Mosquito Lab Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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. Our Values: HCPH embraces a foundation of progressive work anchored by the department's cornerstone values guiding our work to improve the community's health and well-being. Transparency - We share information openly and honestly so that staff, partners, and the community understand our actions and the reasons behind them.

Integrity - Our actions reflect strong ethical principles, ensuring we remain trustworthy, accountable, and consistent with our mission. Respect - We foster a supportive environment by valuing diverse perspectives, listening intentionally, and treating people with dignity in every interaction. Impact - We focus our efforts on activities that improve health, reduce disparities, and create meaningful, measurable outcomes for the communities we serve.

Collaboration - We actively partner across teams, disciplines, organizations, and communities to align our efforts toward common goals. Position Overview: Under the supervision of the Field Operations Supervisor, the Field Operations Lead position is responsible for ensuring the safe, efficient applications of products to control mosquito populations in response to surveillance data and coordinating spray activities in the absence of the Ultra Low Volume ULV Night Supervisor. During periods of low to no mosquito-borne disease transmission, this position will assist with daily operations with other Mosquito and Vector Control Division (MVCD) sections or other areas as needed.

Duties & Responsibilities: Applies insecticides by driving truck mounted Ultra Low Volume (ULV) spray equipment through assigned areas at night and enters data into the ULV monitoring systems. Provides in-field assistance with ULV trucks and/or equipment issues and reports issues to ULV Night Supervisor. Assist with the inspection of all ULV trucks and equipment to ensure they are in proper operating condition before being assigned.

Monitors environmental and mechanical conditions during insecticidal applications to ensure accurate delivery of material. Ensures compliance of nightly operations in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations and guidelines, and records all spray usage. Supervises all ULV night operations and performs nightly duties when ULV Night Supervisor is absent.

During the recovery period, assists in non-technical service duties such as supporting surveillance, testing and evaluation, education, lab testing, inspections, or other operational needs of the Division and/or HCPH. 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 Requirements Education: High School diploma or equivalent Experience: Must have one (1) year experience supervising other employees. At least four (4) years of stable employment history

At least one (1) full season of ULV truck driving experience with an organized mosquito control agency or a mosquito season's experience with HCPH Mosquito Control may substitute for the four-year employment history requirement. Certifications/Licenses: Current Texas Driver's License (upon hire) Must acquire a Texas Certified Pesticide Noncommercial Political Applicator's License within one year of employment. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Ability to read and comprehend road maps.

Must be able to work safely with hazardous materials and should be thoroughly familiar with product labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDS). Willing to cooperate and assist other sections in MVCD to accomplish the division's mission. Basic skills using Microsoft Office Suite.

Must be able to safely drive and operate equipment under a variety of conditions. Must be willing to work flexible hours including weekends and occasional holidays. Must be able to withstand stress generated by private citizens.

Must be able to work outdoors in various urban and natural environments and weather conditions. Must be able to accurately follow written and oral instructions and complete assigned tasks satisfactorily. Must be mechanically inclined.

Possesses the mechanical technical skills and knowledge required to perform essential tasks in an efficient and effective manner. Demonstrates the willingness and ability to train or coach others in the technical arena. Keeps manager informed of progress and obstacles related to ongoing tasks or projects.

Uses written or verbal status reports to ensure that manager is up-to-date and will not be surprised by the status of key activities, actual expenses, or end results. Has established a pattern of working independently, meeting reasonable deadlines, and accepting responsibility for his or her actions. Communicates effectively and appropriately.

Uses good judgment as to what to communicate to whom as well as the best way to get that accomplished. Speaks in a clear and credible manner, selecting the right tone for the situation and audience Understands the organizational mission Understands ethics and public good; is concerned with public trust Demonstrates respect for the opinions and beliefs of others 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.

Collaborate with others to improve quality and address needs. Ability to adapt to change. Treats others with courtesy, sensitivity, and respect.

Behave 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.

Communicates clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing. Core Competencies: Data Analytics and Assessment Skills: Ability to use data to analyze community health needs and support decisions that improve community health outcomes. Communication Skills: This competency focuses on using clear and effective communication to engage audiences, address misinformation, and build trust, supporting informed decisions and stronger public health outcomes.

Health Advancement Skills: This competency focuses on applying principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion to public health, addressing systemic barriers, and promoting fair access to resources for healthier communities. Community Partnership Skills: This competency focuses on collaborating with communities to address the systems and policies affecting health, fostering engagement, shared ownership, and sustainable improvements in well-being. Public Health Science Skills: This competency focuses on using public health science and evidence-based approaches to develop and improve policies and programs, ensuring effective delivery of the 10 Essential Public Health Services.

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.

Preferences N/A General Information Position Type and Typical Hours of Work: This is a Regular Full-Time position. 40 hours per week. During high-disease transmission risk: ULV - (overnight) 8:30 PM - 5:00 AM.

During low-disease transmission risk: 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM. Schedules may vary based on disease detection. This may include rotation between day and night schedules and changes to other duties as assigned.

Must be willing to work flexible hours including weekends and occasional holidays. Work Environment: The job will have both office and field work. Office work will consist of computer and radio usage.

Field work will be driving a Harris County ULV truck for applications and surveying when needed. Physical Demands: Must be able to lift at least 75lbs. Must be able to sit and drive with occasional breaks.

Must work nights, weekends and holidays as required to accomplish the mission of MVCD. Work Location: Harris County Public Health: Mosquito & Vector Control Division - 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.