Mosquito Laboratory Technician

Ada County • Meridian, ID

5d • Onsite

About The Position

Ada County Weed, Pest and Mosquito Abatement is an agency that houses three separate and distinct departments. Ada County Noxious Weed Control is supported through the General Fund, and provides noxious weed control services throughout Ada County. The Field Technician will be cross trained and may be assigned duties in other departments. This position operates equipment to apply pesticides or implements surveillance for assigned department; responsible for the maintenance of all equipment; licensed to provide professional advice regarding the identification, control, and management of targeted pests.

Requirements

• Must be able to obtain a Professional Applicators license within one month of hire (review specific department requirements)
• Knowledge of business mathematics
• Skill in the safe operation of equipment
• Ability to work and communicate effectively with the general public and coworkers, in person and over the phone
• Ability to understand and follow complex verbal and written instructions and read and understand herbicide SDS sheets and labels
• Ability to use a personal computer and mobile field computer
• Ability to understand GPS technology for daily use of digital navigation equipment
• Ability to use GPS equipment for mapping, surveillance and/or pesticide applications
• Ability to maintain cooperative working relationship with other employees
• Ability to work in the field independently and with peers and public
• Must be licensed in Law and Safety and Public Health categories within one month of hire
• Ability to understand mosquito physical characteristics in all stages of development and breeding habitats
• Skill in the identification of mosquito species and vector diseases
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license
• Ability to obtain an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) certification before use of ATV equipment

Nice To Haves

• May be required to drive in the evening
• May be cross-trained to perform functions for other departments

Responsibilities

• Identifies targeted pests including counting, speciating, and recording data associated with mosquito collections
• Compiles weekly, monthly, and yearly reports associated with mosquito abatement operations
• Performs pesticide resistance testing for mosquito abatement purposes
• Completes work orders by mixing, applying and recording pesticide applications in accordance with work orders and applicable laws
• Reviews chemical labels and safety data sheet (SDS) for each product in use before application
• Operates application, surveillance, and laboratory equipment
• Reads and navigates by paper and digital maps
• Mixes and applies pesticides
• Uses mobile and hand-held computers and Global Positioning System (GPS) units
• Performs routine maintenance of equipment
• Properly disposes of empty pesticide containers and rinsate materials
• Maintains appearance and cleanliness of work area
• Uses and maintains all personal protection equipment recommended by product label, SDS and department policy
• Fabricates and rebuilds equipment
• May assist in collection, monitoring and distribution of biological control agents
• May assist in special projects as assigned
• May assist with training of other employees
• Performs other related functions as required

Benefits

• Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Generous vacation and sick leave starting on day one
• 11 paid holidays annually
• Participation in one of the nation’s best state retirement systems, with 11.96% employer contribution
• 457(b) deferred compensation plan with up to 3% county match, plus a 401(k)
• Paid parental leave, life insurance, and robust wellness programs
• Ongoing training opportunities and career pathing

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed