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Avian Technician

Houston, United States

Position Description

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 Avian Surveillance Supervisor, the Avian Surveillance Technician assists with daily laboratory and field operations and ensures accuracy of all avian data.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Conducts live bird trapping and sampling activities that include capturing, identifying, sexing, aging, banding, blood draw, and releasing in accordance with Federal and State regulations.
Collects dead birds reported by citizens, local wildlife rehabilitation centers, and other avian entities.
Assists in the preparation of laboratory materials and equipment for live and dead bird testing, conducts WNV diagnostic testing of dead bird specimens using Rapid Analyze Measurement Platform (RAMP) test.
Enters all live and dead bird data into the relevant databases.
Repairs and maintains mist nets and all other avian surveillance equipment as needed.
Assists with field projects, outreach events, and research initiatives as needed.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer
https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx
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 GED.

License:

Valid Driver’s License (Texas upon hire) along with a good driving record.

Experience:

At least one (1) year of educational or work experience in wildlife ecology or related field.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Ability to troubleshoot issues and recommend appropriate solutions.
Ability to plan, organize and execute tasks effectively and efficiently.
Ability to work well with a variety of personalities and handle stress well.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Ability to develop, implement, improve, and learn new techniques pertinent to field/lab operations.
Must have good organizational skills and excellent communication skills to coordinate information to appropriate personnel.
Proficient using Microsoft Office Suite products.

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.

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.

General Information

Position Type, and Typical Hours of Work:

This is a Full Time, Regular position.
40 hours per week.
Scheduled hours of operation are Monday - Friday, 5:00am - 1:30pm; days may vary based on the operations need.

Work Environment:

Office/Laboratory work and Field work..

Physical Demands:

Must be able to lift 70 lbs., be in good physical health, able to tolerate high heat and humidity for extended periods of time outdoors while working in a variety of urban and natural environments.

Must be able to work nights, weekends and holidays as required to accomplish the mission of MVCD.

Work Location:

3330 Old Spanish Trail. Houston, Texas. 77021.

Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.

Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.

HARRIS COUNTY EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

Harris County offers a highly competitive benefits program, featuring a comprehensive group health plan and defined benefit retirement plan.

The following benefits are offered only to Harris County employees in regular (full-time) positions:

Health & Wellness Benefits

Medical Coverage
Dental Coverage
Vision Coverage
Wellness Plan
Life Insurance
Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Ten (10) days of vacation leave per year (accrual rate increases after 5 years of service)
Eleven (11) County-observed holidays
One (1) floating holiday per year
Paid Parental Leave*
Sick Leave

Retirement Savings Benefit

457 Deferred Compensation Plan

The following benefits are available to Harris County employees in full-time and select part-time positions:

Professional learning & development opportunities
Retirement pension (TCDRS defined benefit plan)
Flexible work schedule*
METRO RideSponsor Program*

Participation may vary by County department. The employee benefits plans of Harris County are extended to all eligible participants across various departments with the exception of the Harris County Community Supervision and Corrections Department, for which the cited Health & Wellness Benefits are administered through the State of Texas.

In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, group health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Harris County Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the County's behalf as needed.

For plan details, visit the Harris County Benefits & Wellness website:

www.benefitsathctx.com

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