Are you passionate about entomology, public health, and hands-on laboratory work? We’re seeking a dedicated Insectary Technician to join our team and support the maintenance and development of mosquito colonies used in critical testing, evaluation, and public education. In this role, you’ll help sustain Field Validation mosquito colonies, establish new strains as needed for research, produce larvae for Public Information & Education programs, and assist the Applied Science & Technology Field Validation staff in operational research on mosquito control methods and products. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute directly to innovative mosquito control efforts that protect public health and advance scientific understanding.Essential Functions:

• Assists the AST Research Director in the performance of her/his duties
• Maintains colonies of a variety of mosquito species for use in bioassays of new products, formulations, and PI&E for classroom teaching exercises
• Produces colony larval or adult mosquitoes for field validations as needed
• Maintain field collected larvae, to allow proper development in preparation for larval and adult bioassays following established protocols
• Communicates with Aerial inspectors and Mosquito Control Biologist II on a regular basis regarding 1st or 2nd instar mosquito larvae breeding sites
• Collects 2nd instar mosquito larvae from the field and transfers them to the larval insectary 
• Participates in leading tours of the insectary and outreach events relevant to insectary operations 
• Maintains mosquito fish, including cleaning tanks, feeding fish, and restocking the population as needed
• Records data in laboratory notebooks and enters data into project databases
• Performs a variety of maintenance duties as needed to keep insectary operational
• Purchases supplies and maintain vendor records pertaining to insectary operations 
• Assists in field validation activities related to insectary operations 
• Responsible for completing his/her timecard on a daily basis
• Responsible for submitting all Time-Off Requests as soon as he/she knows they will be absent, late or leaving early
• Responsible for ensuring timecard is correct and approved by 8:00 a.m. on payroll Mondays
• Refuels and washes vehicle at the end of the shift
• Communicate with the public in a professional and courteous manner and refers all inquiries outside area of expertise to the most appropriate person at the District 
• Follows District Safety policies and procedures and complies with all local, state and federal regulations at all times
• Ensures that all assigned equipment is maintained and repaired as needed
• Regular and predictable attendance is essential
• Other duties and projects as assigned

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a biological field from an accredited college or university preferred
• Must have basic computer skills 
• Must have the ability to ride in helicopters
• Must be able to work a varied schedule including weekend, nighttime, and holiday hours as needed
• Must be able to read and understand technical instructions in English
• Must have a valid FL Class E Drivers License with a clean driving record
• Must pass the CORE and Public Health exams within six months of hire and be able to maintain certification by earning appropriate CEUs (continuing education units)
• Must have pleasant interpersonal and communication skills when engaging the public about insectary operations 

Supplemental Information:Work Environment/Physical Requirements:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Physical Requirements: Heavy physical activity is occasionally required when in the field including lifting, reaching for, pulling and carrying up to fifty pounds, reaching and pulling with arms, stooping, kneeling, bending frequently, standing for long periods of time, walking for long distances, sitting for long periods of time while driving a vehicle, and climbing over and around natural obstacles, in and out of a variety of equipment and vehicle and up and down ladders. Must be able to use hands and fingers to type, and grip and operate a variety of hand tools and other equipment. Excellent vision, both close and distance, is regularly required.

Work Environment: The work environment varies but normally includes laboratories and office buildings and may occasionally include workshops, animal rearing/storage facilities, helicopters, boats, vehicles, mangroves, fields, and islands. When in the insectary, exposure to high humidity and heat is required. When in the field, exposure to all types of weather will occur and exposure to sun, rain, mud, manure, a variety of farm animals and insects will occur frequently. Frequent local travel may be required. Noise level is usually low but occasional exposure to moderate noise levels when around helicopters. Working with and around chemicals and biological control organisms, which are stored, handled, applied/used and disposed of according to exact labeling instructions, is required frequently.

Pre-employment background check and drug screen required

Equal Opportunity Employer; Drug Free Workplace; Veterans Preference to those who qualify. We are an E-VERIFY employer. Please visit our careers page at lcmcd.org o rlchcd.org for more information.