Environmental Technician

Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation. Essential functions and job-related requirements, including physical and cognitive demands, are described below. This job description outlines the general scope of duties and responsibilities and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all tasks that may be assigned.

MAJOR FUNCTION

This technical field position supports countywide surveillance and control of mosquitoes to protect public health. Responsibilities include driving a county vehicle to place and collecting mosquito surveillance traps throughout the county on a weekly schedule. This position is responsible for routine maintenance and operation of mosquito surveillance traps. When available, participate with arbovirus case inspections, mosquito identification, and public outreach events.

ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES

· Collect mosquitoes utilizing appropriate trapping methods and accurately record trap information in Field Seeker database.

· Review trap routes and make recommendations to improve trapping efficiency.

· Advise supervisor about changes in trap site(s), trap routes, or conditions that may potentially impact mosquito collections.

· Assist with service requests by operating vehicles with spray equipment for controlling larvae and adult mosquitoes.

· Assist with adult mosquito identification and accurately document trap collection information.

· Perform simple field repairs of equipment; provides general and preventive maintenance of trap equipment.

· Maintain trap sites from excessive plant growth and pest infestations.

· Provide support to team members to promote mosquito control.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

· Ability to operate small and medium vehicles/all-terrain vehicles.

· Ability to work in a physically demanding locations requiring fieldwork in wet and swampy areas infested with mosquitoes during the heat of the summer, as well as highly developed and populated areas containing pestiferous mosquitoes.

· Ability to drive several hours with periodic stops requiring getting in and out of vehicle.

· Ability to identify environments associated with larval and adult mosquitoes.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Environmental Technician I (PG 09)

· High school diploma or equivalent.

· One (1) year experience in mosquito control or closely related experience.

· Equivalent education or related training may substitute for work experience.

· Must obtain Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) Core and Public Health Pest Control certifications within six (6) months from start date.

Environmental Technician II (PG 11)

· High school diploma or equivalent, and a minimum of three (3) years of mosquito control

· Or a bachelor’s degree in environmental sciences or related field and 1 year of mosquito control related experience equivalent to Environmental Technician I.

· Must possess FDACS Public Health Pest Control License, including Core certification; if not held at the time of employment, must be obtained within six (6) months from start date.

· Demonstrate proficiency with each of the following assessments

- 80% on Polk County Mosquito Identification,

- Applied Integrated Mosquito Management

- Mosquito Anatomy and Physiology

· Successful completion seven (7) approved Dodd Short Courses related to mosquito control management.

Environmental Technician III (PG 13)

· High school diploma or equivalent, and all of the following:

– Completed all requirements or equivalent training for Environmental Technician I and II.

– A minimum of seven (7) years in mosquito control (Environmental Technician level).

· A bachelor’s degree in environmental sciences or related field and 3 years of mosquito control experience at the level of Environmental Technician or related equivalent experience.

· Must possess FDACS Public Health Pest Control License; if not held at the time of employment, must be obtained within six (6) months after start date.

· Requires proficiency with each of the following assessments

- 100% on Polk County Mosquito Identification,

- Advance Applied Integrated Mosquito Management

- Advanced Mosquito Anatomy and Physiology

· Successful completion ten (10) approved Dodd Short Courses. A passing score on the Advance Mosquito Control Exam will substitute for Dodd Short Course requirements. All requirements for Environment Technician I and II must be completed.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

All employees will be required to work before, during, or after an emergency. During an emergency, employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.