California. The Vector Ecologist conducts duties to help reduce the risk of vector-borne disease transmission to California residents and visitors. This position will be responsible for the coordination of the West Nile Virus Dead Bird Surveillance Program, which utilizes dead bird reports received by the public to monitor for WNV activity around the state.
This position will also work as a team member to conduct other vector-borne disease surveillance activities. Work will be performed under the supervision of the Supervising Public Health Biologist, VBDS Coastal Region. A cover letter and resume must be submitted with the application. The salary range for this position is $72,800 to
$83,200 annually depending on experience/qualifications. If hired for this position, applicant will be required to provide proof of full vaccination for COVID-19 prior to the start date; or have a valid religious or medical reason qualifying the applicant for an exemption (that may or may not require accommodation).
The applicant will need to have the qualifying exemption. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Maintain daily operations of the West Nile Virus Dead Bird Surveillance Program. Evaluate reports of dead birds to determine if birds are suitable for testing; respond to the public via telephone or email and coordinate sample submission for testing. Train and direct WNV Dead Bird Surveillance
Program staff and ensure data are recorded accurately in the database.
Provide consultation to local vector control agencies on WNV dead bird surveillance protocols and test results. Work with local vector control agencies, the UC Davis Arbovirus Research and Training Laboratory, and VBDS staff to ensure accuracy and timeliness of all program reports and test results. Maintain and analyze statewide dead bird surveillance data; prepare reports and present findings at scientific meetings. Assist with environmental surveillance of vector-borne diseases, including plague, hantavirus, and mosquito and tick-borne diseases, in conjunction with VBDS Public Health Biologists as needed to backss and mitigate risk of vector-borne disease transmission, and to assist in investigating vector-borne disease cases or outbreaks.
Perform other duties as directed by the VBDS Supervising Public Health Biologist. JOB QUALIFICATIONS General knowledge of vector-borne disease prevention, surveillance, and control methods, preferred. Excellent writing and speaking skills; ability to communicate scientific information to the public and public health professionals. Experience working with large datasets. Willingness to conduct laboratory and field work, including the trapping and handling of mosquitoes and animals for vector-borne disease surveillance.
Ability to prioritize, manage multiple tasks, and work independently. Demonstrate reliability and integrity. Education/experience Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in entomology, ecology, biology, or similar scientific discipline. Experience working in field and laboratory settings desired. Certificates/Licenses/Clearances None Other Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities General knowledge of ornithology and California bird species Computer skills (Microsoft Word, Access, Excel, Outlook, Power Point) Familiarity with databases Possess organizational skills Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work well with others in a team Willingness to travel overnight as needed PHYSICAL DEMANDS Stand: Frequently Walk: Frequently Sit: Frequently Handling / Fingering: Frequently Reach Outward: Occasionally Reach Above Shoulder: Occasionally Climb, Crawl, Kneel, Bend: Occasionally Lift / Carry: Occasionally - Up to 50 lbs Push/Pull: Occasionally - Up to 50 lbs See (Vision): Constantly Taste/ Smell: Not Applicable KEY Constantly = (5+ hrs/day) Frequently = (2 - 5 hrs/day) Occasionally = (0 - 2 hrs/day) Not Applicable = Not required for essential functions WORK ENVIRONMENT Remote (50%) with in-person (50%); hybrid remote and in-person work varies seasonally.
Remote. Must have functioning internet access. There is no reimbursement for internet access. EEOC STATEMENT It is the policy of Heluna Health to provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, interaction, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, interactionual orientation, genetic information or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant.
However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.
41 CFR 60-1.35(c)
