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Vector Control Specialist Jobs in Hawaii (NOW HIRING)

HI · On-site

Knowledge of environmental health programs, sanitation sciences, bacteriology, chemistry, physics, vector control methods, and social sciences. * Ability to interpret, apply, and enforce public ...

Vector Control Specialist information

What is a vector control specialist?

Vector control specialists are professionals responsible for managing and reducing populations of vectors—organisms such as mosquitoes, ticks, and rodents—that can transmit diseases to humans. They use a variety of methods, including environmental management, chemical control, and public education, to prevent the spread of vector-borne illnesses. These specialists often work for health departments, government agencies, or private pest control companies, and play a crucial role in protecting public health.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a vector control specialist?

To thrive as a Vector Control Specialist, you need a background in biology, environmental science, or public health, along with knowledge of pest management and relevant state certification or licensure. Familiarity with GIS mapping systems, pesticide application equipment, and data collection tools is typically required. Strong observational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are important soft skills for working with the public and collaborating with health officials. These skills and qualities are crucial for efficiently monitoring, controlling, and preventing the spread of disease-carrying vectors to protect public health.

What are some common challenges faced by vector control specialists in the field?

Vector Control Specialists often encounter challenges such as adapting to changing weather conditions, which can impact the effectiveness of control measures and fieldwork safety. They may also need to address public concerns or misconceptions about pesticide use and educate communities on prevention strategies. Additionally, Specialists must stay updated on evolving regulations and emerging vector-borne diseases, requiring ongoing training and coordination with public health agencies.

What is the difference between Vector Control Specialist vs Pest Control Technician?

AspectVector Control SpecialistPest Control Technician
CertificationsVector Control Certification, State LicensesPest Control License, State Certification
Work EnvironmentPublic health agencies, government programs, outdoor and indoor environmentsResidential, commercial, and industrial properties
Employer & IndustryPublic health, government agencies, environmental organizationsPrivate pest control companies, residential and commercial clients

The main difference between a Vector Control Specialist and a Pest Control Technician lies in their focus and work environment. Vector Control Specialists primarily work in public health settings to control disease-carrying vectors like mosquitoes and rodents, often requiring specialized certifications. Pest Control Technicians typically handle a broader range of pests in residential and commercial properties. Both roles require similar licensing but serve different industry needs.

What are popular job titles related to Vector Control Specialist jobs in Hawaii?

For Vector Control Specialist jobs in Hawaii, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Vector Control Specialist jobs in Hawaii look for?

The top searched job categories for Vector Control Specialist jobs in Hawaii are:

Infographic showing various Vector Control Specialist job openings in Hawaii as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

FOOD SAFETY SPECIALIST III AND IV - HAWAII ISLAND

State of Hawai'i

Honolulu, HI • On-site

$5.5K - $7.8K/mo

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

Recruitment Information Recruitment Number 24-0161 The Department of Health has TWO (2) urgent vacancies located in Kona and Hilo. Level III - $5,107 to $6,221 per month (SR-20, Step D to I) Level IV - $5,527 to $6,728 per month (SR-22, Step D to I) Note: Hiring rates will be based on availability of funds, the applicant's qualifications, and other relevant factors. This continuous recruitment may be closed at any time.

The notice of the last day to file applications will be posted on the State of Hawaii's Civil Service Job Opportunities Listing page of our website. Duties Summary Food Safety Specialists promote, protect, and maintain a healthy and safe environment for the public. This is accomplished through inspection, education, and enforcement activities to implement the statutes, rules and regulations relating to environmental sanitation, and/or safety programs concerning foods, drugs, cosmetics, and medical devices.

Work in this series include identifying, mitigating, and preventing disease transmission through improperly prepared foods, contaminated waters and adulteration and/or misbranding of foods, drugs, cosmetics and medical devices. Food Safety Specialist III: Performs the full range of independent environmental sanitation work assignments in an assigned geographic or defined specialty work area. Food Safety Specialists at this level are required to apply all phases of the sanitation sciences, have knowledge of socioeconomic conditions in the surveillance area, and use tact in the enforcement and interpretation of sanitation laws, rules and regulations.

