No Phone Calls Please - Open to Local Candidates only; Tulare and Kings Counties
Seasonal Positions Available: Mosquito Season, April to November. May vary depending on weather conditions.
Delta Mosquito & Vector Control District
Job Description:
Laboratory Technician I
DEFINITION
Under supervision, sets and retrieves mosquito and vector surveillance traps; maintains assigned equipment, laboratory space, and other work space; and completes other related tasks that support the District mission as required.
POSITION STATUS
This is a temporary, at-will and non-benefited position. Assignment to this position can not exceed 1,000 hours in a fiscal year.
PAYSCALE
Five-step payscale $17.60 to $21.98 hourly. Paid sick leave accrues at the rate of one hour per every 30 hours worked, up to 24 hours or three days. Employees may use accrued paid sick days beginning on the 90th day of employment.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Under supervision, the Laboratory Technician I (Lab Tech I) carries out assignments as trained, the details of which have been planned and organized by supervisory staff. Work is performed in accordance with established methods and safety protocols. Work assignments are accompanied by oral or written instructions.
The Lab Tech I prepares, sets, and collects vector traps throughout the District and is responsible for the cleaning, maintenance, and simple repairing of all traps. When laboratory technicians interact with members of the public, they must do so in a calm, courteous, and professional manner.
Laboratory technicians use mobile data collection devices to accurately record daily activities relating to surveillance, specimen collection, safety inspections, and other laboratory activities.
Technicians use a combination of mobile mapping applications, such as Google or Apple maps, and paper maps to safely navigate to locations throughout the District. Laboratory technicians are required to practice effective time-management skills to successfully complete assigned tasks independently or cooperatively with others.
Laboratory technicians must safely drive motor vehicles on public and private roads and operate hand and power equipment as well as other tools. The individual is expected to maintain a clean and safe work vehicle and to maintain other equipment appropriately. Mechanical issues with their assigned motor vehicle or other equipment are promptly reported to supervisors. The individual must follow all safety policies and wear appropriate protective equipment as required by Federal, State, Local, and District policies and regulations. Laboratory technicians assist in maintaining a clean and organized workplace, which includes disinfecting work counters, sweeping, mopping, taking out trash, organizing, and other necessary activities. Appropriate personal protective equipment is supplied for all activities.
The Laboratory Tech I works throughout the District including on public, residential, agricultural, and commercial properties in a variety of conditions. Physical labor such as loading and carrying surveillance equipment and supplies to work vehicles, trap locations, and storage areas as well as walking over rough terrain to place surveillance traps is necessary.
The Lab Tech I occasionally collects animal and bird carcasses that are potentially infected with vector-borne pathogens. Laboratory Technicians may assist in the identification of mosquito species, processing larval specimens, and maintaining the mosquitofish hatchery after their primary daily responsibilities are complete.
Technicians attend training sessions and read provided manuals to keep informed of regulations, policies and procedures. Technicians notify supervisors of progress and problems, requesting consultation as required. Employees are responsible for following all protocols and guidelines provided.
Other duties that support the District’s goals may be assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education: High School Diploma or G.E.D. equivalent
Knowledge of:
● Standard vehicle operation including observing legal and defensive driving practices.
● Reading, writing, and oral communication.
● Time management and working independently as well as cooperatively with others.
● Mobile phone, tablet, and/or laptop operations.
● Basic mathematical operations.
● General biology.
● Accurate recordkeeping.
Skilled in:
● Use of mobile phone, tablet, and/or laptop.
● Addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
Ability to:
● Learn specific tasks such as assembling mosquito traps and operating specialized equipment.
● Understand and follow oral and written instructions including those in text, diagram, or schedule form.
● Establish and maintain good working relationships with the public and fellow employees.
● Make accurate observations and maintain detailed records, field notes, and maps.
● Accurately record data using a mobile device.
● Navigate to various locations using a mobile device.
● Understand Safety Data Sheets and chemical or pesticide label information.
● Work independently and responsibly to complete assigned activities in a timely manner without direct supervision.
● Learn basic mosquito life cycles and to make field identifications of genus and life stage.
● Complete daily vehicle safety inspection, fuel vehicle, and maintain a clean, organized work vehicle.
● Perform moderate to heavy physical labor frequently in temperatures above 90 degrees
Fahrenheit.
● Accurately calculate, measure, and adjust required supplies and equipment.
● Learn how to safely operate a manual transmission vehicle.
Licenses, certificates, and other special requirements:
● Possession of a valid California Class C driver’s license with a good driving record during the entire time of employment. Employees are enrolled in the DMV Pull Notice Program.
● Must qualify for insurance coverage by the District’s insurance carrier. No major violations and no more than 3 points in a 12 month period, 5 in a 24 month, or 7 in a 36 month period on driving record. A DMV printout is required.
● Must be at least 18 years old.
● Successful completion of pre-employment physical examination and drug screening paid for by the District.
Job Types: Full-time, Temporary
Pay: $17.60 - $21.98 per hour
Expected hours: 40 per week
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Day shift
- Monday to Friday
Application Question(s):
- Are you able to start your 8 hour work shift between 6:00am to 7:30am Monday through Friday? (shift start times are dependent on manager and job tasks)
- Have you read the full job description on for Laboratory Technician I?
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Required)
License/Certification:
- Driver's License (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Visalia, CA 93291: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person