Program Specialist III

Agency: Department of State Health Services - Zoonosis Department
Location: Houston, TX
Job Category: Full Time Positions
Salary: $3,520.33 - $4,633.50
Last Date to Apply: November 6, 2020
Website: https://jobshrportal.hhsc.state.tx.us/ENG/careerportal/Job_Profile.cfm?szOrderID=467786&szReturnToSearch=1&&szWordsToHighlight=
Description: Program Specialist III The Regional Medical Entomologist performs complex (journey-level) consultative services, technical assistance work, and field work relating to medical entomology and the prevention and control of vector-borne diseases pursuant to statute and to rules adopted by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission; Prepares and delivers training courses to mosquito control personnel on all elements of Integrated Pest Management (IPM); makes presentations to a range of organizations related to medical entomology and arthropod control; maintains the currency of written, electronic, and on-line materials for the mosquito control industry and the public; performs mosquito surveillance and identification to assist local governmental organizations; serves as regional arbovirus coordinator for the department; provide consultation on IPM techniques to a wide range of stakeholders; provides technical assistance in arthropod identification and control to mosquito control programs and other stakeholders; provides subject matter expertise to the Vector Control Unit for planning and response during declared emergencies; Serves as the department's liaison in the assigned area of the state during disease outbreaks and other entomologically-related emergency situations; participates in the MosquitoNET database/program; prepares reports for internal and external distribution; performs other duties as assigned; works under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment; actively participates and/or serves in a supporting role to meet the agency's obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation Essential Job Functions: (25%) • Prepare training course materials and instruct mosquito control personnel on public health arthropods, including topics such as arthropod biology, habitat, control, regulations, medical importance, identification and surveillance • Provide presentations to professional, educational, governmental, civic and other organizations related to medical entomology and arthropod control • Provide training in proper standardized techniques for trapping to include sorting and shipping mosquito specimens for viral isolations • Update and revise written, electronic, and on-line materials for the mosquito control industry and the public (25%) • Perform mosquito surveillance and identification to assist local governmental organizations in obtaining mosquito population dynamics data • Inform and guide individuals and organizations in the processes and procedures for shipment of potential vector species to State Laboratory for virus testing (20%) • Serve as regional arbovirus coordinator for the department • Consult with state governmental agencies, county public health agencies, and mosquito control program arthropod control coordinators on the development or improvement of their mosquito control activities and/or the implementation of Integrated Pest Management techniques (10%) • Provide technical assistance in arthropod identification and control and make recommendations for mitigating disease-carrying arthropods to mosquito control programs and other state and local agencies • Respond to public inquiries related to mosquitoes and other vectors. Represent the department by attending staff meetings, conferences and workshops (10%) • Provide mosquito surveillance and control expertise to support the Vector Control Unit during declared emergency efforts to control mosquitoes (5%) • Serve as the department's Regional liaison during disease outbreaks and other entomologically-related emergency situations • Provide a regional perspective to State Medical Entomologist in emergency planning and/or response activities based on outbreak and emergency situations • Contribute to DSHS participation in the federal MosquitoNET database/program by compiling and entering data into MosquitoNET • Prepare reports which may contain information derived from internal research projects, sample and surveillance data for mosquito identification and disease trends for department's management, medical facilities, private companies and the general public upon request (5%) • Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location Knowledge Skills Abilities: • Knowledge of working in a Geographic Information System (ESRI products) and fundamental statistical and quantitative skills required for analyzing vector and vector-borne disease data • Knowledge of the bionomics of the mosquito species currently found in Texas as well as other insects and related arthropods of known public health importance • Knowledge of entomological nomenclature and the use of dichotomous taxonomic identification keys • Knowledge of toxicology, composition, and classification of pesticides and their effect on the environment • Knowledge of the principles of integrated vector management • Knowledge and comprehension of state and federal statutes affecting vector control • Knowledge of vector-control practices and methodologies • Knowledge of the structure and function of relevant local, state, and federal agencies and organizations • Knowledge of epidemiological aspects of vectorborne diseases • Skill in technical writing, teaching, public speaking, and risk communication • Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing • Ability to prioritize and plan projects, work effectively with teams, and meet deadlines for projects • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and make sound decisions • Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with individuals, government agencies, and organizations • Ability to follow policies and procedures • Ability to collect and submit mosquitoes for viral testing • Ability to enlist proper mosquito-trapping techniques to determine vector abundance and infection rates and document the findings • Ability to work with local, state, and federal agencies and private contractors regarding mosquito-control activities following natural disasters Registration or Licensure Requirements: Must possess a valid Class C Texas driver’s license, or equivalent license from another state
Qualifications: 1. Graduation from a U.S. accredited college or university with a Master’s Degree in entomology or related field with emphasis on medical entomology preferred; Bachelor of Science degree with mosquito control experience will be considered 2. Experience in designing and delivering training 3. Experience working in a mosquito control-related position
Job Number: 234
Contact Person: AccessHR Service Center
Contact Phone: 888-894-4747