Food Safety Specialist IV: Plans and organizes the work of a unit of lower-level Specialists; or evaluates, standardizes and interprets program procedures and operations; or functions in a geographically remote area in the development and promotion of an environmental health program; and performs other related duties as assigned. Minimum Qualification Requirements To qualify, you must meet all of the following requirements: Legal Authorization To Work: The State of Hawaii requires all persons seeking employment with the government of the State shall be citizens, nationals, or permanent resident aliens of the United States, or eligible under federal law for unrestricted employment in the United States. Education: Graduation from an accredited four (4) year college or university with a bachelor's degree in one of the PHYSICAL or BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES.

NOTE: In order to receive credit for your academic training, you MUST ATTACH a copy of your OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT(S) as verification. Professional Specialized Experience: Level III: ONE AND ONE-HALF (1-1/2) YEARS professional inspectional or investigational work experience involved in the interpretation and application of the laws, regulations in public health. Such experience must show a comprehensive knowledge of principles, practices and objectives of the environmental health programs, a thorough knowledge of pertinent regulations and laws; and a thorough working knowledge of bacteriology, chemistry, physics, vector control methods and social sciences.

Level IV: TWO AND ONE-HALF (2-1/2) YEARS professional inspectional or investigational work experience involved in the interpretation and application of the laws, regulations in public health. Such experience must show a comprehensive knowledge of principles, practices and objectives of the environmental health programs, a thorough knowledge of pertinent regulations and laws; and a thorough working knowledge of bacteriology, chemistry, physics, vector control methods and social sciences. Non-Qualifying Experience: Non-professional technical work experience such as in a vector control program involving work in inspection, investigation, education and enforcement activities relating to the control and/or experimentation of mosquitoes, rodents and other small mammals, flies, fleas and other insects performed in support of the Food Safety Specialist series functions described above is not qualifying.

Quality of Experience: for Level IV, at least one year of experience must be comparable to the next lower level. Substitution Allowed: Relevant substitutions as described in the Minimum Qualification Requirements will apply (click link below). The information provided above represents a summary of the Minimum Qualification Requirements.

To view the Requirements in their entirety, please CLICK HERE. 08371:082619:13:CT Other Information The State of Hawai'i complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodations in completing an application, any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the selection process, please call 808-587-0936 for assistance.

PUBLIC SERVICE LOAN FORGIVENESS (PSLF) PROGRAM The PSLF Program is a federal program that is intended to encourage individuals to work in public service by forgiving the balance of their federal student loans. To qualify, the individual must have made 120 qualifying payments while employed by a qualifying employer. For more information, please click: https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service ELECTRONIC NOTIFICATION TO APPLICANTS The Department of Human Resources Development (HRD) will use electronic mail (email) to notify applicants of important information relating to the status and processing of their applications as part of our ongoing efforts to increase operational efficiency, promote the conservation of green resources, and minimize delays and costs

Please ensure that the email address and contact information you provide is current, secure, and readily accessible to you. We will not be responsible in any way if you do not receive our emails or fail to check your email-box in a timely manner. In addition, please be aware that you may no longer receive notification about applications submitted if you choose to disable the Job Application Emails feature in your Account Settings.

TESTING INFORMATION The examination for this recruitment will be conducted on an unassembled basis where the examination score is based on an evaluation and rating of your education and experience. It is therefore important that your employment application provide a clear and detailed description of the duties and responsibilities of each position you held. In-person interviews and/or further testing in Hawaii may be required at the discretion of the hiring agency.

If in-person interviews and/or further testing is a requirement, applicants who meet the minimum qualification requirements and are referred to the vacancy must be available to participate in person and at their own expense in this required phase of the selection process. Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible. In addition to employment availability and score, the referral of qualified applicants may be based upon other factors including date of receipt of application.

CLICK HERE for further information about Equal Employment Opportunity, the Merit Civil Service System, Citizenship and other requirements, Reasonable Accommodation, Veterans Preference, Examination Requirements, and the State Recruiting Office's Levels of Review.