characteristics, and other features relevant to mosquito and vector control operations. 
• Compile data as directed on work completed, types of services rendered, and vector population history.
• Utilize service requests to evaluate inspection schedule.
• Efficiently and effectively communicate with supervisory staff and management regarding field observations, work performed, and interactions with the public and agencies.
•  Inform supervisors of progress and problems, and request assistance as required.
• Operate handheld radios and/or cell phones to maintain contact with supervisors and other staff.
• Safely and responsibly operate trucks and all-terrain vehicles to efficiently perform duties.
• Tow ATVs or boats on trailers behind trucks observing appropriate safety precautions and procedures.
• Utilize effective communication skills to inform and relate to the public about vector control and District policies and programs.
• Attend inter-agency and public meetings as required.
• Work with and coordinate with other District departments assisting in fulfilling the District’s mission.
• On an as-needed basis will assist in mechanical maintenance, repairs and fabrications.
• On an as-needed basis will assist in maintenance and repair of buildings and grounds.
• May be required to give informational presentations to other agencies, community groups, and/or the public.

Pesticides and Equipment

• Operate hand and power application equipment.
• Calibrate application equipment; measure, mix, and apply pesticides in accordance with SDS information, product labels District guidelines, and VCT training and certification provided by the State of California.
• Maintain equipment used, such as Argos, ATVs, and application equipment in a clean and safe condition.
• Effectively organize and prioritize routine source inspections and mosquito control operations.

WORK HOURS

40- (forty) hour workweek, Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. – Overtime may be required. Work hours are at Management’s discretion.

CERTIFICATION

•  Certification by the California Department of Public Health as a Vector Control Technician. Maintain the certification by completing mandatory continuing education (40 hours/two-year cycle).
• Within the first year of employment, must obtain certification issued by the California Department of Public Health as a Vector Control Technician in both categories A and B. Certification in Category C must be achieved by the completion of the second year of employment, and category D by the third year of employment. Passing these examinations within the aforementioned time frames is a prerequisite for the employee to advance to the next step in the VCT salary schedule.  

PROBATIONARY PERIOD

A probation period of one year is required.

PREREQUISITES

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills

• Good problem solving and diagnostic skills.
• Skilled in public relations activities involving speaking with to individuals and groups to explain vector control concepts and procedures in layman’s terms, as well as promoting and disseminating information.
• Basic computer skills such as the ability to operate Microsoft Windows, Outlook, and draft documents/reports using Word.
• Good public relations skills.
• Possess math skills to calculate the necessary ratio for proper pesticide usage, including the ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide whole numbers; work fractions, percentages, and convert units of measurement.
•  Comprehension skills sufficient for understanding English and following direction in maintenance, repair or training manuals.
• Basic knowledge of map reading to locate work assignments.
•  Must have good organizational skills.
• Ability to communicate and solve problems with co-workers, supervisory, and management staff and members of the public.
•  Must be able to swim.

Education: High school diploma or equivalent. 

Experience

• Experience in the field of vector control is preferred but not required.
• Experience in either customer service or public relations is preferred but not required.
• Experience creating and updating spreadsheets using Microsoft Excel is preferred but not required. 

Driver License

•  Valid California Driver License is required.
• Must be insurable under the guidelines set by the District’s insurance carrier.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB:

• Ability to lift items between 50 and 75 pounds including, but not limited to, large truck tires, storm drain grates, manhole covers, septic tank lids, and vehicle parts with aid of appropriate tool or equipment.
• Ability to change vehicle tires in the field with training. 
•  Ability to occasionally carry a backpack sprayer, ultra-low volume applicator, or granule applicator with a weight of at least 45 lbs. for extended periods during all types of weather
•  Ability to demonstrate adequate visual depth perception and color vision and possess a minimum of single ear aided hearing
• Ability to speak well enough to use a cell phone or two-way communication system and to communicate with staff and the public
• Ability to demonstrate physical stamina sufficient to frequently* operate, including getting in and out of or on and off of a motor vehicle, all-terrain vehicle, boat, and comply with insurance requirements
• Ability to regularly* walk and stand for extended periods of time and sit for extended periods of time
• Ability to wear protective equipment such as hip waders, bee suits and rubber boots, as needed
•  Ability to tolerate insect bites and bee stings
•  Ability to be vaccinated for various diseases to which employee may be exposed.
• Ability to periodically* climb ladders or other objects
• Ability to regularly* traverse rough, sloping or uneven ground such as fields, dirt banks, stream beds, and shallow ponds
•  Ability to perform repetitive motion associated with computer usage
•  Ability to bend, twist, crawl, balance, lift, push, perform simple grasping, power grip, squat/crouch, kneel, reach, climb, pull, and smell.
•  Ability to walk in and along creeks and marshes for at least 7 hours per day during the standard workday-longer periods may be required during emergency or overtime situations. 
• Ability to effectively communicate with co-workers and members of the public

This job description does not imply any written or verbal contract. It is for management communication only.