Research & Surveillance Technician

Pasco County Mosquito Control District•Odessa, FL

About The Position

Reporting to the Research and Surveillance Director, the Research and Surveillance Technician performs technical field and laboratory work in support of the District’s mosquito surveillance, research, and disease monitoring programs. This position is responsible for daily processing of adult mosquito surveillance collections, sentinel chicken blood sampling, and assisting with laboratory, insectary, and field operations in accordance with established protocols. The role requires independent work, attention to detail, sound judgment, and effective communication, with supervisory guidance and technical support readily available as needed.

Requirements

High school diploma or possession of a General Educational Development (GED) certificate.
Ability to communicate effectively and to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
Demonstrated ability to work dependably, manage assigned tasks responsibly, and meet established performance and safety standards.
Proficiency with computers, including data entry and use of digital or mobile data collection systems.
Possession of a valid Florida Driver’s License and the ability to maintain an acceptable driving record.
Ability and willingness to work outside normal business hours, including evenings, weekends, holidays, or early morning shifts, as operational needs require.
Ability and willingness to work with insecticides and related materials in accordance with applicable safety regulations and training.
Authorization to work legally in the United States.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in entomology, biology, environmental science, or a related scientific field.
Two (2) or more years of experience in mosquito identification or mosquito surveillance activities.
Demonstrated proficiency in the use of dichotomous keys for species-level identification.
Possession of a current Public Health Pest Control License issued by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), or be able to acquire the license within 1 year of employment.
The District may provide training and support for required licensure and certifications.

Responsibilities

Monitor mosquito populations throughout Pasco County by setting, collecting, sorting, and identifying adult mosquitoes using stereoscopes and dichotomous keys.
Process daily adult mosquito surveillance collections, dedicating significant time to accurate identification and data recording.
Conduct weekly blood collection from sentinel chickens as part of the mosquito-borne virus surveillance program.
Maintain accurate and detailed surveillance, laboratory, and field records in accordance with established protocols.
Collect and rear field-captured mosquito eggs and larvae to designated life stages for laboratory and field studies.
Maintain healthy colony and field populations through daily insectary care, organization, and strict sanitation protocols.
Assist with laboratory, semi-field, and field testing of mosquito larvicides and adulticides.
Maintain sentinel chicken coops, including feeding and routine care of chickens, as required.
Perform maintenance, cleaning, and troubleshooting of surveillance equipment.
Clean and maintain laboratory, insectary, and field equipment to ensure safe and effective operations.
Assist with field setup, data collection, and support activities related to equipment spray calibrations.
Perform intricate manual tasks such as sewing, gluing, cutting, and assembling research or surveillance materials.
Participate in evening, early morning, or weekend, aerial or ground testing activities when required to support surveillance or research operations.
Communicate with residents and property owners to obtain permission for placement and retrieval of surveillance traps.
Assist with special research projects or pilot studies outside routine surveillance activities.
Provide support during emergency response or atypical surveillance operations.
Perform other related duties as directed in support of departmental objectives.

Benefits

Medical Insurance
Dental and Vision Insurance
Employer-Paid Life Insurance
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Long-term Disability (LTD) Coverage
457(b) Deferred Retirement Plan
Florida Retirement System (FRS), including Investment and Pension Plan options
District-provided uniforms and uniform reimbursement
Voluntary supplemental insurance plans, including life, accident, hospital, short-term disability, cancer, and legal coverage
Training and professional development opportunities
Paid Time Off (PTO)