Mosquito Surveillance Lab​/Field Technician

Position Description

If you’re looking to be a part of a collaborative environment where your skills can make an impact, explore our current opportunities in creating a better future for public health.

About Harris County Public Health: Harris County Public Health (HCPH) includes a network of more than 1,100 public health professionals working together to improve health outcomes for the third most populous county in the United States. HCPH provides a multitude of services such as medical and dental services, community programming, and health education for the approximately 2.3 million people in unincorporated Harris County.

Through its core values of innovation, engagement, and health equity, HCPH strives to bring meaningful solutions to public health issues while keeping Harris County healthy and vibrant.

This is a grant-funded position.

Position Overview: Under the supervision of the Technical Operations Manager, the Mosquito & Vector Control Lab/Field Technician works to collect field and laboratory samples for arbovirus testing. This position also provides general support services in the laboratory as well as performing technical work.

• Field Work Duties:
  Set and pick up mosquito traps throughout the community using various trap types to collect diverse mosquito species which are used for processing and disease testing purposes.
• Prepare vehicle with traps and other field materials based on number of traps and trap types being used depending on the assigned routes.
• Process and preserve mosquito samples after field collection by following standard procedures for samples to be used for identification and laboratory use.
• Laboratory Duties:
  Identify and document various mosquito species from traps for projects by using taxonomic keys.
• Record species and number of each species for data collection and analysis.
• Assist with laboratory duties and adherence to all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Other:
  Perform regular inspections of equipment used in duties performed to include traps and other collection equipment, laboratory equipment, tools and hardware, and items on maintenance checklist.
• Assist with training supervision of seasonal/new employees as required. Stay current on evidence-based practices and emerging trends related to trauma-informed care, domestic violence, human trafficking, and effective resource navigation to enhance program delivery.

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Entomology or Related Field in Science.
• Experience: At least one (1) year of related work experience in mosquito trapping, field collection and morphological identification.
• Certifications/Licenses: Valid Texas Driver's License (upon hire).
• Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of company protocols, operational procedures, and safety policies; proficient in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook); excellent verbal and written communication skills; strong multitasking, organizational, interpersonal, leadership, and problem-solving skills; professionalism and ability to work well with the public and staff; ability to maintain confidentiality; ability to de-escalate complex situations using trauma-informed care and harm reduction practices;
  
  ability to coordinate activities in stressful situations; ability to present information effectively in one-on-one and small group settings; must use personal mobile device for multifactor authentication.
• Core Competencies: Organizational Leadership, Collaboration, Innovation, Interpersonal Abilities/Personal Characteristics, Communication. See notes below for relevant indicators.

• Position Type and Typical Hours of Work: Regular full time | grant-funded position; 40 hours per week. Must be willing to work weekends and on occasion holidays as required to accomplish the mission of MVCD.
• Work Environment: Field and laboratory environment; operating county vehicles while in the field.
• Physical Demands: Must be able to lift up to 70 lbs; comfortable working outdoors, lifting, bending, stooping, walking on inclines; able to tolerate high heat and high humidity for extended periods in diverse habitats.
• Work Location: Harris County Public Health:
  Mosquito & Vector Control Division - 3330 Old Spanish Trail, Houston, TX 77021.
• Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.
• Due to a high volume of applications, positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.

Equal Opportunity

Employer:

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Employment Opportunity Plan .aspx