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Metropolitan Mosquito Control District

 

Lab Specialist – Full Time Position

St. Paul, MN 55104 

Apply at: mmcd.org

 

Hourly wage: $34.10

Open : 1/10/2025 - 1/24/2025

Applicants are required to submit a resume and cover letter

 

The Metropolitan Mosquito Control District (MMCD) was created by the Minnesota state legislature (Minn. Statute 473.704) in 1958 for the benefit of citizens of Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, and Washington counties.

Our Mission: To promote health and wellbeing by protecting the public from disease and annoyance caused by mosquitoes, black flies, and ticks, in an environmentally sensitive manner.

Our Values: We value integrity, trust, cooperation, respect, and competence in our interactions with colleagues and customers.

Our Vision: To be the leading mosquito abatement district in the world.

See our website for more details: mmcd.org

 

 

The Lab Specialist is a crucial role that keeps our District laboratory operations running smoothly. You will use District provided equipment and vehicles to perform support and organize laboratory activities. 

 

As the Lab Specialist, you will: 

Organize and coordinate lab activities, goals and procedures.

Perform insect identification, processing and surveillance of mosquitos, ticks and black flies.

Assist in the training of seasonal laboratory technicians in all lab protocols and procedures.

Maintain, repair and purchasing of surveillance and laboratory equipment.

Assist in the collection and processing of data and reporting for research projects.

Perform other duties as assigned that are related to laboratory operations, surveillance tasks and research initiatives.

 

We’re a District committed to teamwork, community, learning, and development. 

Salary: $34.10 per hour – this is a benefits eligible position -

Employer Paid:  Dental, Life Insurance, Short term/Long term disability, Vacation, Sick time, Holiday pay.

Employer Contribution – Medical, Public Employees Retirement Association 

Other benefits offered – Vision, 457 Deferred Comp/ROTH plans, Voluntary life insurance.

 

MMCD is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status. 


 

 

 

 

POSITION TITLE: Lab Specialist 

DEPARTMENT:                   REPORTS TO:                                  FLSA STATUS:

Tech Services                          Assistant Entomologist                       Non-exempt

Hourly wage: $34.10

Class Summary:

Under the general supervision of the Assistant Entomologist, the Lab Specialist performs moderately complex work in coordinating lab activities, including the identification of adult mosquitoes, mosquito and black fly larvae, ticks, and other insect species. This position is responsible for assisting with lab operations, supporting seasonal lab technicians, and ensuring that lab procedures and protocols are followed accurately. The Lab Specialist plays a key role in organizing and managing field sample processing and in maintaining the entomology lab’s equipment and supplies.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

 

Lab Organization and Coordination:

  • Organize and coordinate lab activities, including managing samples, surveillance equipment, labels, and vials, to ensure the lab can efficiently address priorities and manage workloads.
  • Work with the Assistant Entomologist to define goals, objectives, and priorities for lab operations.
  • Ensure field facilities have adequate supplies and resources to complete their work, and maintain clear communication with field offices regarding sample submission times, priorities, and procedures.

 

Insect Identification and Surveillance:

  • Perform detailed identification of adult mosquitoes, larvae, ticks, and black flies using a microscope and taxonomic keys.
  • Provide assistance in the identification of non-target species as part of surveillance and research activities.

 

Training and Support:

  • Assist in training seasonal lab technicians in mosquito, black fly, and tick identification, as well as lab protocols and procedures.
  • Monitor and guide technicians' work to ensure accuracy and quality in identification tasks and overall lab performance.

 

Equipment and Inventory Management:

  • Maintain and repair surveillance equipment, ensuring it is in proper working condition.
  • Manage inventory of lab supplies, ensuring that necessary materials are ordered and readily available for lab operations and fieldwork.
  • Stay informed about insect surveillance tools, techniques, and industry standards, making recommendations for improvements or new practices.

 

Sample Organization and Processing:

  • Organize various submitted samples to ensure efficient operations of the entomology lab.
  • Assist in training of seasonal staff in proper sample organization and processing protocols.
  • Maintain communication with field operations to ensure correct submission and handling of samples.

 

Report Generation and Research Support:

  • Assist in compiling, generating, and disseminating related summaries, reports, and findings.
  • Support mosquito and entomology research projects, as assigned, and assist in the collection and processing of research data.
  • Assist in processing non-target multiplate samples and help train seasonal staff in their processing.

 

Tick Collection and Identification:

  • Assist with the removal of ticks from small mammals and provide tick identification support as assigned.

 

Procurement and Purchasing:

  • Provide lead support for the ordering and purchasing of laboratory supplies and technical services.
  • Ensure timely procurement of necessary lab materials and equipment.

 

Other Duties:

  • Perform other duties as assigned that are related to laboratory operations, surveillance tasks, and research initiatives.

Minimum Qualifications:

Undergraduate degree in Entomology, Biology, or related field.  Three or more years of experience in identifying mosquitoes, ticks, and black flies; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.  Demonstrated ability to perform job duties effectively and efficiently.

Knowledge Required:

  • Basic entomology and insect taxonomy.
  • Basic laboratory practices and procedures.
  • Ability to identify species of adult and larval mosquitoes.
  • Ability to identify species of black flies and ticks.
  • Familiarity with insect surveillance tools and methods used in the industry.

Skills Required:

  • Strong organizational abilities to manage multiple tasks and prioritize work.
  • Ability to manage both individual and team tasks efficiently.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work collaboratively with coworkers, supervisors, and field staff.
  • Proficiency in reading, understanding, and implementing work plans and protocols.
  • Ability to assist in training others in laboratory and field surveillance work.
  • Strong record-keeping skills, both paper and electronic, and the ability to prepare reports as required.
  • Proficiency with computers, applicable software, and standard office equipment.
  • Ability to use maps and navigate within the District’s service area.
  • Basic mechanical skills to maintain and repair surveillance and research equipment.

 

 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

 

Positions in this class typically require sedentary work, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions. Sedentary work involves maintaining a stationary position. Jobs are sedentary if moving is required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met. Some work requires stooping, kneeling crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions on wet and uneven terrain. Move and transport up to 50 pounds occasionally and/or use force frequently or constantly to manipulate, lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Certain work involves bike riding. Incumbents will be subjected to outdoor work and operation of District vehicles and equipment.       

Incumbents may be subjected to, moving mechanical parts, fumes, odors, dust, chemicals and extreme temperatures, intense noise, and travel, requires license to operate a motor vehicle. 

 

NOTE:

 

The above job description is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the business needs of the organization.

 

 

Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer

This document is available in alternative formats to individual with disabilities

by calling 651-645-9149 or through MN Relay Service at 1-800-627-3529