IMPERIAL COUNTY
CLASS TITLE: VECTOR CONTROL TECHNICIAN
BASIC FUNCTION:
Under the direction of the Vector Control Supervisor, performs a variety of technical duties
involved in the detection, treatment and abatement of vector sources; utilize chemical,
physical and biological techniques to control vector populations.
REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
Perform a variety of technical duties involved in the detection, treatment and abatement of
vector sources to control vector borne disease transmission; provide a variety of insect
control services to protect the public from bees, mosquitoes and other dangerous insects.
Respond to complaints from the public concerning mosquitoes and bees; locate and
inspect areas of concern including swarms and nesting sites; locate, treat and abate new
and existing sources; mix and apply pesticides and other chemicals, treat swarms and
assure timely removal of feral bee nests.
Inspect assigned areas of the County for new mosquito breeding sources, evaluate and
respond to related surveillance data and complaints; provide for proper abatement with
chemicals and other methods; assess ecological diversity and utilize bio-rational control
techniques.
Serve as an informational resource to the public concerning vector control; respond to
inquiries and provide a variety of information concerning mosquitoes, bees and related
dangers and safety, prevention and protective practices and procedures.
Protect public health through aggressive abatement of mosquitoes and other vector
sources for the West Nile Virus and other arthropod-borne diseases; utilize
environmentally sound integrated pest management strategies for mosquitoes and other
arthropod vectors.
Utilize a variety of equipment such as two-way radios, calculators, GPS, machines, and
hand and power tools; operate insect control equipment including sprayers and protective
gear; maintain and calibrate equipment in proper working condition; drive a vehicle to
conduct work.
Compile data and information and prepare and maintain a variety of records, reports and
documents concerning vector control, treatment, abatement, inventory, calibration,
maintenance, complaints and assigned activities.
Collect evidence for public nuisance hearings or abatement and enforcement proceedings
in accordance with established codes for mosquitoes, Africanized honeybees and other
vector sources.
October 2006
Vector Control Technician - Continued
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Conduct a variety of arbovirus surveillance activities; monitor population and virus activity;
deploy or recommend traps to collect samples on a regular basis using various trapping
methods.
Maintain sentinel chicken coops in a clean, humane and sanitary condition; assure
adequate food and water and discourage fly breeding; assist with collecting samples from
sentinel chickens as needed.
Provide assistance and guidance to emergency responders and the public in emergency
bee sting incidents; compile information to determine nature and severity of related
incidents.
Detect feral bee nests and notify appropriate individuals of removal needs, requirements
and public nuisance proceedings as needed; follow up on detected nests; destroy feral
bee swarms and provide necessary information to concerned parties.
Monitor inventory levels of vector and insect control supplies and equipment; assist with
ordering, receiving and maintaining inventory of supplies and equipment.
Communicate with County personnel, outside agencies and the public to exchange
information and resolve issues or concerns.
Respond to emergency situations as necessary.
Attend and participate in public education and outreach events as assigned; present
materials and information related to vector control; provide timely and accurate information
concerning the prevention of mosquito breeding and personal protective measures to
avoid vector-borne illness.
OTHER DUTIES:
Perform related duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
KNOWLEDGE OF:
Chemicals, pesticides and related laws and chemical categories.
Safe and proper use, mixing, and application of pesticides and other chemicals.
Surveillance skills to assist in field projects.
General honeybee and mosquito biology, habits and related disease transmission cycles.
Record-keeping and report preparation techniques.
Operation of insect control equipment and hand and power tools.
Oral and written communication skills.
Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
Health and safety regulations.
ABILITY TO:
Perform a variety of technical duties involved in the detection, treatment and abatement
of vector sources.
October 2006
Vector Control Technician - Continued
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Utilize chemical, physical and biological techniques to control vector populations.
Learn physical and behavioral characteristics of vector sources and dangerous insects of
the area.
Learn, interpret, apply and explain rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
Operate and maintain insect control equipment and hand power tools.
Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Use, mix and apply chemicals and other pesticides.
Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relations with others.
Maintain records and prepare reports.
Maintain current knowledge of technological advances in the field.
Determine appropriate action within clearly defined guidelines.
Observe health and safety regulations.
Work independently with little direction.
Observe legal and defensive driving practices.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Any combination equivalent to: graduation from high school and sufficient training and
experience to demonstrate the knowledge and abilities listed above.
LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
Valid California driver’s license.
Valid and appropriate vector control certification issued by the State Department of Health
Services.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
ENVIRONMENT:
Outdoor work environment.
Seasonal heat and cold or adverse weather conditions.
Exposure to fumes, dust and odors.
Driving a vehicle to conduct work.
Emergency call-out.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate specialized equipment.
Seeing to perform inspections and read a variety of materials.
Sitting or standing for extended periods of time.
Hearing and speaking to exchange information.
Bending at the waist, kneeling or crouching.
Reaching overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally.
Standing and walking for extended periods of time.
Climbing ladders and fences.
Walking over rough or uneven surfaces.
Lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling moderately heavy objects as assigned by the position.
October 2006
Vector Control Technician - Continued
HAZARDS:
Exposure to fumes from chemicals used in pest control.
Potential for bodily injury from vector sources and dangerous insects.
Working at heights.
October 2006
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