- Agency
- Harris County Public Health
- Location
- Houston, TX
- Job Category
- Full Time Positions
- Website
- https://college.agrilife.org/entojobs/posted-2019-technician-insecticide-resistance-management/
- Description
- Position Summary: The IRMT duties are to fulfill the needs of the Grant: setting/retrieving egg collections of Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus mosquitoes for insectary rearing and testing; maintaining susceptible colonies of same species in permanent insectary; participate in laboratory and field insecticide tests; clean reusable equipment; make disposable equipment; participate in site surveys; set adult traps & sort species as needed; record and enter data; work directly under supervision of the Test and Evaluation Entomologist. Job Duties: Other Duties & Responsibilities 35% - Insectary & Laboratory • Maintains susceptible Aedes spp. mosquito colonies year round • Rears Aedes mosquitoes collected from Mosquito and Vector Control Operational Areas (MVCOAs) • Rears mosquitoes to ensure target test deadlines are met • Maintains rearing and testing materials and equipment • Coordinates Aedes IRM activities and work with the Test & Evaluation Entomologist 40% - Field Work & Testing • Builds/modifies and readies equipment for use in projects • Records field data, entering it into a database or reporting to supervisor as required. • Assists with conducting of field cage tests and other bioassays on county mosquito species • Sorts and identifies mosquito species • Uses pesticides according to Federal, State and local regulations and guidelines • Collects local populations of Aedes mosquitoes (eggs, larvae, adults) 20% - Record Keeping and Data Entry • Performs Keeps records of all project work • Enter data as assigned • Assists with inventory control & inventory needs, locates vendors for needed supplies, equipment and services, acquires pricing information, etc., and provides associated paperwork for sectional approval and acquisition • Contributes in the writing and submission of manuscripts and presentations pertaining to assigned project to a variety of audiences 5% - Duties • Other duties as assigned, including special tasks involved in responding to an emergency event • Ensure principles of Health Equity are integrated into all aspects of work & interactions internally/externally to best serve all communities Core Competencies: Organizational Leadership • Understands the organizational mission • Understands ethics and public good; is concerned with public trust • Demonstrates respect for the opinions and beliefs of others Collaboration • Demonstrates a sense of responsibility for the success of the group • Collaborates with others to improve quality and address needs Innovation • Ability to adapt to change Interpersonal Abilities/Personal Characteristics • Uses sound judgement • Self-motivated • Organizes and maintains work environment to allow for maximum productivity Communication • Communicates clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing • Written and verbal English competency • Able to read and follow directions
- Qualifications
- Minimum Qualifications: Education Requirements: • Bachelor’s degree in a science related field with 20 hours scientific coursework Licenses/Certifications Required: • Valid Driver’s License (Texas upon hire) along with a good driving record required for daily surveillance and collection of species • Must acquire Texas Certified Pesticide Applicators License within 1 year of employment Experience Requirements: • 6 months toxicology experience • One year chemical or insecticide mixing/handling experience • Must be able to write neat, concise, and accurate reports • Must be able to read and comprehend maps and key maps • Must have good mechanical aptitude • Must be able to utilize a GPS • Must be able to work safely with hazardous material and should become thoroughly familiar with appropriate labels and safety data sheets (SDS) • Must be able to learn general biology and morphology of mosquitoes and their control Computer Proficiency: • Basic skills: Microsoft Office Suite Special Skills: • Due to the nature of the role, uses good judgment as to what to communicate to whom as well as the best way to get that accomplished. Speaks in a clear and credible manner, selecting the right tone for the situation and audience © (OS-C) • Tends to learn new skills quickly on his/her own AND apply them both quickly and effectively to work situations © (PD-AL) • Keeps manager informed of progress and obstacles related to ongoing tasks or projects. Uses written or verbal status reports to ensure that manager is up-to-date and will not be surprised by the status of key activities, (OS-SR) • Makes and fulfills commitments. Has established a pattern of working independently, meeting reasonable deadlines, and accepting responsibility for his or her actions. Willingly makes promises and fully intends to keep them. (PA-D) Preferences: Education Preferred: • N/A Licenses/Certifications Preferred: • Current and Valid TDA pesticide applicators license Experience Preferred: • Experience conducting serial dilutions Computer Proficiency: • Intermediate skills in Microsoft Office Suite • Basic skills with ArcGIS Work Environment: Physical Requirements: • Must be able to lift 70 lbs., be in good physical health, able to tolerate high heat and humidity for extended periods of time outdoors while working in a variety of urban and natural environments • Must be willing to work evenings and weekends and on occasion holidays
- Job Number
- 96
- Contact Person
- Kendra Dagg
- Contact eMail
- kendra.dagg@phs.hctx.net