Position: Seasonal Laboratory Assistant Wage: $26 - $31 per hour (DOE)
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00am—4:30 pm
Dates: May/June through October/November (season length varies)
Definition:
The Seasonal Laboratory Assistant, under direct supervision of the Laboratory Director and/or Vector Ecologists, shall assist laboratory staff in all aspects of in-lab and laboratory-related field work, including performing surveillance for invasive Aedes mosquito species through a countywide trapping program.
Qualifications:
Minimum of High School Graduate or equivalent. Bachelor’s degree with coursework in Biology preferred.
18 Years of age or over
Ability to use a dissecting microscope.
Ability to use a binomial key to identify insects or other organisms.
Intermediate level experience in using computer software including Microsoft Word and Excel.
Valid California Driver’s License and ability to qualify for coverage under the District’s insurance with the Vector Control Joint Powers Agency. A District vehicle will be provided for this work.
Ability to pass a pre-employment background check, drug test and a physical ability test.
Duties and Responsibilities: (Position is entry level)
Field Activities
Drive to sites throughout San Mateo County to place and retrieve mosquito oviposition traps at selected sites (mostly cemeteries and plant nurseries).
Set, check and maintain other types of mosquito traps.
Drive to collect dead birds as part of the seasonal West Nile virus surveillance program
Assist laboratory staff with other field activities including site investigations, rodent surveys and tick collections.
Assist with care and maintenance of sentinel chicken flocks.
Laboratory Activities
Inspect ovicup filter papers for Aedes mosquito eggs using a dissecting microscope.
Assist laboratory staff with sorting and identification of tick and mosquito samples.
Assist with in-house disease testing of mosquitoes, birds and ticks
Enter collection and testing data in the District’s MapVision database program.
Assist with upkeep of mosquito colony
Light maintenance and laboratory clean up
Other duties as assigned.
Compensation and Benefits:
The salary range is $26.00 - $31.00 per hour, depending on experience. Hourly rate will be determined at time of hiring. Seasonal employees do not receive medical or other employee benefits; however they are entitled to paid District holidays and sick leave in accordance with state law. All legally required benefits are provided, including workers compensation
Contact
Inquiries should be directed to Angie Nakano, Laboratory Director at (650) 344-8592
Application Process
Applications and resumes will be accepted until position is filled. The District encourages applicants to apply early to be considered. All applications should be submitted in person, online or by mail or email to the District’s office.
To apply online or obtain an application, visit our website at:
http://www.smcmvcd.org/employment
Applications and resumes should be mailed to the following:
San Mateo County Mosquito and Vector Control District
Attn: Angie Nakano, Laboratory Director
1351 Rollins Road
Burlingame, CA 94010
Applications may also be emailed to Angie Nakano at [email protected].
Please include a copy of your most recent California DMV Report (within the last 30 days, online report is acceptable) with your application.