AGRICULTURAL BIOLOGIST AIDE

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

DEFINITION

Under supervision, perform a variety of non-professional tasks in the field in support of agricultural and/or vector control activities; and perform other work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Positions in this class assist agricultural inspectors and/or mosquito and vector control specialists by performing a variety of routine and repetitive tasks which do not require the skill and knowledge of inspectors or specialists.

TYPICAL TASKS

• Identify target insects
• Comply with the State Insect Trapping Guide's Procedures
• Draw accurate maps of property and trap locations
• Place, service and relocate insect traps within the County; remove all traps from the field at the end of trapping season
• Recognize preferred host plants of the target insects
• Handle, document and submit insect specimens
• Maintain equipment, supplies and submit accurate daily records

• Inspect head lettuce for compliance with established regulations and standards relating to quality, size and packaging
• Inspect fields, greenhouses and other production areas to prevent and eradicate pest infestation
• Inspect plant foliage and nursery stock for specific pests or diseases in accordance with specific guidelines
• Collect crop samples from fields or orchards
• Package specimens and samples for shipment to labs
• Set and service yellow panel insect traps at nurseries within the County
• Maintain equipment, supplies and submit accurate daily records

• Assist vector control program staff with field activities and laboratory work
• Set, pick up and maintain traps for mosquito surveillance and detection of mosquito-borne viruses
• Use a microscope to identify and sort mosquitoes using a taxonomic key
• Maintain and keep data records and electronic maps
• Distribute informational materials and assist with public information events
• Assist with trail clearing using hand and motorized equipment
• Under supervision assist with mosquito control using mosquitocides
• Assist in tick and rodent surveillance and control efforts for other vectors such as wasps
• Wade through ponds to thigh depth using backpack sprayers

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge of:

• Record keeping and arithmetic
• General computer skills

Ability to:

• Maintain accurate and legible field notes and prepare simple reports
• Input and access information using a computer and/or mobile device
• Learn and apply routine inspection and sampling procedures
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions
• Make arithmetic computations
• Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with the public, co-workers, and others contacted in the course of work
• Wade through thigh deep water
• Distinguish colors and fine detail to perform tasks such as identifying exotic and common insects
• Organize inspection routes for maximum efficiency
• Prepare accurate maps marking locations of traps
• Read and interpret street maps and use mapping programs for direction
• Work independently in the field
• Perform tasks requiring bending, stretching, twisting, reaching, or squatting
• Move across broken or hilly terrain that may be slippery or wet
• Lift objects up to 40 pounds, such as a backpack motorized sprayer filled with insecticide or, a 5-gallon bucket filled with water

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Any combination of education and experience which would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying, unless otherwise specified.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• License: Possession of a valid California Class C Driver License. (Note: Candidates with an out of state license may apply and go through recruitment and examination process, however verification of CA License must be provided at time of appointment).
• Special Working Conditions: Exposure to variable temperatures and weather conditions which include exposure to sun; allergens such as poison oak, pollen and bee stings; odors caused by alcohol or lures that may contain dilute pesticides; slippery surfaces; toxic agricultural and public health pesticides; wetness, such as while walking through creeks, ponds and sloughs to conduct mosquito surveillance; odors, such as from marshes and septic water; potential infections, such as tick-borne Lyme disease or mosquito-borne viruses; aggressive animals, poisonous plants and animals; irate or hostile individuals; hazardous gases and chemicals.

PREVIOUS CLASS TITLES: None

Benefit Status: 41
EEOC Job Category: 03
Occupational Grouping: 73
Workers' Comp Code: 0285