Entomology Technician (Insect and Disease Management) - Augusta - 5664
About The Position
The Maine Forest Service Forest Health and Monitoring (FHM) Division has a vacancy for an Entomology Technician in the Augusta, Maine area. FHM cooperates with other state, local, and federal collaborators to support the overall mission of the Maine Forest Service to protect and enhance the forest resources of Maine for the benefit of present and future generations. Through statewide forest health monitoring systems and advice and assistance for pest management and damage prevention to homeowners, municipalities, and forest landowners and managers, the division supports the overall health of Maine’s forest resources.
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.
Nice To Haves
- Currently, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship 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 of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums)
- Health Insurance Premium Credit (Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%)
- Dental Insurance (State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums)
- Retirement Plan (State of Maine contributes 14.06% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System)
- Gym Membership Reimbursement (up to $40 per month)
- Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
- Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness
- Living Resources Program (employee assistance program)
- Parental leave (forty-two (42) consecutive calendar days of fully paid parental leave for all employees welcoming a child)
- Voluntary Deferred Compensation (MaineSaves 457(b) account)
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
