Seasonal Entomology Lab Technician
About The Position
The Entomology Lab Technician position is an integral part of the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District’s operations. The focus is processing larval and adult mosquito samples using taxonomic keys and dissecting microscopes. Some field work opportunities, mainly setting up and retrieving surveillance traps. Other duties include assisting with processing black fly and tick collections and maintaining lab equipment. This position works in a team at our St. Paul office; hours are 7:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Monday-Friday. Becoming a lab technician is a great opportunity for those interested in gaining experience in public health, entomology, or general biology. Hiring starts in February. The season begins in the spring and usually ends in fall. Start and end dates are flexible. MMCD also comes with perks to support you in your personal and professional journey. We’re committed to teamwork, community, learning, and development. Our desire is that you leave here with tools that will help you in your life, whether you work for the District for one season or many!
Requirements
- The belief that people are the source of extraordinary experiences, and the desire to contribute to something bigger than yourself, every day
- A willingness to learn and an openness to feedback, coaching, and mentorship
- The ability to legally work in the USA, a high school diploma or GED
- Experience in use of taxonomic keys, equivalent experience, or demonstrated capability to perform duties.
- Knowledge of biology and insect taxonomy is helpful
- Ability to operate a microscope and to learn insect identification
- Accurately record results of collections and experiments
- Record results and perform data entry
- Learn and perform appropriate operation of District vehicles and equipment
- Read, write, and follow written and oral instructions
- Perform math and understand units of measure
- Follow all District and OSHA safety requirements
- Be at least 18 of age
Responsibilities
- Promoting health and well-being by protecting the public from disease and annoyance caused by mosquitoes, gnats (black flies), and ticks in an environmentally sensitive manner
- Examining adult and larval mosquito and black fly collections with a dissecting microscope
- Recording the identification and entering the information into a database
- Setting and picking up mosquito traps and participating in other collections as needed
- Preparing and maintaining collection equipment
- Hatching and rearing mosquitoes to adults from eggs and/or larvae
- Performing miscellaneous field and/or light maintenance work as needed
- Washing glassware and vials to maintain supply for field use
- Communicating effectively with coworkers and the public
- Promoting a diverse, culturally competent, and respectful workplace
- Processing tick surveillance samples
- Participating in outreach activities like county and state fair information booths or parades
- Performing other job-related duties as required or directed
Benefits
- Paid Training
- Paid Holidays
- Paid Time Off
- Employee Assistance Program
- Flexible Start and End Dates
- May Fulfill Internship Requirements
- Uniforms
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
