Physical Location(s):
Florida Keys Mosquito Control Facility – Key Largo
Basic Scope/Purpose:
The Research Biologist assists the Director of Research to plan and conduct scientific experiments, entomological surveillance, and biological surveys. The Research Biologist will perform scientific and technical work directly relating to the District’s mosquito control activities and is responsible for biological and entomological research to benefit and improve the District’s Integrated Pest Management program. All research must be conducted in accordance with all applicable Federal, State, and local laws and in accordance with District policy as established by the Board of Commissioners and administered by the Executive Director.
Reporting Responsibilities:
The Research Biologist reports to the Director of Research.
Working Conditions:
The Research Biologist will be exposed to indoor and outdoor environmental conditions, noise, vibration, exposure to chemicals, fumes, and odors and may be required to wear a respirator or hearing protection. The Research Biologist will be required to travel by motor vehicle, boat, or aircraft as part of assigned duties and may be required to work outside during inclement weather or to work long or irregular hours as necessary, including spending significant amounts of time in remote locations or areas of restricted accessibility. The Research Biologist can expect to exert up to 50 lbs. of force to carry, lift, push, pull, or otherwise move objects.
Essential Functions (Without Accommodations):
1. Responsible for field studies to include location and mapping of mosquito breeding sites.
2. Assist in conducting scientific experiments to evaluate products or techniques of potential value to the district’s control programs.
3. Conceive, Design, Conduct, Analyze, Interpret, and Report on Laboratory and Field Studies to improve the mosquito control mission of the District.
4. Present results of research at scientific meetings and in written reports, and in technical and scientific papers published in trade magazines and scientific journals.
5. Assist in routine mosquito surveillance throughout the district, including placement and collection of traps and maintenance of data records.
6. Perform mosquito identification.
7. Assist in public relations, education, and other district service programs as required.
Perform mosquito pool tests for disease, as necessary.
Since our organization is going to change to meet the needs of public health, environmental conservation, and the District, you can expect, anticipate, and assume that your job description will change to meet these challenges.
Knowledge:
Knowledge of mosquito biology, control practices, and insecticides.
Knowledge of the equipment used for sampling adult and larval mosquito populations.
Knowledge of boat operation helpful.
Knowledge of experimental design, data analysis, synthesis, and conduct of experiments.
Abilities & Skills:
Ability to identify larval and adult mosquitoes.
Ability to identify local plants (to include trees, shrubs, grasses, and herbs) and animals (to include terrestrial, freshwater, and marine invertebrates and vertebrates).
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other district employees.
Ability to interact with general public; with personnel of Federal, State, and local government agencies; and with employees of other mosquito control programs and industry.
Effective oral and written communication skills.
Ability to prepare scientific reports, oral presentations, and manuscripts for publication.
Education, Training, & Experience:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s in biology, botany, entomology, marine science, wildlife management, zoology, or other appropriate field.
Must be certified in Public Health Pest Control or receive certification from Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services within one year of hire.
Must hold valid Florida driver’s license or obtain such within 30 days of hire.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $26.44 - $40.87 per hour
Expected hours: 40 per week
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Monday to Friday
Experience:
- Molecular biology: 1 year (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- Key Largo, FL 33037 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Key Largo, FL 33037: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person