Seasonal Public Health Intern

Seasonal Public Health / Environmental Health Intern

Mosquito Control, Resistance Monitoring & West Nile Virus Surveillance
Part-Time Seasonal Position (May–September)
Starting Pay: $20–$22/hour

Position Summary

We are seeking a motivated and dependable Seasonal Public Health / Environmental Health Intern to assist with mosquito surveillance, vector control operations, resistance monitoring, and environmental monitoring activities during the mosquito season (May–September). This position provides hands-on experience in public health, environmental science, entomology, vector-borne disease surveillance, and pesticide resistance monitoring.

The intern will support field and laboratory operations related to mosquito monitoring, West Nile virus (WNV) surveillance, pesticide resistance testing, resistance monitoring, habitat mapping, and larval source identification. This is an excellent opportunity for students or recent graduates interested in public health, environmental health, biology, ecology, GIS, entomology, or related scientific fields.

This position is primarily part-time seasonal, with the potential for additional hours and responsibilities if the intern becomes licensed to apply pesticides or assists with expanded operational duties.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Mosquito Surveillance & Field Operations

• Collect larval and adult mosquito samples from a variety of field locations
• Conduct mosquito trapping and surveillance activities
• Survey and identify mosquito breeding habitats and standing water sources
• Map mosquito populations and larval habitats using maps and GIS tools
• Report identified mosquito sources for treatment and control operations
• Assist with surveillance of frog eggs and tadpoles as part of environmental monitoring efforts
• Operate safely in outdoor environments, including heat and rough terrain

Resistance Monitoring & Laboratory Activities

• Assist with pesticide resistance monitoring and resistance testing programs
• Conduct and support laboratory testing related to pesticide resistance in mosquito populations
• Sort adult mosquitoes by species for West Nile virus testing
• Prepare and package mosquito samples for disease testing
• Assist with mosquito disease surveillance and laboratory operations
• Maintain accurate records, surveillance data, and field/lab documentation

Additional Responsibilities

• Drive district/company vehicles to field locations
• Communicate professionally with the public and property owners
• Assist with other mosquito control and environmental health duties as assigned
• Work independently and collaboratively with staff members
• Potentially assist with pesticide applications if properly licensed

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Interest in public health, environmental health, biology, ecology, entomology, or related fields
• Ability to work outdoors in hot weather conditions
• Valid driver’s license and ability to safely operate a vehicle
• Ability to read maps and navigate field locations
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Self-motivated, dependable, and responsible
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Good communication and customer service skills
• Flexible and willing to assist with a variety of duties

Preferred Qualifications - But can be trained

• Coursework or experience in public health, environmental science, biology, GIS, or related disciplines
• GIS or mapping experience
• Field sampling or laboratory experience
• Experience with resistance monitoring, insect collection, or environmental monitoring
• Interest in vector-borne disease surveillance and mosquito control operations

Work Environment

• Combination of outdoor field work and indoor laboratory work
• Regular exposure to heat, uneven terrain, insects, and environmental conditions
• Seasonal schedule from May through September
• Part-time hours with possible expanded hours based on operational needs and qualifications

Compensation

• Starting wage: $20–$22 per hour
• Potential for increased hours and responsibilities for interns obtaining pesticide applicator licensing or supporting additional operational activities

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is someone interested in public health and environmental science who enjoys hands-on field work, scientific data collection, resistance monitoring, and contributing to disease prevention efforts that protect public health and the environment.