Job Opening!
Entry Level Biologist/ Entomologist
Job Classifications:
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
The Biologist works under the direct supervision of the Director/Supervisor. The employee will collect, identify, count and record all daily surveillance data as required. The employee will coordinate trap collection routes, assist in the development of ULV missions and work closely with the staff to help with various operational field projects. The employee is required to maintain trapping equipment ensuring maximum trap night collections. The Biologist will also create and maintain a taxonomic insect reference collection for the District.
The position involves specialized mosquito identification skills and some identification of other blood feeding flies. Formal mosquito identification training would be strongly desired. Surveillance trap identification can take up to 4 hours per day depending on work load and will be the primary duty of this position All other duties will be accomplished once the surveillance trap collections have been completed.
The Biologist is expected to work in the lab and in the field daily. The employee must exercise considerable independent judgment and accomplish all work with minimal supervision. The employee will perform a variety of standard procedure functions that will occasionally become more involved.
EXAMPLES OF WORK:
Performs extensive stereoscope work identifying surveillance trap collections.
Performs periodic maintenance and servicing work on all surveillance trap equipment.
Navigate surveillance trap routes and adjust routes as needed for efficiency.
Assist in the data entry for AM/PM ground ULV missions.
Responsible for pinning, preserving, storing and displaying taxonomic collections.
May be expected to perform tasks related to entomology field projects.
May be required to perform field related duties in another employee’s absence.
Performs any and all related work as required by the Director or supervisor.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Competence in mosquito taxonomy, anatomy, biology and ecology.
Position requires knowledge of insect identification with an emphasis on mosquitoes.
Ability to use a dichotomous key to identify unknown trap specimens.
Competence in mosquito trap types and use to incuse CDC traps.
Competence in mosquito surveillance systems to include landing rate counts.
Skill in the maintenance of all equipment to which assigned.
Skilled in the use of a computer.
Ability to understand and follow both oral and written instructions.
Physical strength and ability to work out of doors occasionally under adverse weather conditions.
Ability to lift 50 pounds.
Considerable knowledge of safety rules and regulations and of the precautions to be taken to avoid accidents.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the public.
Able to travel outside the District periodically for training and to assist with projects.
OPEN REQUIREMENTS
Graduation from high school or possession of a G.E.D. certificate. Bachelor’s in Science Degree from an accredited college or university is preferred. Must demonstrate the ability to be proficient on a computer. A minimum of two (2) years training/or experience in identification of mosquitoes is preferred. Ability to use a dichotomous key is required.
Must hold a current Public Health Pest Control License issued by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) or be able to acquire the FDACS license within six months.
Must possess a valid Florida Driver’s License.
Must be able and willing to work at times outside the regular scheduled workweek to include evenings, weekends and holidays.
Must be willing to work with insecticides.
COMPENSATION:
The pay range at this position starts at $42,000 annually, however; final offer will depend on experience and qualifications. Excellent benefit packet including step raises, Florida Retirement System, District 100% paid Health, life and long/short term disability insurance. Vacation, sick and Dental package available.
ABOUT US:
Amelia Island Mosquito Control District (AIMCD) is an Independent Special Taxing District with an operating budget of around one million dollars. The District is overseen by three (3) elected Commissioners. Our District is responsible for 26 square miles of intermixed urban, residential, rural, salt marsh and fresh water habitats. Our website is available for further information at www.aimcd.org.
TO APPLY:
Submit a resume to bhyers@aimcd.org. Also be available for a possible informal meet and greet before an actual interview process takes place. Position available May 1, 2020.
