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Testing & Evaluation Technician
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 Test and Evaluation Supervisor, the Test and Evaluation Specialist assists with and executes tasks associated with Insecticide Resistance Management (IRM). This position is responsible for insectary maintenance, survey and collection of specimens for testing, and assisting with insecticide resistance testing.
Duties & Responsibilities:
- Responsible for rearing mosquito species through complete life cycles, with focus on maintenance of susceptible colony strains and propagation of feral mosquitoes used in insecticide resistance testing.
- Surveys and identifies key breeding habitats for public health mosquito populations and collects feral mosquitoes for insecticide resistance testing.
- Prepare materials and assists with running field cage test, CDC bottle bioassays, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based insecticide resistance testing.
- Wash and clean all equipment and materials as per lab protocols to ensure removal of any chemicals or agents that may negatively impact the mosquito colonies.
- Builds/modifies and readies equipment for the use in projects.
- Sorts mosquitoes by sex and transferring females by aspiration into cages/cups/bottles as required for each test.
- Performs maintenance on laboratory equipment and materials according to protocols for quality assurance and quality control.
- Assists with training supervision of seasonal/new employees as required.
Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer
If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email ADACoordinator@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:
- High School diploma or G.E.D. equivalent.
Experience:
- At least six (6) months of related work experience in mosquito trapping and field collection, insectary colony rearing, insecticide resistance testing or biology lab skills.
- Current and valid Driver’s License (TX upon hire) with good driving record.
- Must acquire Texas Certified Pesticide Applicators License within 1 year of employment.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Knowledge of insect biology and biology laboratory skills.
- Ability to utilize a GPS unit.
- Computer proficiency: Basic skills in Microsoft Windows, MS Excel, MS Word, MS PowerPoint, MS Outlook.
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
- 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
NOTE: Qualifying 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.
Qualifications
Education:
- Bachelor's Degree in Entomology, Public Health, Biology, or related field from an accredited College or University.
Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:
- This is a Full-Time position Days and hours of work are typically Monday through Friday, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
- Up to 40 hours per week
- Other days and hours as necessary
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 70 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. Must be willing to work evenings and weekends and on occasion holidays.
Work Location:
- 3330 Old Spanish Trail, Houston, TX 77021
Employment is contingent upon passing a background check and drug screen.
Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.
Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.
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