DescriptionSt. Louis County operates a comprehensive IPM-based Vector Program with Integrated Mosquito Management (IMM) method. IMM is a sustainable approach to mosquito management that minimizes economic, health, and environmental costs using a combination of control methods developed using the Centers for Disease Control's (CDC's) framework for vector control competencies. These methods use principles of surveillance, source reduction, targeted control measures and impact monitoring. Control methods are surveillance-driven and occur only after predetermined action thresholds are met. Therefore, surveillance results dictate when control methods are warranted and what control methods are selected and applied in a manner that reduces insecticide resistance and minimizes risks to human health, non-target species, beneficial organisms, and the environment.Candidates should expect to be assigned a range of duties that support the Vector-borne Disease Control Program's mission to protect the health of St. Louis County residents and visitors by providing comprehensive vector-borne disease surveillance and implementation of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies and principals in an environmentally friendly approach.There are several vacancies, and this posting will remain active until all vacancies are filled.We are currently hiring for 1st and 2nd shift positions. 1st Shift: Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. 2nd Shift: Sunday through Thursday, 3:30 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.The starting salary is $18.00 per hour.Seasonal positions are temporary full-time positions. All current vacancies are field work oriented and dictated by environmental conditions. Field work cannot be conducted in inclement weather and may be cancelled due to rain or high winds. Every effort will be made to assign other tasks to help you make up hours but 40 hours are not guaranteed.Our greatest need for assistants is from April through October however everyone is encouraged to apply as varied schedules may be accommodated (i.e. school schedules, other temporary/seasonal employment, etc.). Work term(s) may also be extended (to interested individuals) contingent on the needs of the Vector-borne Disease Control Program. Again, specific timing of all work schedules and terms will be dictated by environmental conditions and the needs of the Vector-borne Disease Control Program. If you have questions or would like to discuss your specific situation to see if we can accommodate your schedule, please contact us at .Examples of DutiesThe primary responsibilities of vector-borne disease control assistants are that of targeted control measures as assigned by and under the supervision of the licensed vector-borne disease control specialist. Should you have any questions about the position after reading this post, please do not hesitate to contact us at , we are happy to help clarify information and provide you with the answers you need to help you make an informed decision prior to you taking the time to complete an application for employment.
Operate County vehicle to perform work-related activities
Inspect established locations for standing water and presence of mosquito larvae
Apply biological control measures according to IMM protocols
Use a computerized tablet to collect and enter field data
Operate County vehicle with truck-mounted ultra-low volume (ULV) sprayer to apply chemical control measures in areas with high concentrations of disease carrying species of mosquitoes
Use a GPS unit for accurate navigation and identification of no-spray locations
Use a computerized tablet to collect and enter data in ULV monitoring system
Conduct surveillance for mosquito-borne diseases (surveying sites, setting and retrieving surveillance traps, collecting field specimens)
Laboratory:
Use a microscope and dichotomous key to identify and sort adult mosquitoes
Prepare and pool field specimens for laboratory testing
Outreach & Education:
Educate the public on mosquito breeding, elimination of breeding sites, and control measures
Working Conditions:
Outdoor: frequent work outdoors with exposure to heat and humidity and working on uneven ground such as fields with standing water, wooded areas, creeks, catch basins, sinkholes, ponds.
Typical office/laboratory environment: Occasional work in an office setting using typical office equipment. Some assignments may be in a laboratory setting using common biological laboratory equipment and substances.
Work may require wearing appropriate personal protective clothing and equipment.
Physical Demands: Frequent standing or driving for long period of time (5-6 hours/day); periodical bending at the knees and waist, stooping, crawling, reaching over head and squatting. Repetitive motion associated with computer usage and machinery operation.Minimum Qualifications
.Basic computer skills required.
Sufficient physical strength to perform field work is required.
A valid Driver License will be required at the time of employment and must be maintained throughout employment.
Additional InformationSELECTION AND APPOINTMENT: A selection committee will evaluate the qualifications of each applicant which will include recentness and appropriateness of the applicant's education and experience, answers to the supplemental questions, results of employment references investigated and any other appropriate information available. The selection committee will admit to the interview only those persons who possess the most job-related qualifications and may establish admittance criteria beyond the minimum qualifications stated above. The interview will comprise 100% of the applicant's earned grade. A candidate must earn a qualifying grade of 70 or more on the interview to be eligible for appointment. After initial interviews with the selected candidates are conducted, an email will be sent to the address on file with instructions on how to complete and submit a Conviction Questionnaire. Candidates have 3 days to complete the required questionnaire. The five top ranking candidates, based on the final grade, will be certified to the Department Director/Appointing Authority who will make the final decision.All applicants conditionally offered a merit position will be required to submit to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Screening will be performed by a reputable clinical laboratory. The cost of screening will be covered by the County.COVID-19 VACCINATION POLICY: In support of commitment to the health, safety, and wellness of all staff and to be compliant with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) it is the policy of the Department of Public Health that all newly hired employees are required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Acceptable forms of proof include CDC COVID-19 vaccination cards (or legible photo), documentation from a health care provider, electronic health record, or state immunization information system record. New employees must be fully vaccinated prior to starting service for the Department, and adherence to this policy is a condition of employment. Full vaccination means having received a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) approved vaccine or vaccine series, consisting of two doses of either of the two-dose vaccines or one dose of the single-dose vaccine. For moderately or severely immunocompromised individuals, a primary series consists of a 3-dose series of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine or a single dose of Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine. Individuals are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after the second dose in a two-dose series, or two weeks after a single-dose vaccine. At this time, full vaccination does not require a booster shot. The meaning of “fully vaccinated” is subject to change in accordance with the most recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines. For applicants with a to the vaccine or sincerely held religious beliefs, which prohibit them from receiving a vaccine, you may contact the Department of Public Health Office of Human Resources (DPH HR) during the hiring phase to request an exemption or reasonable accommodation. Employees granted exemption for medical or religious reasons will be required to wear facial coverings to reduce the risk of transmission to at-risk individuals in DPH facilities and submit to weekly COVID-19 testing. All prospective employees must read and acknowledge the Policy during the application process.HOW TO APPLY: Applicants interested in applying for this position should visit our website at . We only accept On-line applications.EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY POLICY: The policy of the Civil Service Commission of St. Louis County is to support fair and equitable employment opportunities for all persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, veterans' status or political affiliation. Call the Division of Personnel at (314) 615-5429 for more information on this policy. St. Louis County Division of Personnel, 7th Floor Clayton, MO 63105 (314) 615-5429 Relay MO 711 or 800-735-2966 An Equal Opportunity Employer Fax: (314) 615-7703Agency St. Louis County Address 41 South Central 7th Floor St. Louis, Missouri, 63105 Phone 314-615-7061 WebsiteOn Call employees are paid only for the hours actually worked. There are no additional benefits.
