Regional Public Health Entomologist

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Houston, TX

5d • $4,020 - $5,178 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Regional Public Health Entomologist performs complex (journey-level) consultative services, technical assistance, studies, research, and field work relating to medical entomology and the prevention and control of vector-borne diseases pursuant to statute and rules adopted by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. This role serves as a liaison to other local, state, and federal agencies and with representatives from industry from within the assigned region(s), on vector-related issues, studies, research, and projects. The position organizes, participates in, or represents DSHS on project teams in-house or in collaboration with groups of representatives from a wide range of stakeholders, e.g. professional organizations and governmental agencies. The Regional Public Health Entomologist assists the State Public Health Entomologist in completing short-term goals and long-range plan objectives for vector surveillance and control in Texas. This role participates in writing and managing vector surveillance and control-related grants. The position serves as a consultant for entomological matters and provides advanced technical advice and direction to DSHS program staff, local programs, local health officials, and the public. The role assists with training programs and stays current on the technical entomology and vector control literature, maintaining a working knowledge of laws and rules that directly affect DSHS activities concerning vector-control programs. The position works under minimal supervision but under the direction of the Team Lead State Public Health Entomologist, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. The employee actively participates and/or serves in a supporting role to meet the agency's obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. The position will be supervised from the Austin location.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited college/university with an undergraduate or higher degree in entomology.
• Experience conducting entomological field work.
• Knowledge of working in a Geographic Information System (ESRI products) and fundamental statistical and quantitative skills required for analyzing vector and vector-borne disease data.
• Knowledge of the bionomics of the mosquito species currently found in Texas as well as other insects and related arthropods of known public health importance.
• Knowledge of entomological nomenclature and the use of dichotomous taxonomic identification keys.
• Knowledge of toxicology, composition, and classification of pesticides and their effect on the environment.
• Knowledge of the principles of integrated vector management.
• Knowledge and comprehension of state and federal statutes affecting vector control.
• Knowledge of vector-control practices and methodologies.
• Knowledge of the structure and function of relevant local, state, and federal agencies and organizations.
• Knowledge of epidemiological aspects of vector-borne diseases.
• Skill in technical writing, teaching, public speaking, and risk communication.
• Skill in writing and managing grants.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to prioritize and plan projects, work effectively with teams, and meet deadlines for projects.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and make sound decisions.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with individuals, government agencies, and organizations.
• Ability to follow policies and procedures.
• Ability to collect and submit mosquitoes for viral testing.
• Ability to enlist proper mosquito-trapping techniques to determine vector abundance and infection rates and document the findings.
• Ability to work with local, state, and federal agencies and private contractors regarding mosquito-control activities following natural disasters.
• Valid driver’s license required.

Nice To Haves

• Texas Department of Agriculture Noncommercial Political Subdivision (NCPS) Pesticide Applicator license preferred.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates with the DSHS Arbovirus Laboratory on insecticide resistance testing and the identification of mosquitoes and other submitted arthropod specimens.
• Works with DSHS Arbovirus Laboratory staff to determine trends and provide recommendations to laboratory leadership.
• Provides guidance to Laboratory, Preparedness, and Zoonosis Control staff in the development and implementation of new methods and procedures.
• Consults with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and other state, federal, and local entities to identify training needs of stakeholders and partners related to disease vectors in the assigned public health region.
• Identifies the need for new programs to support DSHS vector surveillance and control goals and objectives.
• Develops the agendas for and hosts the Quarterly Texas tick working group virtual meetings.
• During planning and implementation phases, assists with policy and procedure compliance by non-DSHS stakeholders seeking DSHS support and DSHS staff related to vector surveillance and control.
• Provides consultative services on matters related to medical entomology and provides input into the delivery of related consultations by other programmatic staff.
• Presents information on integrated vector management and its various facets to governmental and non-governmental stakeholders and provides input into the presentation of related materials by other DSHS staff.
• Participates in the Vector Control Team during activations of the State Medical Operations Center related to vector surveillance and control in the context of disaster planning and response.
• Uses Geographic Information System (ESRI products) and fundamental statistical and quantitative skills to analyze vector and vector-borne disease data.
• Conduct field surveillance in counties within assigned public health region that require assistance.
• Prepares reports of findings and recommendations; utilizes this information to assist in writing and managing grants to enhance resources and capacity of local vector programs.
• Participates in the development of procedures, manuals, and trainings related to vector surveillance and control and plans program activities in accordance with program objectives and goals.
• Prepares administrative reports on agency vector surveillance and control programs and activities.
• Publishes data regarding mosquito submissions and distribution of mosquitoes found in Texas.
• Produces reports; factsheets; and guidance documents related to vector surveillance and control by DSHS.
• Performs related duties as assigned that include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or continuity of operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Benefits

• Insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree