NOTE: A cover letter and a resume must be submitted along with this application.
The recruitment process is ongoing and will remain open until the position is filled. While there is no specific closing date, we encourage interested applicants to apply as soon as possible. The first review of applications will take place three weeks after the posting date.
DEFINITION
Under administrative direction, plans, organizes, manages, and provides direction and oversight for all staff, programs, services, and activities of the Scientific-Technical Department, including mosquito collection and surveillance, pesticide research and application, vector-borne disease and virus surveillance, and vector control research; coordinates assigned activities with other District departments, officials, outside agencies, and the public; fosters cooperative working relationships among District departments and with intergovernmental, regulatory agencies, and various public and private groups; works closely with the Assistant General Manager, Vector Management, to formulate departmental policies, goals, and directives; and performs related work as required.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives administrative direction from the Assistant General Manager, Vector Management. Exercises direct supervision over professional, and technical staff in collaboration with the General Manager, Assistant General Managers, and department managers, and through subordinate levels of supervision.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This is a management classification responsible for planning, managing, and participating in all activities of the Scientific-Technical Department, including short- and long-term planning as well as development and administration of departmental policies, procedures, and services. This class assists the Assistant General Manager, Vector Management in various administrative, coordinative, analytical, and liaison capacities. Successful performance of the work requires knowledge of District functions and activities, and the ability to develop, oversee, and implement projects and programs in a variety of areas. Responsibilities include coordinating the activities of the department with those of other departments and outside agencies and managing and overseeing the complex and varied functions of the department. The incumbent is accountable for accomplishing departmental planning and operational goals and objectives, and for furthering District goals and objectives within general policy guidelines.EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.- Assumes management responsibility for all Scientific-Technical Department staff, programs, services, and activities, including mosquito collection and surveillance, pesticide research and application, vector-borne disease and virus surveillance, and vector control research.
- Participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards for the department; establishes, within District policy, appropriate budget, service, and staffing levels.
- Manages and participates in the development and administration of the department’s annual budget; determines budget priorities; identifies the need for staffing, equipment, and supplies; presents budget proposals to the Assistant General Manager, Vector Management; monitors and approves expenditures; recommends and implements budgetary adjustments, as necessary; identifies areas for savings.
- Selects, trains, motivates, mentors, and oversees department personnel; evaluates and reviews work for acceptability and conformance with department standards, including program and project priorities and performance evaluations; works with employees to correct deficiencies; encourages staff professional growth and development; implements discipline procedures; responds to staff questions and concerns. May require visits to different district branch offices to oversee staff and operations.
- Reviews staff timesheets for accuracy and completeness; collaborates with the finance department to revise and resolve discrepancies; approves timesheets using the payroll system in accordance with District policies and procedures.
- Contributes to the overall quality of the department’s service by developing, reviewing, and implementing policies and procedures to meet legal requirements and District needs; continuously monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; assesses and monitors the distribution of work, support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities for improvement; directs the implementation of change.
- Monitors legal, regulatory, technology, and societal changes and court decisions that may affect the work of the department; determines equipment acquisition, training programs, and procedural changes to ensure retention of qualified staff and the provision of services to the community in an effective, efficient, and economical manner.
- Oversees testing of various pesticides to determine efficacy, best practices for field application, and resistance of vectors; collaborates with the Assistant General Manager, Vector Management, and Operations Managers in the selection of pesticides and methods of controlling field populations of vectors; interprets accumulated surveillance and pesticide data to advise operations and guide District-wide vector control efforts; recommends and authorizes field use of chemical control measures; trains personnel on the proper use and application of pesticides; prepares documentation and presents surveillance and pesticide trial findings at national, state, and regional meetings.
- Designs, manages, and adapts scientific surveillance programs according to the needs of changing mosquito and disease ecology; oversees collection, processing, and identification efforts of various insects; evaluates the health significance of insects collected; assists in conducting ecological population studies and surveys of vector sources and species distribution in the District; delivers relevant statistics to Operations Department staff for mitigation of potential health issues.
- Oversees disease surveillance efforts; directs staff to send mosquitos to an outside laboratory for testing of viruses; assists in performing encephalitis virus surveillance and other vector surveillance protocols as required.
- Assists in the preparation of State-mandated reports to comply with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), State Water Resources Control Board, and other environmental guidelines and regulations; prepares permit applications on behalf of the District for State approval to apply pesticide control agents; prepares non-source pollution discharge reports; submits reports to regulatory agencies upon approval from the General Manager.
- Represents the department and the District to elected officials and outside agencies; explains and interprets departmental programs, policies, and activities; negotiates and resolves significant and controversial issues.
- Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the fields of mosquito collection and surveillance, pesticide research and application, vector-borne disease and virus surveillance, and vector control research; participates in political advocacy and general outreach on national, state, and local levels; maintains certifications by attending technical and job-related training sessions, seminars, and continuing education classes; attends management meetings.
- Oversees the maintenance of working and official departmental files.
- Prepares, reviews, and presents staff reports, various management and information updates, and reports on special projects as assigned by the General Manager and Assistant General Managers; prepares reports, analyses, and recommendations associated with the components of the District’s scientific-technical program.
