Job Specifications

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

Under general direction, plans, implements, directs and reviews mosquito abatement and vector control programs; coordinates the details of day-today operations including supervision of subordinate staff; and does other work as required.

This is a single position classification that reports directly to the Agricultural Commissioner/Director of Weights and Measures and is responsible for managing mosquito abatement and vector control programs within districts established and approved by the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors. The incumbent serves as a member of the management team to assist in long range planning and to set policies and procedures. The incumbent is a technical expert and internal consultant who is expected to provide information to the public on mosquito abatement and vector control matters and are required to respond to the media and public on sensitive inter-jurisdictional issues requiring tact, judgment and diplomacy. This position differs from the next higher class of Agricultural Commissioner/Director of Weights and Measures in that the latter is responsible for the direction of the entire department.

Plans, implements, directs and reviews the mosquito abatement and vector control programs in the Mosquito Abatement/Vector Control section of the Agricultural Commissioner's Office; determines and develops operating policies; assists in preparing and monitoring the annual budget; makes continuing and periodic surveys and directs the studies of vector occurrence and problems; confers with technical and scientific personnel and develops reports and recommendations on programs and priorities for mosquito abatement and other vector control, including evaluations of community resources, reactions and needs as they pertain to mosquito abatement and vector control; prepares reports for presentation to the governing board; evaluates program operations; supervises, trains and evaluates the work of subordinate staff; confers with staff regarding progress and provides consultation and assistance as needed; coordinates the program with other public agencies such as flood control districts, reclamation districts, health departments, wildlife organizations and private groups to provide projects favorable to the prevention and control of vectors; directs special studies in problem areas; plans, develops and directs a program of public relations and community education; attends and addresses community meetings; consults with California Department of Health Services, university extension services and other public and private resource organizations; consults with the Agricultural Commissioner on work programs, work standards, schedules, policies and program development; represents the department at meetings and conferences; prepares reports and correspondence; uses a computer to input, analyze and retrieve data.

Working knowledge of:

• Mosquito abatement programs, legislation and practices.
• Scope and subject of entomology, engineering, agronomy and other scientific and technical fields contributing to the development of effective mosquito abatement and vector control programs.
• Programs of health departments, flood control and reclamation districts and other public or private organizations with functions related to mosquito abatement and vector control.
• Structure and function of county government.
• Application of data processing to mosquito abatement and vector control operations.

Some knowledge of:

• Administration, management and supervision including affirmative action, labor relations and personnel management.
• Principles and practices of program planning, budgeting, training and public relations.

• Plan, organize, direct and coordinate mosquito abatement and vector control programs adapted to the needs of the community.
• Supervise, train and evaluate the work of subordinate staff.
• Exercise initiative, ingenuity and sound judgment to solve administrative, operational and technical problems.
• Evaluate program operations and develop more efficient and effective work methods and programs.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Understand, interpret, explain and apply laws and regulations pertaining to mosquito abatement and vector control programs.
• Coordinate work of various public agencies and community groups involved in program implementation.
• Collect, interpret, analyze and evaluate data.
• Prepare and present clear and concise administrative and technical reports.
• Speak effectively before groups.
• Learn to operate a computer terminal to access, input and analyze data.
• Lift items weighing up to 50 pounds, such as 5-gallon containers full of oil.
• Perform physical tasks such as unreeling a 100-foot hose from the back of a truck, climbing ladders and walking over rugged terrain.
• Put on, wear and use a respirator and other personal protective equipment to avoid exposure to pesticides and to stinging and biting arthropods.
• Drive a 4-wheel drive vehicle.
• Distinguish colors in order to identify a variety of small insects and venomous arthropods.

License, Certificate: Possession of a valid California class C driver license; Public Health Pest Control Certified Technician Certificate issued by the California Department of Health Services.

Special Environmental Conditions: Variable temperatures and weather conditions; rugged terrain; confined workspaces; exposure to stinging, biting and/or venomous arthropods; and the possibility of exposure to pesticides.

Other Special Requirements: Availability to work irregular hours including weekends, and to travel within the State.

Training and Experience: Any combination of training and experience, which would provide the required knowledge and abilities, is qualifying. A typical way to obtain these knowledge and abilities would be:

Five years of experience in mosquito abatement or vector control work including one year of management or supervisory experience. Substitution: Two years of coursework in biological science, entomology or public health may be substituted for up to one year of field experience.

PREVIOUS TITLES: None

Bargaining Unit: Mid-Management

EEOC Job Category: 02

Occupational Grouping: 73

Worker's Comp Code: 285