Mosquito Control Specialist
JOB CODE: 1384
PAY GRADE: 1160
SALARY RANGE: $32,215 - $54,842
LOCATION OF WORK
EBR Parish Mosquito Abatement and Rodent Control District
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Under the supervision of an employee of a higher classification, performs responsible work assisting with activating, planning, and supervising field and laboratory work in the mosquito and rodent control program. Work is primarily focused on disease surveillance, insecticide resistance testing, rearing of biological control organisms, field-testing efficacy of biological control organisms, pesticides, and/or biopesticides, etc. General supervision may be exercised over subordinate personnel for special projects. Work is highly independent and is reviewed through periodic conferences or reports and observation of results obtained. Performs other work as requested.
ESSENTIAL WORK TASKS
Rears a variety of organisms including: copepods, fungi, insects, minnows and nematodes; maintains district's mosquito and biological control colonies.
Evaluates efficacy of various insecticides, biocontrol agents and rodenticides or source reduction projects.
Conducts encephalitis surveillance and insecticide resistance testing or other experimentation; interprets findings to aid in the diagnosis and control of pest related problems.
Conducts field surveys to determine where biological control is needed and efficacious for mosquito control.
Makes presentations to the public concerning biological control methods for mosquitoes.
Assists the classroom teacher with developing teaching plans using biocontrol agents, etc.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of biology of mosquitoes and rodents and applications in control program.
Knowledge of wild birds - their habits, identification and role in mosquito borne disease.
Knowledge of mosquito and rodent control pesticides, biopesticides and source reduction methods and procedures for monitoring and measuring efficacy.
Knowledge of the function and purpose of oviposition containers, light traps, mist nets, truck traps, W.H.O. kits and other devices used to monitor, collect and evaluate mosquito and rodent populations.
Ability to train and supervise subordinate employees in conducting surveillance and efficacy trials in a manner conducive to full performance and high morale.
Ability to do dilutions, mathematical calculations and handle equipment necessary to conduct efficacy trials for pesticides and biopesticides.
Ability to handle mist nets, light traps, truck mounted traps, oviposition buckets and other collection devices.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the general public.
Ability to apply good work habits such as punctuality, reliability, preciseness, and dependability in order to effectively complete assigned tasks and contribute to the smooth operation of the department and division.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
High school diploma, GED, HiSET, or equivalent certificate of competency, supplemented by completion of twelve semester hours of science from an accredited college or university, and two years of experience in mosquito control work.
SUBSTITUTIONS
Any equivalent combination of education and experience.
CERTIFICATIONS / LICENSES / REGISTRATIONS
(Unless otherwise specified below, must possess at the time of appointment and must be maintained current throughout employment in this classification.) Must have a valid Louisiana driver's license at the time of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment in this classification. Possession of a valid commercial pesticide applicator's certification in categories 8A-Mosquito Control, 8B-Rodent Control and/or 8C-Community Public Health Pest Control may be required for certain positions in this class.
OTHER JOB ASPECTS
None.
NOTE:
The work examples described in this specification are intended only as an illustration of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from job performance requirements if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the job.