Biologist

Biologist Job Description

Primary duties (under the supervision of the Executive Director)

1. General

a. Regular attendance at staff meetings

b. Adherence to CCVCD policies and procedures, as outlined in the General Handbook.

c. Responsible for regular laboratory cleaning and orderliness.

d. Shared responsibility for weekly District cleaning chores (trash, restrooms, etc.).

e. When asked, attendance at District Board Meetings (to include presenting to the Board the results/analysis of field surveillance/trap/laboratory data in graphical and/or tabular form).

f. Participation in District “On Call” status for emergencies (flooding, etc.)

g. Hold a valid driver’s license from Oregon or other state within the CONUS and be insurable under the district policy.

h. Obtain an Oregon Department of Agriculture Public Applicator License within 30 days of hire and maintain licensure throughout employment. Obtaining an ODA Public Applicator License requires passing the “Laws and Safety” and “Public Health” exams.

i. Other duties as directed and in scope with the mission of the district.

2. Surveillance

a. Adult trapping with a variety of traps:

i. Carbon dioxide baited traps

ii. Gravid traps (Cummings, GAT, ova-cup)

b. Identification of larva and adult mosquitoes and flies.

c. Maintenance and archiving surveillance records in written and electronic format.

d. Interacting with ArcGIS-based surveillance software, to include generation of graphs and tables for dissemination to various agencies and individuals.

e. Generating and filing reports of surveillance activities to relevant agencies (OHA, CDC, CCVCD Board of Trustees, etc.).

f. Update and revise spreadsheet and databases as needed for surveillance and population monitoring.

g. Work on ways of utilizing data through excel, statistical analysis-R, and various other modeling available to use data for evaluating control methods.

h. Working with technical staff to determine best sampling methods for fly and mosquito sources along with training field staff on trapping to assist the biologist.

i. When asked, advising seasonal/field staff on relevant biological aspects of vector ecology (focus on mosquito and fly biology).

3. Laboratory

a. Maintain regular testing through OSU veterinary diagnostic testing.

b. Prepare and learn about newer methods of disease testing in house with PCR testing.

c. Maintain laboratory equipment, including fume hood, microscopes, and other relevant devices.

d. Work with other staff to maintain traps in good working order.

e. Continue with annual bioassay testing for larval and adult mosquitoes throughout the county to test for pesticide resistance.

f. Work on creating a sustainable rearing room for mosquitoes to have populations on hand for resistance testing.

g. Revise trapping routes and locations based on needs of the district and relevant historical data.

h. Attend professional conferences and training as they relate to vector-borne diseases.

4. Outreach as needed

a. Participating in regular public outreach events (CC Fair, Master Gardener’s meeting, etc.).

b. Assisting with educational outreach to local schools (elementary, middle, high) when requested.

c. Maintaining an “Outreach” kit (preserved insects, magnifying lenses, etc.).

Participation in ‘career day’ events at local schools and colleges.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $78,875.00 - $105,700.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person