Aerial Operator / Field Support - Part Time - No Benefits

Utah County Government

1d•$20 - $23

About The Position

Under the general guidance of the Aerial Coordinator, the Aerial Operator / Vector Control Technician supports unmanned aerial mosquito control operations and assists with field and laboratory tasks when not engaged in UAS-related work. This position operates drones when qualified, supports equipment setup and calibration, conducts field inspections, performs ULV spraying as assigned, and assists with laboratory surveillance tasks such as trapping and qPCR preparation. The role contributes directly to the safe, efficient, and compliant execution of aerial and ground mosquito control operations, while maintaining flexibility to support all areas of Integrated Mosquito Management (IMM).

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
One (1) year of experience in mosquito abatement, agriculture, pesticide application, or a related field.
One (1) year of drone operation experience. Demonstrated competence with unmanned aircraft systems.
Knowledge of FAA Part 107 regulations and basic airspace concepts
Knowledge of drone flight operations and UAS safety principles
Knowledge of pesticide handling, vector ecology, and larval habitat characteristics
Knowledge of GIS tools and map interpretation
Skilled in operating UAS equipment (if certified)
Skilled in field equipment operation, including sprayers and ATVs
Ability to follow detailed instructions and safety procedures
Ability to complete accurate data entry
Ability to work cooperatively with field, aerial, and lab teams
Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors and coworkers
FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate required
Must obtain Utah Public Health Pesticide Applicator License (County-paid)
Must hold a valid driver’s license and obtain a Utah license within 60 days
Must pass pre-employment drug screen and background check

Nice To Haves

Experience in UAS-based pesticide application
Familiarity with GIS
Experience in field vector surveillance or laboratory diagnostics
Minimum of 15 hours logged verifiable UAS flight time
Vaccinations encouraged per CDC & Health Department policy

Responsibilities

Assist with preparation, transport, and setup of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and related equipment.
Operate drones under the direction and supervision of the Aerial Coordinator upon meeting all certification and internal competency requirements established by management.
Perform pre-flight and post-flight equipment inspections.
Monitor aircraft instruments and ensure safe airspace awareness during operations.
Calibrate spray equipment and support battery management and charging procedures.
Clean, maintain, and perform basic troubleshooting for UAS equipment.
Mix and load pesticides safely according to label requirements and County procedures.
Assist with the creation, import, and export of GIS flight maps and mission plans.
Coordinate property access as needed for aerial spray operations.
Conduct field inspections of mosquito habitats, standing water, and mapped breeding sources.
Apply larvicides or adulticides using hand, backpack, ATV, or ULV truck-mounted equipment as assigned.
Assist in nighttime ULV spraying operations under supervision.
Document all field activities using iPads, GIS platforms, and standardized reporting tools.
Assist in deploying and collecting mosquito traps.
Help sort specimens and prepare samples for identification and qPCR analysis.
Maintain cleanliness and organization of laboratory workspace and supplies.
Support accurate data entry into surveillance databases.
Interact professionally with the public while in the field.
Respond to in-season operational needs and public health emergencies as assigned.
Carry a mobile device or radio during all scheduled work hours for communication with supervisors.