Taxonomist
Berkeley County
Moncks Corner, SC, USA
Job Summary and Essential Functions
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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
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- 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;
- 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 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
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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
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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.