Entomologist

Polk County Board of County Commissioners • Bartow, FL

19h • Hybrid

About The Position

This is a highly scientific position reporting to the Mosquito Control Manager. This is a physically demanding position, requiring field work in wet and swampy areas infested with mosquitoes during the heat of the summer, as well as travelling to isolated areas by truck, ATV, and or boat. This position also requires laboratory skills with handling active ingredients of various pesticides used in managing pestiferous mosquito populations. Experience with collecting mosquitoes in the field and insectary management to produce multiply generations of known vector mosquito species. Conduct research projects that directly benefit the advancement of mosquito control in Polk County, Florida, and present findings at mosquito control annual conferences or related workshops and meetings.

The Entomologist position will be an important part of protecting the residents of Polk County from known and potential emerging public health disease threats from mosquitoes. This must be achieved through scientific knowledge of mosquitoes and their control methods while working in a “team” oriented environment.

Requirements

• Must have the physical, developmental and mental ability to perform job tasks, work efforts, responsibilities and duties of the job.
• Knowledge of laboratory and field scientific evaluation including statistical analysis.
• Ability to compile data and findings into scientific reports.
• Ability to prepare manuscripts for publication.
• Understanding of computer data base and GIS programs.
• Knowledge of mosquito habitats; either natural or anthropogenic.
• Ability to work in a physically demanding position, requiring fieldwork in wet and swampy areas infested with mosquitoes during the heat of the summer, as well as inspect in highly developed and populated areas for pestiferous mosquitoes.
• Able to read, write, understand and converse clearly in the English language.
• Bachelor’s degree in biology, entomology, or a related field from an accredited college or university.
• Two (2) years of experience in mosquito control or a closely related field.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to secure a valid Florida drivers license at the time of employment.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in entomology or related field preferred.
• Peer review publication experience
• FDACS Public Health Pest Control License
• One (1) year supervisory experience

Responsibilities

• Proficient identification skills of all mosquito species found in Polk County and surrounding areas.
• Monitor mosquito population dynamics through routine trapping and other data collecting methods.
• Monitor all surveillance activities as needed or requested.
• Work with Arbovirus Specialist when arbovirus activity is reported from local or state health officials.
• Conduct in-house West Nile Virus surveillance when local transmission risks increase.
• Designing, implementing, and analyzing tests of the efficacy of the products used to control mosquitoes and possible development of genetic and/or behavioral resistance to products used to treat pestiferous mosquito populations.
• Make recommendations for improvements to the larvicide program in regard to mosquito biology and behavior as it relates to treatment.
• Assist in planning and working with responsible agencies regarding treatment of mosquitoes on state or local environmentally sensitive lands.
• Work with University scientists, other Governmental entities and independent contractors on specific research projects.
• Develop research projects related to mosquitoes or other disease-causing arthropods in Polk County.
• Present research projects at annual conferences or other public speaking opportunities related to mosquitoes or other arthropods.
• Conduct public education at schools, fairs, workshops and other publicly attended events when requested from outreach/education staff.
• Develop skills necessary to use, train and maintain specialized equipment used in field and lab studies.
• Review new research methods to improve laboratory work efficiency.
• Explore various funding opportunities to achieve research objectives.
• Supervision of surveillance staff and part-time employees participating in research related projects.
• Actively recruit additional field staff when needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Mosquito Control Manager

Benefits

• Selected applicants must successfully obtain the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) Public Health Pest Control License within six (6) months of initial employment.
• All employees will be required to work before, during, or after an emergency.
• During an emergency, employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees