Vector Management Technician (Fixed Term Contract)

Puerto Rico Science Technology & Research Trust•San Juan, PR

11h•Onsite

About The Position

The Vector Management Technician supports the Puerto Rico Vector Control Unit (PRVCU) in controlling Aedes aegypti and other vectors and pests through vector control, surveillance, mosquito identification, and community engagement. The role includes a variety of changing duties as PRVCU projects and collaborations evolve, and requires adapting work priorities to project goals and organizational needs. Work takes place in the field, in communities, and in a laboratory. The technician may encounter indoor and outdoor conditions, noise, vibration, chemicals, fumes, odors, moving parts, and high places, and may need to wear a mask or other protective equipment. Duties require vehicle travel and may involve lifting, carrying, pushing, or otherwise moving objects requiring up to 40 pounds of force. Work must follow applicable laws and PRVCU policies and procedures. Field duties include conducting surveillance and control activities, identifying and preparing specimens, conducting insecticide resistance assays, recording data, maintaining equipment and supplies, and assisting with evaluations and other projects. Community duties include supporting outreach and education, organizing and presenting at meetings and events, preparing educational materials, responding to public inquiries, supporting community databases, and training community leaders. The role also requires following environmental, health, and safety protocols and responsibly using assigned vehicles and equipment.

Requirements

Functionally bilingual in English and Spanish, including reading, writing, and speaking both languages.
Associate degree in Biology, Natural Sciences, Education, Public Health, Agronomy, or a related STEM field.
Two years of documented experience working in agriculture and vector management.
Knowledge of vector biology, laboratory techniques including mosquito identification and insecticide resistance, and vector control practices.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, including alone in remote or restricted-access areas.
Ability to engage successfully with a wide range of stakeholders and maintain effective working relationships with PRVCU employees and the public.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively as part of a team in a dynamic environment, influence at all organizational levels, and give and receive constructive feedback tactfully.
Excellent oral and written communication in English and Spanish, including writing, proofreading, editing, grammar, punctuation, style, and formatting; ability to explain complex ideas in clear, relatable terms.
Ability to communicate work performed and results to technical and non-technical audiences, and remain diplomatic with agitated members of the public or coworkers.
Ability to learn, understand, and apply skills related to biology, mathematics, numerical data, and procedures for data and sample collection, preparation, and interpretation of survey, technical, and progress reports.
Willingness to work outdoors in fluctuating and unfavorable weather conditions.
Ability to read, interpret, and follow policies, procedures, and technical, legal, and administrative documents related to field and laboratory surveillance.
Ability to create and write correspondence, technical reports, and administrative documents related to field and laboratory surveillance.
Ability to make accurate observations, maintain detailed records, evaluate situations, choose an effective course of action, and follow instructions exactly.
Experience with Microsoft Office.
Valid Puerto Rico driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Conduct surveillance of immature and adult mosquitoes and other vector specimens, including deploying and servicing traps, counting life stages, and using other methods directed by the supervisor.
Conduct vector control activities, including site inspections, source reduction, and application of insecticides or other products as directed by the supervisor.
Identify adult mosquitoes, larvae, and other vector species; prepare samples for storage or molecular testing.
Conduct mosquito insecticide resistance assays.
Adapt activities to support PRVCU initiatives and collaborations with academic, state, federal, and private-sector partners.
Record data accurately in an organized and readable format, and follow procedures for handling samples, equipment, and materials.
Meet schedules assigned by the supervisor and coordinate with the supervisor to complete tasks and meet project timelines.
Prepare, organize, and clean vehicles, materials, and supplies used for trap servicing and control activities.
Assist in evaluating products or techniques that may benefit PRVCU control programs and in additional field or laboratory projects.
Follow Environmental, Health, and Safety protocols, use required personal protective equipment, and report hazards or incidents.
Use assigned vehicles, mobile devices, and office equipment responsibly, operate vehicles safely, and comply with data security requirements.
Support implementation of community and business outreach plans according to the Community Division Strategic Plan.
Organize, attend, and present at business, community, school, and neighborhood meetings about PRVCU programs, community mobilization, education, and vector control.
Coordinate, support, design, or implement educational lessons and outreach events, including workshops, town halls, special events, educational booths, talks, and informational visits, during or outside normal business hours.
Develop public education and information materials, presentations, and displays, and contribute to newsletters, media and new-media outreach, educational content, social media, and website content in accordance with PRVCU guidelines and PRST branding.
Assess, record, and report on the development, progress, attainment, and behavior of students and community members.
Safeguard and make optimal use of equipment used during lessons and ensure its regular service and maintenance.
Respond to public and community inquiries and brief organization staff on matters of public interest and concern.
Define requirements and participate in designing and implementing a community database of interested parties and issues.
Provide training to community leaders, including Train the Trainers formats, and support the Vector Control Unit and Community Mobilization division as needed.