Entomology Technician (Insect and Disease Management) - 5665

State of Maine•Old Town, ME

6d•$18 - $25•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry is accepting applications to fill an Entomology Technician (IDM) position in the Bureau of Forestry, Forest Health and Monitoring Division, based out of the Old Town area. These are technical service positions that involve identifying and surveying for forest insect and disease pests, evaluating forest and tree health, collecting and handling data, and assisting professional entomology and pathology staff with various forest health projects. Work is performed in both the field and lab. Field work may include urban, suburban, rural, and remote locations. Work may be conducted under a variety of adverse conditions, including walking several miles per day over a varied terrain with a backpack weighing up to 35 pounds, sometimes in inclement weather, and in areas with irritating plants/insects (poison ivy, ticks, biting flies). Working alone in remote locations is sometimes required for certain tasks. Limited statewide travel is sometimes required. Work is performed under limited supervision.

Requirements

A three (3) year combination of training, education, and/or experience in basic technical field or laboratory entomology, pathology, forestry, or related work.
Must possess or be able to obtain a valid Maine Driver's License
Must reside in or relocate to greater Augusta or Old Town area within the first six months of employment.

Nice To Haves

Currently, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorships or STEM OPT extensions.

Responsibilities

Surveys for forest insect and disease pests using a variety of traps & trapping protocols, using problem solving where needed
Performs a variety of insect and disease visual surveys and records observations and data using paper or electronic data sheets on devices such as smart phones, tablets, and laptop computers
Help to develop improved survey techniques under guidance of professional entomology/pathology staff
Collects samples and enters survey data during the field season and assists with sample sorting, identification, and finalization of datasets following completion of surveys
Communicates summarized field and lab data to professional entomology/pathology staff for report preparation
Responds to landowner/manager and homeowner requests for assistance as assigned by professional entomology/pathology staff to identify causes of tree health concerns
Surveys and maps areas to detect and determine geographic extents of forest insect and disease infestations
Assists professional regulatory staff with site inspections to prevent the spread of quarantined forest insect and disease pests
Works cooperatively with other field staff and occasionally oversees daily activities of seasonal employees or interns
Performs basic navigation tasks, including vehicle navigation to areas of concern for forest pest damage and locating areas of concern in forested settings
Maintain assigned equipment and tools
Obtains and maintains a State of Maine pesticide applicator license

Benefits

13 paid holidays
12 days of sick leave
3+ weeks of vacation leave
Health Insurance Coverage (State pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums)
Health Insurance Premium Credit (Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%)
Dental Insurance (State pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums)
Retirement Plan (State contributes 14.11% of pay to MainePERS)
Gym Membership Reimbursement (up to $40 per month)
Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness eligibility
Living Resources Program (employee assistance program)
Parental leave (42 consecutive calendar days of fully paid leave for welcoming a child)
Voluntary Deferred Compensation (MaineSaves 457(b) account)