SIT Technician

We're seeking a detail-oriented and motivated team member to support our Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) program through hands-on work with mosquito colonies and specialized laboratory equipment. In this role, you'll maintain SIT insectaries, perform male/female pupae separation, and prepare adult male mosquitoes for release, while also carrying out a variety of essential support functions for the program. All interested candidates must apply through our website to be considered for this role.

Please go to https:

//www.governmentjobs.com/careers/lcmcd to apply. Essential Functions Maintains the mosquito colony including feeding adult mosquitoes, collecting and quantifying mosquito eggs, and maintaining rearing trays and cages Separates mosquitoes into categories such as generation, sex, age, stage of development, and controls them to prevent their escape or intermingling Obtains and manipulates mosquitoes individually or in groups, without harming them, and prepares them for experimental trials Observes colonies for signs of disease or obvious changes of life cycles, deaths, and general activity, reporting observations to the SIT Supervisor Prepares sugar solutions for adult mosquitoes Maintains the larval colony including conducting mass egg hatchings, feeding larval mosquitoes, cleaning trays, and transferring pupae to adult colony holding cages Repairs and modifies adult cages as needed Prepares mosquitoes for irradiation Operates X-ray equipment to irradiate male mosquito pupae or adults and prepares them for release as needed Conducts dosimetry measurements of mosquito irradiation and records the results Works closely with SIT Supervisor following their instructions for best SIT practices ensuring that all quality control protocols are being followed Obtains and records basic quality control measurements Performs male/female pupae separation Prepares and maintains containers used for mosquito releases Prepares and utilizes the membrane blood feeding system to blood feed adult mosquitoes Obtains frozen pork blood from local vendors as needed Assists SIT Supervisor with experiments related to rearing, irradiation, sex separation, mark-release-recapture studies, and male mosquito releases Identifies adult mosquitoes and counts mosquito eggs as needed Operates, maintains, and performs minor repairs on specialized equipment Prepares mosquitoes for use in specialized equipment Designs and develops equipment to increase efficiency in mass rearing and releases Assists in rearing facility design and set up Proposes experimental ideas based on observations made through caring for mosquitoes Serves as back up to the SIT Assistants as needed Performs general cleaning duties to maintain insectary, laboratories, and equipment in the SIT program Utilizes data loggers to collect temperature and humidity data in insectaries; regularly records data and reports irregularities to SIT Supervisor Must be able to read, communicate and understand technical instructions in English Responsible for wearing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Responsible for submitting all Time-Off Requests as soon as he/she knows they will be absent, late or leaving early Responsible for completing his/her time card on a daily basis Communicate with the public in a professional and courteous manner and refer all inquiries that are outside area of expertise to the most appropriate person at the District Follow District Safety policies and procedures at all times Responsible for completing his/her time card on a daily basis Responsible for ensuring all assigned equipment is maintained and repaired as needed Refuels and washes vehicle at the end of the shift Must have regular and predictable attendance Other duties and projects as assigned Qualifications Some college with emphasis on science-related courses or Associate's degree preferred. Must be extremely detail oriented and be able to perform repetitive tasks in a precise, consistent manner Must be comfortable with handling blood products on a regular basis Must have a valid Driver's License with a clean driving record Must have basic computer skills and have the ability to learn and operate internal, web based, GPS and mapping programs including entering data into phone Apps and databases Must be able to work a varied schedule including evening and weekend shifts as needed Must have the ability to ride in helicopters Must be able to read, communicate and understand technical instructions in English Must pass the CORE and Public Health exams within six months of hire and be able to maintain certification by earning appropriate CEU's (continuing education units) Must be able to read and understand chemical labels

Supplemental Information Work Environment/Physical Requirements/Travel Advisory:

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 job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Physical Requirements:

Moderate physical activity is required on a regular basis including lifting, reaching for, pulling and carrying up to twenty-five pounds, reaching and pulling with arms, stooping, bending frequently, standing, sitting, walking and climbing in and out of vehicles. Must be able to use hands and fingers to grip and operate a variety of hand tools and other equipment. Excellent vision, both close and distance, is frequently required.

Work Environment:

The work environment varies but normally is an insectary or office building. Regular exposure to high temperatures and humidity while in the insectary is required. Occasional local travel is required. Working with and around chemicals, which are stored, handled, applied/used and disposed of according to exact labeling instructions is required frequently. Regular exposure to moving mechanical parts, blood, and biting insects is required.

Travel Advisory:

Employees traveling to areas with known arbovirus transmissions are required to notify their supervisor prior to travel. Additionally, employees must report any symptoms consistent with arboviral infections (such as fever, headache, or joint pain) to their supervisor before returning to work. The employee must follow any recommended medical guidance and may be required to obtain clearance from a healthcare provider before resuming work duties. LCMCD reserves the right to institute appropriate measures to protect the health and safety of all employees. These measures may include daily temperature checks upon the return to the office after travel. Pre-employment background check and drug screen required. All interested candidates must apply through our website to be considered for this role.

Please go to https:

//www.governmentjobs.com/careers/lcmcd to apply. Equal Opportunity Employer; Drug Free Workplace; Veterans Preference to those who qualify. We are an

E-VERIFY

employer. Please visit our careers page at leecountymcdfl.gov or leecountyhcdfl.govfor more information.

Pay:

$22.85 - $26.66 per hour

Benefits:

Dental insurance Disability insurance Employee assistance program Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance On-the-job training Paid time off Retirement plan Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person