Lab & Field Technician

JOB SUMMARY

Seasonal position responsible for assisting laboratory, field, and vector management programs. Essential duties will include setting & collecting mosquito traps, mosquito colony maintenance, lab maintenance, tick surveillance, surveying for and treating mosquitoes, and assisting with other lab & field projects as needed. The technician position will work in both laboratory and field settings, under various terrain and weather conditions.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential Duties:

• District Program Implementation: Assists with the implementation of District lab, field, and vector management programs as determined by state statute. Duties may include but are not limited to:


• Setting and picking up weekly mosquito traps


• Collecting other entomological samples, including mosquito larvae and ticks in various field settings


• Treating mosquito larvae or adults using insecticides


• Mosquito insectary maintenance, including rearing field samples or maintaining lab colonies


• Maintaining a clean and sterile lab


• Cleaning and sterilizing lab equipment


• Organizing and preparing samples, laboratory supplies, and equipment


• Follow all lab safety protocols and standard microbiological practices


• Assists with survey and treatment activities for District programs


• Assists with other programs and projects as needed


• Data Collection: Utilize GIS and GPS technology and equipment to navigate to project areas and collect species and treatment data while in the field.


• Communications: Regularly and effectively communicates, verbally or in writing with supervisors regarding topics such as District protocol, safety needs, project reporting, etc.


• Represents the District: Represents the District locally to Teton County Residents, visitors, partner organizations, and cooperative projects.

Other Duties:

• Participate in calibrating District equipment


• Report lab and field equipment maintenance issues


• Safely handles, mixes, and applies pesticides


• Conduct special projects and assignments as required


• Provide assistance to other various District programs as needed

PREFERRED EDUCATION or EXPERIENCE

1. In progress or completed Bachelor’s Degree in entomology, biology, environmental science, or related field

OR

1. Equivalent combination of education and experience may be used

JOB REQUIREMENTS 

• Ability to obtain commercial applicators license


• Must be insurable by District automobile insurance provider

PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

 Knowledge of:

• Prior field experience in various and challenging terrain


• Standard Microbiological Practices


• Lab bench skills & equipment operation


• Current GIS and GPS capabilities and applications


• Insect life cycles and species identification


• Volume measurements and conversions

Ability to:

• Apply technical and mechanical skills associated with District management


• Write reports with sufficient detail to enable the reader to identify and understand all pertinent facts


• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the general public


• Operate various equipment including but not limited to fume hoods, centrifuges, biosafety cabinets, autoclaves, automobiles, ATVs, various spray equipment, UTVs, telephone, calculator, computer, copiers, GIS/GPS and other business/office equipment


• Understand verbal and written information and instruction and exchange information with others


• Work effectively both in group settings and alone

Skills to:

• Utilize problem solving strategies


• Manage time efficiently

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Environmental Conditions:

The field work aspect of the position will be performed outdoors in an unprotected environment. The incumbent may be exposed to adverse conditions while driving from the primary business location to field locations as well as during any service-related activities. Moderate seasonal exposure to extreme heat with or without temperature changes may also be encountered. 

General Physical Requirements:

• Conduct activities involving walking 75% of the time, standing 20% of the time, and sitting 5% of the time.


• Lift burdens weighing up to 80 lbs.


• Carry backpack equipment weighing between 24 and 40 lbs.


• Grasp and manipulate office equipment as well as tools, equipment and materials used in the maintenance of facilities and equipment


• Conduct activities involving climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling/bending, crouching, crawling, twisting, and reaching on a moderate basis


• Participate in routine conversation in person or via telephone and to distinguish telephone voice and other auditory tone


• Distinguish objects in low and bright light using visual capacity including peripheral vision, depth perception, color vision, and far and near acuity in order to observe all elements of a structure or zone and document the results.


• Operate a motor vehicle and light to mid-level equipment

Laboratory Conditions:

The lab work aspect of the position will be performed indoors.

Physical Requirements:

• Sit for extended periods of time during assays.


• Ability to utilize all standard PPE and laboratory appropriate dress code


• Ability to distinguish small objects and maintain hand eye coordination while performing assays, such as pipetting into microcentrifuge tubes.