Opening Date: February 21, 2024

Closing Date: Until Filled

Salary: Up to $17.00/hour

Location: 227 W. Jefferson Blvd., South Bend, IN 46601 – 8 th Floor

Status: Part Time

Job Category: PAT (Professional, Administrative, Technological)

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

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Incumbent serves as Vector Specialist for the St. Joseph County Department of Health, responsible for conducting on-site inspections, providing information and education to the public, and enforcing federal, state, and local public health and environmental protection laws, rules, and regulations, with specific emphasis on those that pertain to mosquitoes, ticks, and other pests of public health importance.

DUTIES :

Inspects facilities and premises for rodent and insect infestations and conducts rodent and vector control needs assessments.

Identifies mosquito and bird problem areas and applies insecticides and pesticides for mosquito control.

Provides consultation and public education concerning methods of rodent and vector control.

Incumbent is required to occasionally work extended, evening and/or weekend hours.

Serves on 24-hour call for public health emergencies.

Performs related duties as assigned.

I. JOB REQUIREMENTS :

Currently pursuing an academic degree in biology, geography, chemistry, veterinary science, environmental science, public health, or related field. The incumbent must have completed at least one year of study in one of the aforementioned academic fields.

Ability to meet all hiring requirements including passage of a drug screening.

Possession of and ability to retain possession of certification as a Pesticide Applicator in the State of Indiana.

Thorough knowledge of standard policies and practices of St Joseph County Department of Health, with ability to apply appropriate procedures accordingly.

Thorough knowledge of standard principles and practices of public health protection and disease control, with ability to analyze data related to communicable diseases, disease outbreaks and other community health issues, and to develop plans and procedures for emerging public health threats.

Thorough knowledge of federal, state, and local laws and regulations governing Department of Health operations, with ability to effectively monitor operations, maintain records and files, and draft department policies to ensure compliance with all legal requirements.

Working knowledge of standard English grammar, spelling, and punctuation, and ability to prepare documents, correspondence, and detailed written reports as required.

Ability to properly operate standard office equipment, including computer, copier, telephone, and calculator.

Working knowledge of basic computer skills including word processing, spreadsheet, email, and Department-specific software and applications, with ability to apply such knowledge to a variety of interrelated processes, tasks, and operations.

Ability to effectively listen, comprehend, and communicate orally and in writing with co-workers, other County and City departments, IDoH, Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), other government agencies, the University of Notre Dame, Home Builders Association of St. Joseph Valley, the St. Joseph County Onsite Wastewater Advisory Board, engineering firms, soil scientists, contractors, and the public, including being sensitive to professional ethics, gender, cultural diversities, and disabilities.

Ability to compile, classify, and analyze data, and make data-driven decisions.

Ability to file, post, and mail materials.

Ability to count, compute, and perform arithmetic operations.

Ability to understand, memorize, retain, and carry out written or oral instructions and present findings in oral or written form.

Ability to work alone with minimum supervision with others in a team environment.

Ability to plan, coordinate, and organize work assignments and work on several tasks at a time, occasionally under time pressure or amidst distractions.

Ability to apply knowledge of people and locations, plan/layout work assignments, and read/interpret detailed blueprints and plans.

Ability to utilize good judgment in extreme and uncommon situations and maintain constructive relationships.

Ability to competently serve the public with diplomacy and respect, including occasional encounters with irate or difficult persons.

Ability to identify steps necessary to reach objectives, define practical courses of action, and put into effect changes in policies and procedures.

Ability to provide public access to or maintain confidentiality of Department information and records according to state requirements and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

Ability to properly operate environmental testing equipment, including mosquito traps, moisture and humidity testing equipment, global positioning service (GPS) unit, vehicle, and protective equipment/clothing.

Incumbent is frequently exposed to registered pesticides and other potentially hazardous chemicals. Ability to learn and follow all relevant safety precautions and requirements at all times to avoid injury to self and others.

Ability to hike through variable and uneven terrain, sometimes of moderate difficulty, through county parks, wilderness, and wetlands.

Ability to testify in legal proceedings/court as necessary.

Ability to plan and deliver public speaking presentations.

Shall comply with all employer and Department policies and work rules, including, but not limited to, attendance, safety, drug-free workplace, and personal conduct.

Incumbent is required to occasionally work extended, evening, and/or weekend hours and regularly respond to emergencies on a 24-hour basis or from off-duty status.

Possession of a valid driver’s license and demonstrated safe driving record.

II. DIFFICULTY OF WORK :

Incumbent performs a wide array of complex duties involving past precedents and new developments. Incumbent operates within general guidelines and rules, exercising discretion and independent judgment in selecting the appropriate guidelines and/or rules to apply to specific cases or circumstances.

III. RESPONSIBILITY :

Incumbent is responsible for proper completion of assigned tasks, with desired results clearly specified. Unusual situations or problems are discussed with the supervisor, and incumbent is responsible for applying standard departmental practices and precedents to individual work assignments. Work product is periodically assessed for overall conformity with guidelines and standard departmental practices.

IV. PERSONAL WORK RELATIONSHIPS :

Incumbent maintains frequent communication with co-workers, other County departments, IDOH, EPA, IDEM, other government agencies, University of Notre Dame, St. Joseph County Home Builders Association, St. Joseph County Wastewater Advisory Board, engineering firms, soil scientists, contractors, and the public for purposes of exchanging information and rendering service.

Incumbent reports directly to Vector Coordinator.

V. PHYSICAL EFFORT AND WORK ENVIRONMENT :

Incumbent performs duties in a standard office environment, in a vehicle, and in the field/outdoors, involving sitting/walking at will, sitting/standing/walking for long periods, driving, walking on uneven terrain, working in wet/icy surroundings and extreme temperatures, working near fumes/odors/dust/dirt and in noisy environments, lifting/carrying/pushing/pulling objects occasionally weighing over 50 pounds, bending/reaching, crouching/kneeling, handling/grasping/fingering objects, close/far vision, color and depth perception, speaking clearly, hearing sounds/communication. Incumbent is frequently exposed to hazards normally associated with construction sites and inspection of public health and environmental protection problems. Safety precautions must be followed at all times to avoid injury to self and others, including wearing protective clothing/equipment. Incumbent may be exposed to irate/hostile persons.

Incumbent is required to occasionally work extended, evening, and/or weekend hours and regularly respond to emergencies on a 24-hour basis or from off-duty status.

Interested candidates may apply at: https://sjc.ezhiregov.com/, If a certification or license is required, please be sure to attach the documents.