Biologist [Assistant Entomologist]

San Joaquin County Mosquito and Vector Control District

Filing Deadline: Until filled

Application Process

Interested individuals should submit a complete and current resume that includes three verifiable references. Those invited to be interviewed will be required to complete a District employment application form. Please direct all correspondence to:

San Joaquin County Mosquito and Vector Control District

ATTN: Shaoming Huang, Ph.D., Entomologist 

7759 South Airport Way

Stockton, CA 95206

Or electronically:

district@sjmosquito.org

Under the direction of the Entomologist, the Biologist will carry out vector and vector-borne disease surveillance plans prescribed by the District; evaluate pesticide efficacy and resistance monitoring; maintain records of results and prepare reports; participate in public education and outreach activities; attend and present in scientific meetings; conduct scientific research projects and other laboratory or field work as needed to fulfil the District program; assist in supervising seasonal employees; assume supervisory duties to direct laboratory staff to perform daily work in the absence of the Entomologist.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (include but are not limited to):

• Assist Entomologist in vector population and vector-borne disease surveillance. This duty includes collection, identification, sorting, counting and pooling of vector specimen for disease pathogen testing
• Analyze vector population collection data and create reports
• Sample different types of dead bird tissues for disease pathogen testing
• Perform in-house biochemical and molecular testing of vectors and other biological materials for the presence of various disease pathogens using prescribed molecular and biochemical protocols such as PCR / RT-PCR
• Respond to human and animal disease cases
• Assist Entomologist in pesticide efficacy and vector resistance monitoring program. This duty includes performing laboratory bottle bioassays to determine vector resistance status and biochemical or molecular assays to determine resistance mechanisms
• Assist Entomologist in verifying pesticide efficacy against vectors and non-target species in laboratory testing and field trials
• Maintain detailed and accurate records of surveillance activities, testing, experimental and scientific results
• Compile data for reports and scientific publications
• Use computer for data input and analysis
• Assume supervisory duties to direct laboratory staff to perform daily work in the absence of the Entomologist
• Perform other duties include use, maintain and care for specialty laboratory equipment, instruments and tools
• Assist Entomologist in testing and evaluating new technologies in vector and vector-borne disease surveillance
• Participate in identification of arthropods of public health importance
• Provide assistance and support to other District laboratory and vector control personnel
• Perform other duties as required

WORKING CONDITIONS

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Successful candidates will be required to perform in a variety of environments and field settings and is regularly exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, low and/or high temperatures, and other inclement weather conditions.

The employee may be exposed to hazards which include insect bites, toxic or caustic chemicals, fumes, dust, hazardous control materials, vectors and vector-borne diseases, rough terrain, vicious animals, poisonous plants and animals. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Graduation from an accredited college with a B.A. or B.S degree in entomology, biology, microbiology, epidemiology or other closely related fields; six months of work experience which provided knowledge and familiarity with scientific methods and practices; experience working in a laboratory setting.

Education and Experience: A combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the typical duties of this position at the level specified.

AND

License: Possession and maintenance of a valid California Department of Motor Vehicles Driver’s License. Incumbent must be insurable and maintain insurability by the District’s insurance provider during course of employment.

Ability to: Plan and perform the required tasks; operate and maintain field and laboratory equipment; maintain detailed and accurate records; perform basic mathematical calculations, follow instructions and communicate effectively both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Physical and Mental Requirements: Mobility - Pushing/pulling, climbing, crawling, and frequently standing for long periods, walking, driving and bending/squatting; Lifting - Frequently lifting 25 pounds or greater without assistance; occasionally lifting 50 pounds or greater without assistance; Vision - Individual must be sighted with ability to demonstrate measurable depth perception; frequent reading and close-up work; normal hand and eye coordination; Dexterity - Normal dexterity with frequent holding, reaching, grasping and writing; Hearing/Talking – Frequent hearing and talking on the telephone/radio and in person; Emotional/Psychological – Frequent concentration, public contact and decision making.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Graduate degree in entomology, biology, microbiology, epidemiology or other closely related fields

Skills and Experience: Working experience in mosquito-related fields; field experience in entomological surveys; laboratory experience in biological, biochemical and/or essays.

EXAMINATION AND SELECTION PROCESS

Selection of applicants for interviews will be based on evaluation of training, education and experience related to the class specification for this position. Those candidates selected for interviews will receive an oral interview to assess training, experience and ability to perform the duties of the position. Selection will be based on a combined overall assessment of the oral interview and qualifications. 

All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, gender, or sexual orientation. Please contact the District at least five (5) working days before a scheduled examination or interview if you require accommodation in the examination or interview process.

COMPENSATION

The base salary range for this position is $ 3,306.87 - $ 4,019.52 biweekly ($ 85,978.62 - $ 104,507.52 annually). The District provides a comprehensive benefits package, including longevity pay, insurance (health / dental / vision / life / STD / LTD), retirement, paid leave (vacation, sick), employee assistance program and holiday schedule.

11/5/2025

https://www.sjmosquito.org/About-Us/Employment-Information