- Serves as an active member of the District's management team; collaborates to assist the General Manager and Assistant General Managers in planning, organizing, directing, and evaluating the District's operational, scientific-technical, public information and education, and maintenance programs; interacts with coworkers at all levels in the District in a collaborative and customer service-oriented manner; plans, organizes, and integrates the work of the Scientific-Technical Department with other District departments.
- Responds to public inquiries and complaints concerning vector control or District activities and assists with resolutions and alternative recommendations.
- Ensures staff compliance with all District and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
- Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting, program development, implementation, and evaluation, and supervision of staff.
- Principles and practices of leadership.
- Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
- Principles and practices of strategic plan development.
- Principles and practices of budget administration.
- Principles and practices of contract management.
- General principles of risk management related to the functions of the assigned area.
- Principles, practices, and procedures of public administration in a municipal setting.
- Functions, authority, and responsibilities of an elected Board of Trustees.
- Principles and practices of organization, administration, and personnel management.
- Methods and techniques of developing technical and administrative reports and business correspondence.
- Fundamental biology, entomology, microbiology, immunology, epidemiology, vertebrate biology, and ecology.
- Biological, chemical, and physical science principles at a working professional level.
- Fundamental mathematics, algebra, and biostatistics.
- Scientific data and recordkeeping.
- Mosquito species and biology, identification, habitats, and biting preferences.
- Mosquito and disease surveillance, program design, and available surveillance tools.
- Mosquito control strategies, both for disease prevention as well as outbreak intervention.
- Laws, rules, regulations, modes of action, resistance potential, and efficacy for various pesticides.
- Research methods and techniques.
- Federal, state, and local laws, codes, rules, and regulations relevant to assigned areas of responsibility including the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
- District and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols. Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, elected officials, vendors, contractors, and District staff.
- The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
- Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.
Ability to:
- Develop and implement goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards.
- Provide administrative and professional leadership for the Department.
- Prepare and administer program budgets; allocate limited resources in a cost-effective manner.
- Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations.
- Plan, organize, manage, and coordinate the work of professional, and technical, and administrative support personnel; delegate authority and responsibility.
- Select and supervise staff; provide training and development opportunities; ensure work is performed effectively; and evaluate performance in an objective and positive manner.
- Build, coach, and mentor a team of science professionals.
- Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods and techniques.
- Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals.
- Analyze complex data sets and turn findings into actionable program recommendations.
- Design small scientific studies; write publications and conduct effective presentations.
- Provide a high level of administrative support to the General Manager and Assistant General Managers.
- Understand, communicate, and implement complex scientific, vector control, and epidemiological concepts and methodologies within a scientific department.
- Perform basic mathematical calculations.
- Effectively represent the District and the department in meetings with governmental agencies, contractors, vendors, and various businesses, professional, regulatory, and legislative organizations.
- Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials; visually present data sets.
- Conduct complex research projects, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare effective technical staff reports.
- Direct the establishment of filing, recordkeeping, and tracking systems.
- Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
- Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
- Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
- Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
- Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Education and Experience:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
Education:
- Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in, public health, entomology, zoology, biology, ecology, or a related field. A master’s degree in biology, public health, epidemiology, or a related field is preferred.
Experience:
- Seven (7) years of increasingly responsible experience in vector ecology, vector control, or a related field, including a minimum of two (2) years of management or supervisory experience.
Licenses and Certifications:
- Possession of a valid California Driver’s License, to be maintained throughout employment.
- Possession of, or successful acquisition within 12 months of appointment, a valid certification in Public Health Vector Control Categories “A,” “B,” “C,” and “D,” as required by the California Department of Public Health, to be maintained throughout employment.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and visit various District sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
Employees primarily work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand.
APPLICATION PROCESS
This recruitment may close at any time without notice. Any incomplete applications or candidates that do not meet the minimum requirements of the position will not be considered further.
Applications will be reviewed and only those that demonstrate the best combination of qualifications and experience in relation to the requirements of the position will be invited to participate in the examination process. The examination process may consist of a written exam and an oral interview. The examination process may be changed as deemed necessary.
CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT
District appointments are contingent upon the successful completion of several items including but not limited to post-offer medical examinations with the ability to lift up to 50 lbs., drug screening to comply with District policies, a background check with references and employment history, and a Live-Scan fingerprint check through the Department of Justice.
California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 5144, Appendix A requires an employee to comply with mandatory Fit Testing Procedures and respiratory protection regulations.
The successful candidate will be required to provide identification and employment eligibility as outlined in the Immigration Reform and Control Act.
The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.
The Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District, in compliance with all applicable Federal and State laws, does not discriminate on the basis of age (40 or older), disability, equal pay/compensation, genetic information, harassment, national origin, pregnancy, race/color, religion, retaliation, sex and sexual harassment in its employment actions, policies, procedures, or practices.
GLACVCD will maintain compliance to the paid sick leave law, Healthy Workplace, Healthy Families Act of 2014 (AB 1522) effective July 1, 2015.
