Volusia Counties

Major Functions

The County of Volusia is seeking an Entomological Aide for the Mosquito Control Division. This position is located in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, and will be responsible for technical field and laboratory work pertaining to vector surveillance, mosquito identification, and other special projects.

Illustrative Duties

(NOTE: These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position.)

• Conducts mosquito surveillance to include mosquito larval and adult collections utilizing a variety of techniques and trap types.
• Performs mosquito identification of larval and adult samples to species.
• Maintains sentinel chicken program including collection and management of samples; chicken husbandry; and maintenance of equipment and supplies.
• Maintains trapping equipment.
• Documents surveillance and control activities electronically and manages data via computer, tablet and/or other appropriate device.
• Responds to citizen requests for service including property inspections for mosquito production.
• Conducts mosquito treatments as required based upon larval and adult surveillance.
• Assists personnel with mosquito insectary, resistance management and product efficacy evaluations.
• Assists personnel with equipment calibration and characterization.
• Makes presentations at public meetings, professional meetings, schools, and special events.
• Provides training for student workers/interns and other staff.
• Follows current protocols to preserve any virus in mosquito samples, capture, identify, process and ship pooled mosquitoes for virus testing.
• May perform Mosquito Control Inspector duties.
• May be assigned to other county locations based upon operational needs.
• Attends work on a regular and consistent basis.
• Must adhere to Federal, State, County and Local ordinances.
• Responds to emergency situations.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

Graduation from high school or possession of a GED and two (2) years of pest control or mosquito inspection surveillance experience or an Associate's Degree in Science.

A comparable amount of training, education, or experience may be substituted for the minimum requirements.

Must obtain the following Public Applicator license, through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), within six (6) months of hire and maintain thereafter: 1. Public Health Pest Control License

Must possess a valid driver's license at time off hire.

Must obtain a valid Florida driver's license within 30 days of hire and maintain thereafter.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of rules of safe operation and handling of pesticides and equipment utilized for inspections, ground Ultra Low Volume (ULV) application (fogging) and larviciding.
• Ability to gain knowledge of mosquito production habitats of the species common to this area.
• Able to rapidly learn procedures applying to the control of mosquitoes and other related functions.
• Ability to apply knowledge within an integrated mosquito management program.
• Ability to make inspections, follow oral and written instructions, ascertain facts through investigation, and take appropriate action (treatment, source reduction, education, etc.).
• Ability to prepare records and reports.
• Ability to utilize a computer, tablet, global positioning system (GPS) and/or comparable device.
• Ability to learn the operation of outboard boats and airboats.
• Ability to learn the operation of four-wheel drive vehicles.
• Ability to fly as a passenger in a helicopter.
• Ability to gain knowledge of pertinent aspects of mosquito biology and ecology, and identification characteristics of species found in this area.
• Ability to follow experimental protocol.
• Ability to work in the field under harsh conditions including, but not limited to, extreme heat, humidity, cold, rain, and flooding conditions.
• Ability to obtain and maintain required certifications.
• Ability to safely operate County vehicles and equipment.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing and interact effectively with others and the general public.
• Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, orally and in writing to groups and individuals.
• Ability to respond to emergency situations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to work under stressful conditions.
• Ability to interact effectively with others.
• Must be able to relocate to other county locations based upon operational needs.

ADA REQUIREMENTS:

Mental Demands: Ability to read and comprehend technical and scientific reports and manuals; instructions, procedures, memos, and letters. Ability to perform shop math. Ability to write and speak clearly and concisely. Ability to analyze field variables and develop appropriate action.

Physical Demands: Ability to perform essential duties and responsibilities and meet the minimum qualifications. Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull 50 pounds. Ability to reach, see, talk, hear, handle, feel, twist, manual dexterity. Visual acuity (peripheral vision, depth perception, color acuity) necessary to operate motorized vehicles and other assigned equipment, and identify key features of mosquitoes.

Environmental Demands: Inside and outside work. Ability to tolerate inclement weather including extreme heat, humidity, cold, rain and flooding conditions. Potential exposure to salt water and air, mud, snakes, chemicals, insects, toxic plants, odors, dust, fumes, noise, and vibration. Ability to traverse undeveloped, uneven, wet, broken terrain; wooded, marshy areas.

Volusia County is a drug free workplace and an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse workforce. Veterans' preference in accordance with federal, state, and local laws.

We offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package that includes:

HEALTH INSURANCE

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Flexible Spending Account

RETIREMENT

• Florida Retirement System (FRS)
• Deferred Retirement Option Program (DROP)
• Deferred Compensation (475 Plan)

SUPPLEMENTAL INSURANCE

• Life Insurance
• Short Term Disability Insurance
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Cancer Insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance

PAID TIME OFF

• Personal Leave
• Holidays
• Bereavement
• Military

HOLIDAYS

The County of Volusia observes the following holidays annually:

• New Year's Day
• Martin Luther King Day
• Good Friday
• Memorial Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Veterans Day
• Thanksgiving (and day after)
• Christmas

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

• Tuition Reimbursement
• Onsite Wellness/Fitness Center
• Computer Purchase Program
• Direct Deposit Payroll

Temporary and intermittent employees are not paid for holidays and are not eligible for benefits.