Entomologist Surveillance Supervisor

Harris County (TX) - Houston, TX

Full-time - Mid Level

Houston, TX

Construction of Buildings

About the position

If you're looking to be a part of a collaborative environment where your skills can make an impact, explore our current opportunities in creating a better future for public health. Harris County Public Health (HCPH) includes a network of more than 1,100 public health professionals working together to improve health outcomes for the third most populous county in the United States. HCPH provides a multitude of services such as medical and dental services, community programming, and health education for the approximately 2.3 million people in unincorporated Harris County. Through its core values of innovation, engagement, and health equity, HCPH strives to bring meaningful solutions to public health issues while keeping Harris County healthy and vibrant. Under the supervision of the Mosquito and Vector Control Technical Operations Manager, the Surveillance Entomologist Supervisor function is to supervise the daily operations of the Mosquito Surveillance section, collaborate activities alongside the Avian surveillance, Vector Surveillance and Virology sections, and to disseminate data in an accurate and timely manner to guide in the management and control of arbovirus diseases.

Responsibilities

• Supervises employees in the mosquito surveillance section and monitor staff job performance and time management
• Collaborates with Technical Operations Branch Manager to determine mosquito species priority for virus testing based on past and current disease transmission history
• Plans and organizes weekly routes schedules for smooth operation of trapping process and ensure field activities are executed appropriately
• Trains employees in mosquito surveillance techniques including; site surveys, operation of collection devices, handling various trapping media, and laboratory preparation, processing, identification, storage of specimens (adult and larval mosquitoes), and train staff for best practices related to biosafety
• Ensures accurate identification of collected specimens and record-keeping of surveillance laboratory
• Maintains surveillance database and ensures reports provided are accurate, of high quality and timely
• Procures supplies and equipment for the smooth operations of mosquito surveillance
• Assists the Avian and Vector surveillance sections with field activities (dead bird collection/ ticks and kissing bugs collection) when necessary

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Entomology, Biology, Public Health, or related field from an accredited college or university.
• At least two (2) years working experience with an organized mosquito control program or public health agency.
• At least one (1) year in a supervisory capacity.
• Valid Driver's License (Texas upon hire) along with a good driving record required.

Nice-to-haves

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite programs including Office 365 (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams, etc.)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Knowledge of vector-host interactions, including how vectors transmit pathogens to humans and animals
• Ability to analyze surveillance data, interpret findings, and generate meaningful reports to inform decision-making
• Skill in conducting field surveys for vector populations, including using traps, nets, and other sampling methods to collect insects
• Ability to coordinate daily activities, assign tasks, and ensure quality control in data collection and fieldwork
• Ability to lead, motivate, and manage multidisciplinary teams in the field and laboratory

Benefits

• Medical Coverage
• Dental Coverage
• Vision Coverage
• Wellness Plan
• Life Insurance
• Long-term disability
• Employee Assistance Program
• Ten (10) days of vacation each year for the first five (5) years of service
• Accrual rates increase based on years of service
• Eleven (11) County-observed holidays and one (1) floating holiday
• Professional development opportunities
• Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan
• Healthcare Reimbursement Account
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
• Retirement Pension (TCDRS)
• Flexible schedule (varies by department)
• Transportation Assistance (Metro RideSponsor Program)