Laboratory Technician

Position Summary

Under the general direction of the Laboratory Director and direct supervision of the Vector Ecologist or Biologist, the Laboratory Technician performs a variety of laboratory, field, and administrative duties in support of the District’s vector-borne disease surveillance and monitoring programs. This position supports specimen collection, laboratory testing, surveillance activities, data management, and public outreach in accordance with established protocols, safety standards, and regulatory requirements.

The duties listed below are representative of the work performed and may vary by assignment. This list is not exhaustive, and other duties within the scope of the classification may be assigned.

• Inspects, services, calibrates, and prepares laboratory supplies, equipment, instruments, and surveillance devices used to collect vectors or biological samples; maintains inventory of laboratory supplies and equipment; purchases supplies and equipment as directed.
• Deploys, retrieves, and maintains surveillance devices and equipment used to monitor vector populations and vector-borne diseases.
• Sorts, identifies, and processes vector samples collected from surveillance devices; accurately records sample data and updates surveillance databases.
• Collects dead bird specimens submitted by the public for disease testing in accordance with District protocols.
• Performs routine care, feeding, and maintenance of sentinel animals; safely extracts blood samples for baseline and scheduled disease testing.
• Assists with the care, maintenance, and operation of the District insectary, including mosquito or other vector rearing activities.
• Prepares reports, correspondence, and documentation using word processing, database, spreadsheet, and mapping applications, as well as other District software systems.
• Maintains current knowledge of vector control, vector surveillance, biological, environmental, and regulatory developments; assists laboratory and field staff with studies and surveys; collects, identifies, and records biological and chemical data.
• Assists with the preparation and delivery of educational presentations for schools, community groups, and professional organizations on topics such as vector ecology, pesticide resistance, and integrated pest management; may prepare educational materials for the Public Information Department.
• May be required to work overtime, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• May be exposed to infectious diseases associated with mosquitoes and other vectors.

Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience that demonstrate the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be considered at the District’s discretion.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Biological Science or a closely related field; OR
• Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university in Biological Science or a closely related field AND five (5) years of experience as a Field Technician or equivalent.

• California Department of Public Health Mosquito Control Technician Certification in Categories A, B, C, and D; must be obtained within two (2) years of employment and maintained throughout employment.
• Valid California driver’s license; must be insurable under the District’s self-insurance program and maintain insurability throughout employment.

• Basic biology, laboratory practices, safety standards, and procedures related to vector surveillance and public health.
• Vectors of public health importance and disease transmission principles.
• Business English, including grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
• Basic arithmetic.
• Computer applications including databases, spreadsheets, word processing, email, internet, and mapping software.
• Duties, responsibilities, and Mosquito Reducing Best Management Practices of the Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito & Vector Control District.

• Identify immature and adult mosquito species and other vectors present within the District.
• Handle, care for, and safely obtain blood samples from sentinel animals.
• Inspect, service, and prepare…