Lab Technician / Vector Control - Part Time - No Benefits

Utah County Government

1d•$15 - $18

About The Position

The Lab Technician / Vector Control supports the Integrated Mosquito Management (IMM) program by assisting with mosquito surveillance, sorting, identification, data entry, and laboratory procedures. This position performs both laboratory tasks and general vector control duties, depending on operational needs. The Lab Coordinator provides daily technical direction and mentoring, while overall supervision and operational authority rest with the Director and Operations Supervisor. This role plays a critical part in tracking mosquito populations, assisting in disease surveillance, and supporting field operations.

Requirements

Knowledge of basic biology, entomology, or environmental sciences
Knowledge of mosquito life cycles and habitat ecology (training provided)
Knowledge of laboratory safety protocols
Skilled in microscope use and fine-motor sorting tasks
Skilled in data entry, record keeping, and digital reporting
Ability to learn and follow complex lab procedures
Ability to work carefully, accurately, and independently
Ability to communicate effectively and maintain professional relationships
Ability to work outdoors in varied weather and terrain
High school diploma or equivalent.
No prior laboratory experience required—training is provided.
Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
Must obtain a Utah Public Health Pesticide Applicator License (training provided)
Must possess a valid driver’s license and obtain a Utah license within 60 days
Must pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check
Vaccinations encouraged per CDC/Health Department recommendations

Nice To Haves

Coursework or experience in biology, entomology, laboratory science, or related fields
Experience with microscopes or lab equipment
Experience with GIS or data systems
Prior work in mosquito abatement or environmental fieldwork

Responsibilities

Mosquito Surveillance & Field Support Assist with planning, deploying, retrieving, and maintaining mosquito traps on assigned routes.
Perform field inspections of mosquito breeding habitats and collect larval and adult mosquito specimens.
Apply larvicides using hand equipment according to label requirements and program standards.
Document field activities using GIS-based reporting tools on iPads.
Laboratory Procedures & Diagnostics Sort mosquitoes by genus, species, sex, and physiological status.
Prepare mosquito pools/samples for arbovirus testing.
Assist with laboratory procedures including: RNA extraction qPCR preparation Plate setup and basic diagnostic workflows Maintain accurate laboratory records, labeling, and chain-of-custody standards.
Clean and maintain laboratory equipment, supplies, and work areas.
Data Entry, Reporting & Quality Control Enter mosquito surveillance data into laboratory and district databases.
Assist in generating summary reports for weekly operations.
Ensure accuracy and completeness of data records.
Follow Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and maintain quality assurance standards.
Program & Team Support Assist other teams—including field, bike, or aerial—when laboratory tasks are completed or as directed.
Participate in training, safety meetings, and continuing education.
Interact professionally with coworkers and the public when in the field.
Assist in maintenance of surveillance equipment, trap repairs, and field gear prep.
Operational Flexibility & Emergencies Adjust work assignments based on trap counts, disease activity, and operational needs.
Respond to public health emergencies as required by program leadership.
Carry assigned communication devices during all work hours.