Testing & Evaluation Entomologist

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Testing & Evaluation Entomologist

Salary

Depends on Qualifications

Location

Houston, TX

Job Type

Regular Full-time

Job Number

14567

Department

Public Health Services

Division

Mosquito & Vector Control

Opening Date

03/31/2025

Closing Date

4/24/2025 11:59 PM Central

Position Description

This is a grant funded position.


If you’re looking to be a part of a collaborative environment where your skills can make an impact, explore our current opportunities in creating a better future for public health.

About Harris County Public Health:
Harris County Public Health (HCPH) includes a network of more than 1,100 public health professionals working together to improve health outcomes for the third most populous county in the United States. HCPH provides a multitude of services such as medical and dental services, community programming, and health education for the approximately 2.3 million people in unincorporated Harris County. Through its core values of innovation, engagement, and health equity, HCPH strives to bring meaningful solutions to public health issues while keeping Harris County healthy and vibrant.

Position Overview:
Under the supervision of the Alternative Mosquito Control & Applied Research (AMCAR) Manager, the Testing & Evaluation Entomologist (T&E) is responsible for overseeing all Insecticide Resistance Management (IRM) projects, maintains the mosquito colonies, and ensures the efficient, effective operations of the T&E laboratory.

Duties & Responsibilities:
  • Plan and monitor all laboratory and field-based tests (field cage tests, CDC bottle bioassays, and knockdown resistance genetic testing) to evaluate pesticide resistance in the mosquito population.
  • Evaluate laboratory and field activities, generate and produce reports as required, and review novel IRM testing techniques for potential inclusion into MVC processes. 
  • Responsible for supervising and assisting with rearing multiple feral and colonized mosquito species through complete life cycles.
  • Conduct surveys to determine the most suitable test sites for specimen collection.
  • Deploy and retrieve mosquito egg collecting devices.
  • Certify quality assurance and quality control within the laboratory by following all Federal and State protocols.
  • Other duties as assigned, including special tasks involved in responding to an emergency event.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or emailADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net.

This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.


Requirements

Education:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Entomology, Public Health or related field of science.
Experience:
  • At least one (1) year of related work experience in mosquito control operation trapping and field collection, insectary colony rearing, or insecticide resistance testing.
Licensure/Certification:
  • Valid Driver’s License (Texas upon hire) along with a good driving record required for daily surveillance and collection of species.
  • Must acquire a Texas Certified Pesticide Noncommercial Political Applicator’s License within one year of employment.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite programs including Office 365 (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams, etc.).
  • Knowledge of mosquito biology and habitats, including insectary colony rearing and insecticide resistance testing.
  • Familiarity with mosquito biology, habitat and environmental factors.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Knowledge of laboratory skills, DNA extraction, and qPCR.
Core Competencies:
Organizational Leadership:
  • Understands the organizational mission.
  • Understands ethics and public good; is concerned with public trust.
  • Demonstrates respect for the opinions and beliefs of others.
Collaboration:
  • Contributes to an inclusive workplace where equity, diversity, inclusion, and individual differences are valued and leveraged to achieve the vision and mission.
  • Demonstrates a sense of responsibility for the success of the group.
  • Collaborates with others to improve quality and address needs.
Innovation:
  • Ability to adapt to change.
Interpersonal Abilities/Personal Characteristics:
  • Treats others with courtesy, sensitivity, and respect.
  • Behaves in an honest, fair, and ethical manner.
  • Assesses and recognizes own strengths and weaknesses.
  • Uses sound judgment.
  • Self-motivated.
  • Organizes and maintains work environment to allow for maximum productivity.
Communication:
  • Communicates clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
NOTEQualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.

Preferences

Education:

  • Master's degree in Entomology, Public Health or related field of science.

General Information

Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:

  • This is a Full Time - Regular position.
  • 40 hours per week.
  • Must be able to work nights, weekends and holidays as required to accomplish the mission of MVCD.
Work Environment:
  • This position works in lab and in field. Field duties include operating a county vehicle to and from surveillance sites and carrying trapping equipment to and from surveillance site. Field portion is conducted in a variety of weather conditions including rain, heat and humidity.
Physical Demands:
  • Comfortable working outdoors, lifting, bending, stooping, walking up inclines. Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. Must be in good physical health; able to tolerate high heat and high humidity for extended periods of time while working in a variety of habitats including spoils site, ship channel location, asphalt, concrete, dirt streets, etc
Work Location:
  • Harris County Public Health: Mosquito & Vector Control Division - 3330 Old Spanish Trail, Houston, TX 77021.

BENEFITS
Harris County offers a competitive benefits program, including comprehensive group health and related benefits plan as well as defined benefit retirement plan.
 
The following list of benefits is offered only to employees in regular (full-time) positions:
  • Medical Coverage
  • Dental Coverage
  • Vision Coverage
  • Wellness Plan
  • Life Insurance 
  • Long-term disability
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Ten (10) days of vacation each year for the first five (5) years of service
    • Accrual rates increase based on years of service
  • Eleven (11) County-observed holidays and one (1) floating holiday
  • Professional development opportunities
  • Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan
  • Healthcare Reimbursement Account
  • 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
The following benefits are also available to regular (full-time) employment and may be available to part-time employees:
  • Retirement Pension (TCDRS)
  • Flexible schedule (varies by department)
  • Transportation Assistance (Metro RideSponsor Program)

In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, Group Health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the County's behalf as needed.
 
For plan details, visit the Harris County benefits website:

01
Which of the following best describes your highest level of education completed as it relates to this position?
  • High School or GED diploma
  • Associate degree
  • Bachelor's Degree
  • Master's Degree or higher
  • None of the above
02
Could you please specify which major or field of study?
  • Entomology
  • Public Health
  • Related Field
  • Not Related Field
03
How many years of experience do you have or related work in mosquito control operation trapping and field collection, insectary colony rearing, or insecticide resistance testing ?
  • One (1) year or more
  • Less than one (1) year
  • I do not have this experience
04
This role requires a Valid Driver's License (Texas upon hire) with good driving record. Do you have a Valid Driver's License?
  • I have a valid Texas driver’s license with good driving record
  • I have a valid driver’s license from another state with good driving record but can obtain a Texas license upon hire.
  • I do not have a valid driver’s license.
05
Are you able and willing to acquire a Texas Certified Pesticide Noncommercial Political Applicator’s License within one year of employment, if required for the position?
  • Yes, I am able and willing to acquire the required license within one year of employment.
  • No, I am not able or willing to acquire the required license within one year of employment.
  • I am not interested
06
What is your experience with integrated pest management (IPM)? Do not use "Please see Resume" or "See Resume" (To be considered, qualifying experience must be documented in your application's employment history) Please include your (a) role(s), (b) types of organizations, (c) scope of duties and responsibilities If you do not have this experience, please type "None" in the space provided.
07
Please describe your verifiable experience with insectary work ? Do not use "Please see Resume" or "See Resume" (To be considered, qualifying experience must be documented in your application's employment history) Please include your (a) role(s), (b) types of organizations, (c) scope of duties and responsibilities If you do not have this experience, please type "None" in the space provided.

Required Question

Employer
Harris County
Address
1111 Fannin St
Ste. 600
Houston, Texas, 77002
Phone
713-274-5445