Taxonomist

Berkeley County (SC) Government; Moncks Corner (SC); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Life, and Dental Insurance

South Carolina Retirement System (SCRS

Police Officers Retirement System (POR

401K/457 Deferred Compensation

Employee Assistance Program

Employee Wellness Program

Job summary

Berkeley County (SC) Government seeks a motivated professional to implement and oversee the county's mosquito abatement program. The role involves field studies, surveillance, species identification and reporting on arboviral diseases.

You will conduct breeding site inspections, perform both immature and adult mosquito control applications, and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations. Strong writing and data skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Entomology, Biology, Natural Science or closely related fields; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must have a valid South Carolina driver's license with safe driving record.
• Must obtain SC Certified Pesticide Applicators License in Category 8 within 6 months of employment.

Responsibilities

• Under limited supervision, perform field studies, surveillance, data collection and species identification.
• Conduct arboviral disease trapping, testing and reporting.
• Perform insecticide resistance and efficacy testing.
• Expand mapping capabilities for mosquito control.
• Enhance public education and awareness programs about mosquito control.

Skills

Microscope

Dichotomous keys

Data collection

Writing & communication

Budget recommendations

Inventory management

Independent & detail oriented

Word & Excel proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in Entomology/Biology/Natural Science

High School diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Job Summary And Essential Functions

This position typically implements the mosquito abatement program; and deals courteously and effectively with fellow employees and citizens.

Essential Job Functions

• Under limited supervision, perform operational field studies, surveillance, data collection and species identification.
• Conduct arboviral disease trapping, testing and reporting.
• Conduct insecticide resistance and efficacy testing.
• Expand mapping capabilities.
• Enhance public education and awareness program (may include work with television and print media relative the mosquito control applications).
• Conduct breeding site inspections and perform immature and adult mosquito control applications.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable health and safety regulations.
• Ensure Department of Pesticide Regulation, SCDHEC, and EPA compliance.
• Spearhead investigating potential mosquito-borne disease threats in conjunction with SCDHEC and CDC.
• Performs other duties as required.

Minimum Requirements To Perform Work

• High School diploma or equivalent;
• Bachelor's degree in Entomology, Biology, Natural Science or closely related fields; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must have and maintain a valid driver's license for South Carolina with safe driving record;

Special Requirements

• Must have or be able to obtain a valid South Carolina Certified Pesticide Applicators License in Category 8- Public Health within 6 months of employment. Employee will be separated from employment if required certifications are not obtained within period of time stated and maintained throughout employment;
• Departmental testing may be administered during interview;
• A criminal background check will be completed on selected applicant if a current one (less than 3 years old) is not on file.
• This is a safety sensitive position and is subject to random drug and alcohol testing.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of dichotomous keys.
• Experience with and ability to use a microscope.
• Must be able to work in harsh environments.
• Must have intermediate to advance computer skills.
• Must be able to handle moderately rigorous physical demands.
• Must possess good writing and verbal skills.
• Ability to make budget recommendations.
• Ability to manage inventory and property.
• Must be able to work independently, detail oriented and organized.
• Personal computer proficiency including Word and Excel applications.

Physical Demands

This position requires the employee to reach, pull and push with hands and arms; stand; use hands to handle, feel, finger, grasp or operate objects, tools or controls; sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; use mental acuity and repetitive motion; and walk, talk and hear. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to ninety-five (95) pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Conditions

The work is regularly performed in a dynamic environment that requires sensitivity to change and responsiveness to changing goals, priorities and needs. Thirty-seven and one half (37.5) hours per week. Normal working hours are Monday through Friday from 6:00am to 2:00pm with the ability to work after hours when necessary. Scheduled hours/days, job location, duties and any other information contained herein is subject to change. May be required to work extra hours and to perform extra or different duties during emergency situations.

Benefits

• Health, Life, and Dental Insurance
• Optional Life and Disability Insurance
• Optional Medical and Dependent Care Spending Accounts
• Personal Leave
• Twelve (12) Paid Holidays
• South Carolina Retirement System (SCRS) State Retirement Plan
• Police Officers Retirement System (PORS - as applicable)
• Optional Deferred Compensation Program (i.e. 401K, 457)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Wellness Program