Biologist

Primary duties (under the supervision of the Executive Director)

General

• Regular attendance at staff meetings
• Adherence to CCVCD policies and procedures, as outlined in the General Handbook.
• Responsible for regular laboratory cleaning and orderliness.
• Shared responsibility for weekly District cleaning chores (trash, restrooms, etc.).
• When asked, attendance at District Board Meetings (to include presenting to the Board the results/analysis of field surveillance/trap/laboratory data in graphical and/or tabular form).
• Participation in District “On Call” status for emergencies (flooding, etc.)
• Hold a valid driver’s license from Oregon or other state within the CONUS and be insurable under the district policy.
• Obtain an Oregon Department of Agriculture Public Applicator License within 30 days of hire and maintain licensure throughout employment. Obtaining an ODA Public Applicator License requires passing the “Laws and Safety” and “Public Health” exams.
• Other duties as directed and in scope with the mission of the district.

Surveillance

• Adult trapping with a variety of traps:
  • • Carbon dioxide baited traps
    • Gravid traps (Cummings, GAT, ova-cup)
• Identification of larva and adult mosquitoes and flies.
• Maintenance and archiving surveillance records in written and electronic format.
• Interacting with ArcGIS-based surveillance software, to include generation of graphs and tables for dissemination to various agencies and individuals.
• Generating and filing reports of surveillance activities to relevant agencies (OHA, CDC, CCVCD Board of Trustees, etc.).
• Update and revise spreadsheet and databases as needed for surveillance and population monitoring.
• Work on ways of utilizing data through excel, statistical analysis-R, and various other modeling available to use data for evaluating control methods.
• Working with technical staff to determine best sampling methods for fly and mosquito sources along with training field staff on trapping to assist the biologist.
• When asked, advising seasonal/field staff on relevant biological aspects of vector ecology (focus on mosquito and fly biology).

Laboratory

• Maintain regular testing through OSU veterinary diagnostic testing.
• Prepare and learn about newer methods of disease testing in house with PCR testing.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, including fume hood, microscopes, and other relevant devices.
• Work with other staff to maintain traps in good working order.
• Continue with annual bioassay testing for larval and adult mosquitoes throughout the county to test for pesticide resistance.
• Work on creating a sustainable rearing room for mosquitoes to have populations on hand for resistance testing.
• Revise trapping routes and locations based on needs of the district and relevant historical data.
• Attend professional conferences and training as they relate to vector-borne diseases.

Outreach as needed

• Participating in regular public outreach events (CC Fair, Master Gardener’s meeting, etc.).
• Assisting with educational outreach to local schools (elementary, middle, high) when requested.
• Maintaining an “Outreach” kit (preserved insects, magnifying lenses, etc.).
• Participation in ‘career day’ events at local schools and colleges.

Seeking hard working candidates with good communication and organizational skills and a strong background in biology, with emphasis on vector-borne disease ecology. Successful candidates will collect, identify, enumerate, process and analyze vectors (mostly mosquitoes), using typical laboratory techniques and methods. Candidates should be comfortable in field and laboratory settings, have strong interpersonal communication skills, and be well trained in the scientific method, especially as it relates to vector-borne disease ecology and epidemiology.  Duties include setting up and retrieving vector traps in various habitats around the county, working in conditions that may expose them to insect bites, and working with infectious agents in a laboratory setting.  Candidates should have a strong desire to support research on pesticide resistance and vector-borne diseases and will be expected to participate in applicable research projects and other duties.  

Minimum qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in biology or related discipline is preferred. Experience in vector control will be preferred. Other qualifications include a valid driver’s license and insurability and a pesticide applicator certification or the ability to obtain certification within 30 days of hire.  Successful candidates must pass a reference check and criminal background screen and may be asked to participate in a pre-employment drug screen and medical exam. 

Salary Range: $78,875 – $105,700 per year depending on experience.

Hours and Duration:  Monday – Thursday 7:00am – 5:00pm / Permanent