Tick Surveillance Technician
About The Position
The Tick Surveillance Technician position is an integral part of the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District’s surveillance operations. The focus is on collecting ticks from the environment either by dragging for ticks or live capturing various small mammal using baited traps throughout the Twin Cities area to collect information on tick abundance and distribution. Work would include preparing materials & equipment, navigating to sampling locations, setting transects, dragging and collecting ticks, placing traps, processing samples, maintaining/cleaning equipment for reuse, and data management. Opportunities may include identification of small mammals and ticks using taxonomic keys and dissecting microscopes. Some additional field work opportunities may include working with other tick collection tools such as CO2-baited traps and/or other tick team surveillance projects. Other duties include assisting with other entomology laboratory projects. This position works in a team at our St. Paul office; hours are 7:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Monday-Friday. Becoming a tick surveillance technician is a great opportunity for those interested in gaining experience in public health, entomology, biological research, and/or tick-borne pathogens. The season begins in the spring and usually ends in fall. Start and end dates are flexible, but availability during June is required. MMCD also comes with perks to support you in your personal and professional journey. We’re committed to teamwork, community, learning, and development. Our desire is that you leave here with tools that will help you in your life, whether you work for the District for one season or many! Brief Definition Reporting to the Vector Ecologist, performs duties of moderate difficulty collecting ticks in the field by drag sampling and/or operating trap lines for the capture of small mammals to remove host-attached ticks. Assist with processing tick collections, identifications, sorting, storing, and preparing specimens for eventual testing of pathogens.
Requirements
- The belief that people are the source of extraordinary experiences, and the desire to contribute to something bigger than yourself, every day
- A willingness to learn and an openness to feedback, coaching, and mentorship
- The ability to legally work in the USA, a high school diploma or GED, and a valid driver license
- Experience in tick-related research, small mammal trapping, biological field experience, or demonstrated capability to perform duties.
- Knowledge of biology and insect taxonomy is helpful.
- Ability to operate a microscope and to learn insect identification.
- Accurately record results of collections and experiments.
- Record results and perform data entry.
- Learn and perform appropriate operation of District vehicles and equipment.
- Read, write, and follow written and oral instructions.
- Perform math and understand units of measure.
- Follow all District and OSHA safety requirements.
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- Possess a valid driver’s license and maintain a good driving record.
Responsibilities
- Promoting health and well-being by protecting the public from disease and annoyance caused by mosquitoes, gnats (black flies), and ticks in an environmentally safe manner
- Driving, and navigating to locations in the greater Twin Cities metropolitan area
- Dragging for ticks in parks and natural areas along transects and recording data
- Placing a series of traps in natural habitat and collecting mammals for analyses
- Processing samples and properly storing samples for later analysis
- Recording and entering pertinent information into a database
- Preparing and maintaining traps & associated equipment
- Removal of ticks from small mammals and processing vials for identification
- Washing and reassembling traps to maintain a supply for field use
- Communicating effectively with coworkers and the public
- Performing miscellaneous field and/or light maintenance work as needed
- Promoting a diverse, culturally competent, and respectful workplace
- Participating in other entomology laboratory projects
- Participating in outreach activities like county and state fair information booths or parades
- Performing other job-related duties as required or directed
Benefits
- Paid Training
- Paid Holidays
- Paid Time Off
- Employee Assistance Program
- Flexible Start and End Dates
- May Fulfill Internship Requirements
- Uniforms
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
