Lab Technician / Vector Control
UTAH COUNTY OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
100 East Center, Suite 3800, Provo, UT 84606 Phone: (801) 851-8158
Fax: (801) 851-8166 Email: humanresources@UtahCounty.gov
“The Value of Public Service Employment is vital to the success of our state, county, and local communities.”
Utah County Government Employees start every day with the well-being of the entire community in mind:
How can I make my community a better place?
Who will need my help and protection?
How will I make a difference for someone?
We hire smart, compassionate, loyal, ethical, committed, innovative people.
Apply today and join our Team.
JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
Position: Lab Technician / Vector Control - Part Time - No Benefits
This is a Part Time position and does not include benefits
Rate of Pay: $15.31 - $17.63 per hour
SUMMARY
The Lab Technician / Vector Control supports the Integrated Mosquito Management (IMM) program by assisting with mosquito surveillance, sorting, identification, data entry, and laboratory procedures.
This position performs both laboratory tasks and general vector control duties, depending on operational needs. The Lab Coordinator provides daily technical direction and mentoring, while overall supervision and operational authority rest with the Director and Operations Supervisor.
This role plays a critical part in tracking mosquito populations, assisting in disease surveillance, and supporting field operations.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Mosquito Surveillance & Field Support
Assist with planning, deploying, retrieving, and maintaining mosquito traps on assigned routes. Perform field inspections of mosquito breeding habitats and collect larval and adult mosquito specimens. Apply larvicides using hand equipment according to label requirements and program standards. Document field activities using GIS-based reporting tools on iPads.
Laboratory Procedures & Diagnostics
Sort mosquitoes by genus, species, sex, and physiological status. Prepare mosquito pools/samples for arbovirus testing. Assist with laboratory procedures including:
RNA extraction
qPCR preparation
Plate setup and basic diagnostic workflows
Maintain accurate laboratory records, labeling, and chain-of-custody standards. Clean and maintain laboratory equipment, supplies, and work areas.
Data Entry, Reporting & Quality Control
Enter mosquito surveillance data into laboratory and district databases. Assist in generating summary reports for weekly operations. Ensure accuracy and completeness of data records. Follow Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and maintain quality assurance standards.
Program & Team Support
Assist other teams—including field, bike, or aerial—when laboratory tasks are completed or as directed. Participate in training, safety meetings, and continuing education. Interact professionally with coworkers and the public when in the field. Assist in maintenance of surveillance equipment, trap repairs, and field gear prep.
Operational Flexibility & Emergencies
Adjust work assignments based on trap counts, disease activity, and operational needs. Respond to public health emergencies as required by program leadership. Carry assigned communication devices during all work hours.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
Knowledge of basic biology, entomology, or environmental sciences
Knowledge of mosquito life cycles and habitat ecology (training provided)
Knowledge of laboratory safety protocols
Skilled in microscope use and fine-motor sorting tasks
Skilled in data entry, record keeping, and digital reporting
Ability to learn and follow complex lab procedures
Ability to work carefully, accurately, and independently
Ability to communicate effectively and maintain professional relationships
Ability to work outdoors in varied weather and terrain
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
This position has no supervisory responsibilities.
The Lab Coordinator provides daily direction, coaching, and oversight.
The Director and Operations Supervisor retain operational authority and serve as the supervising officials.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Indoor laboratory setting and outdoor field environments
Exposure to mosquitoes, insects, biological samples, and potential vector-borne pathogens
Exposure to hot, cold, windy, or wet weather during field work
PPE required for lab and field tasks (gloves, masks, eye protection, etc.)
Regular use of microscopes, lab instruments, and field tools
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Sit or stand for prolonged microscope work
Walk, bend, and kneel for field collections
Lift and carry up to 40 lbs of equipment
Fine-motor manipulation for detailed specimen work
POSITION TYPE / HOURS
Seasonal, variable hours based on operational needs
Some early mornings or evenings depending on trap schedules
Occasional weekends during peak mosquito activity
Overtime possible during high-activity periods
TRAVEL
Primarily local within designated trapping routes
No overnight travel expected
REQUIRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
1. High school diploma or equivalent.
No prior laboratory experience required—training is provided.
Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
PREFERRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
Coursework or experience in biology, entomology, laboratory science, or related fields
Experience with microscopes or lab equipment
Experience with GIS or data systems
Prior work in mosquito abatement or environmental fieldwork
ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Must obtain a Utah Public Health Pesticide Applicator License (training provided)
Must possess a valid driver’s license and obtain a Utah license within 60 days
Must pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check
Vaccinations encouraged per CDC/Health Department recommendations
AAP/EEO Statement
It is the policy of Utah County Government to assure equal employment opportunity to its employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, disability, age, sex, sexual orientation, genetic status of gender identity.
UTAH COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER