Part-Time Surveillance Tech

Department:Entomology

Reports To:Research and Surveillance Director

Employment Type:☐ Full-Time ☒ Part-Time ☐ Temporary ☐ Seasonal

FLSA Status:☐ Exempt ☒ Non-Exempt

Pay Grade:100

Primary Work Location:Odessa, FL

Travel Required:☒ Yes ☐ No (If yes, describe)

Local travel throughout Pasco County for trap collection and animal care

Position SummaryThe Part-Time Surveillance Technician supports the District’s mosquito surveillance and arbovirus monitoring programs by operating and maintaining mosquito traps and providing routine care for sentinel chickens. This position performs regular field-based duties, including specimen collection, site maintenance, and interaction with the public, while ensuring safety, accuracy, and compliance with established protocols. The role requires independent work, reliability, and the ability to perform outdoor tasks in varying environmental conditions.

Essential Functions & ResponsibilitiesThe following duties are representative of the essential functions of this position. Employees may be assigned additional duties as operational needs require.

Core ResponsibilitiesOperate the District’s mosquito trap program, including maintaining traps and collecting adult mosquito specimens according to established schedules and routes.Retrieve trap collections by navigating designated routes, which may include wooded areas and approved access to private property.Provide routine care for sentinel chicken flocks used in arbovirus surveillance, including feeding, watering, and basic health observation.Operational / Technical DutiesPerform site maintenance to ensure trap locations and surrounding areas remain clear, accessible, and functional.Maintain sanitary conditions by regularly cleaning and servicing sentinel chicken coops.Safely operate and maintain assigned tools, vehicles, and equipment.Use maps, GPS, or routing tools to efficiently locate trap sites and travel between collection locations.Interact with property owners and members of the public in a professional and courteous manner.Leadership / Coordination (if applicable)Communicate effectively with supervisory staff regarding route completion, equipment issues, and animal care concerns.Marginal FunctionsThe following duties are performed on an occasional basis and are not considered essential functions of the position.

Assist with special surveillance activities or projects as directed.Perform other related work to support Research and Surveillance operations.Required QualificationsMinimum qualifications necessary to perform the job:

Graduation from high school or possession of a General Educational Development (GED) certificate.Ability to safely lift, carry, and move items weighing up to fifty (50) pounds.Possession of a valid Florida Driver’s License and the ability to maintain an acceptable driving record.Familiarity with driving a small truck and basic knowledge of Pasco County roadways.Ability to work a minimum of twenty (20) hours per week, with scheduling based on operational needs.Ability to communicate effectively and to understand and follow oral and written instructions.Demonstrated ability to work dependably, manage assigned tasks independently, and meet performance and safety expectations.Authorization to work legally in the United States.Preferred QualificationsAbility to obtain and maintain a Public Health Pest Control License issued by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) within one (1) year of employment.Prior experience with mosquito surveillance, animal care, field sampling, or outdoor work.The District may provide training and support for required licensure and certifications.Knowledge, Skills & AbilitiesThe knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below represent the core competencies required to successfully perform the duties of this position.

 

Knowledge of:

Standard safety practices and precautions necessary to prevent accidents while working outdoors and around equipment.Local geography sufficient to navigate routes and locate surveillance sites.Skills in:

Using basic hand tools to maintain mosquito traps and clean sentinel chicken coops.Operating GPS devices, maps, or routing applications to locate and service trap sites.Ability to:

Work independently and make routine decisions regarding trap maintenance and animal care.Understand and follow oral and written instructions.Interact professionally with coworkers, property owners, and the public.Safely operate a vehicle to travel between collection sites.Perform outdoor work in varying weather conditions.Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.Ability to communicate effectively and maintain positive working relationships with coworkers and the public.Physical & Environmental ConditionsThe physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

 

This position requires moderate physical activity on a regular basis, including lifting, carrying, and moving items weighing up to fifty (50) pounds; walking, standing, bending, stooping, kneeling, and climbing in and out of vehicles. The position requires the use of hands and fingers to operate hand tools, equipment, and vehicles. Adequate vision, both near and far, is required to safely perform field duties.

Work is primarily performed outdoors and may include salt marshes, wetlands, residential areas, workshops, vehicles, and similar environments. Regular exposure to varying weather conditions—including heat, humidity, sun, rain, wind, mud, insects, and uneven terrain—is expected. Occasional local travel is required. Noise levels are generally low but may increase when working near vehicles, equipment, or aircraft.

Technology & Data ResponsibilitiesUtilizes computers, mobile devices, and/or specialized software to perform job duties.Responsible for accurate data entry and adherence to data security and privacy protocols.May use AI-assisted or automated tools in accordance with organizational policy.Performance ExpectationsSuccessful performance in this role includes:

Completing assigned routes, collections, and animal care tasks accurately and on schedule.Following all safety procedures, operational protocols, and District policies.Demonstrating professionalism, reliability, and accountability.Working cooperatively with supervisors and other staff to support surveillance operations.Compensation & BenefitsCompensation for this position is established in accordance with the District’s adopted pay structure and personnel policies. This is a part-time position and is eligible for overtime compensation in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), as applicable.

 

Base pay adjustments may occur through Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLA), which are intended to maintain wage competitiveness relative to economic conditions, and through merit-based increases, which are awarded based on individual performance, skill development, and organizational needs. All compensation adjustments are subject to District policy, budget approval, and performance standards.

 

Employees in this classification may be eligible for enrollment in the Florida Retirement System (FRS), subject to statutory eligibility requirements. Benefits eligibility and availability are governed by District policy and applicable law.

 

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Duties and responsibilities may be modified or assigned at any time to meet the needs of the organization. This organization is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment is at-will unless otherwise provided by applicable law or a written employment agreement.

$17.85 - $24.99 Hourly Wage