Research Assistant VBDS
Research Assistant VBDS
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Job Description
SUMMARY
Heluna Health and the VectorBorne Disease Section (VBDS) of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) are recruiting for a Research Assistant in the West Nile virus (WNV) and Dead Bird Surveillance Program. This position will support the WNV and Dead Bird Call Center from May through September (season length varies). Workdays are Monday through Friday approximately 20 25 hours a week. The position is located in Richmond CA.
Birds that contract WNV from infected mosquitoes often die from the disease thus reports of dead birds can serve as good indicators of WNV activity. The Research Assistant is responsible for answering questions about WNV from public callers and coordinating submission of bird carcasses for WNV testing. Reported and tested bird results assist local vector control agencies in prioritizing their mosquito control and education programs to prevent human disease. The WNV program uses the statewide website www.westnile.gov and email reports to inform and update the public local agencies and media.
Hourly rate: $22.00 per hour depending on experience/qualifications.
If hired for this position you will be required to provide proof that you are fully vaccinated for COVID19 prior to your start date or have a valid religious or medical reason qualifying you for an exemption (that may or may not require an accommodation).
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Ensure that all callers to the tollfree West Nile Virus Call Center receive correct information and that data from the callers are recorded accurately in the database.
- Respond to public calls with accurate information on West Nile virus and other mosquitoborne diseases.
- Review online dead bird reports and respond via telephone and email messages.
- Work with California mosquito and vector control agencies and VBDS staff to arrange for the collection shipping and testing of dead birds for WNV.
- Identify common bird species based on verbal descriptions or photographs.
- Route nonWNV related questions to appropriate agencies.
- Using a state vehicle travel to UC Davis to pick up shipping materials for return to local agencies.
JOB QUALIFICATIONS
This position requires interaction with the public local agencies and other VBDS staff so communication skills and the ability to work well with others are critical. Required attributes also include the following: problemsolving recording information accurately using databases prioritizing workload and the ability to interpret and follow protocols explicitly. This position works under the guidance of the Supervising Public Health Biologist and reports to the Vector Ecologist in the WNV Dead Bird Surveillance Program.
Education/Experience
- Completed college level coursework in biology or a related science required.
- Experience identifying animals based on physical characteristics required.
- Experience communicating scientific or health information required.
- Experience entering information into a database required.
Other Skills Knowledge and Abilities
- Knowledge of California birds and avian diseases preferred.
- Knowledge of and skills in the use of Microsoft Office products including Word Excel Access and Outlook required.
- Demonstrated interpersonal writing and oral communication skills to interact with the public and local agencies.
Phone experience to handle large volume of calls preferred. - Ability to speak conversational Spanish preferred.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- Stand: Occasionally
- Walk: Occasionally
- Sit: Frequently
- Handling/Fingering: Frequently
- Reach Outward: Occasionally
- Reach Above Shoulder: Occasionally
- Climb Crawl Kneel Bend: Occasionally
- Lift / Carry: Occasionally Up to 20 lbs
- Push/Pull: Occasionally Up to 20 lbs
- See (Vision): Constantly
- Taste/ Smell: Not Applicable
KEY
- Not Applicable Not required for essential functions
- Occasionally 0 2 hrs/day)
- Frequently 2 5 hrs/day)
- Constantly 5 hrs/day)
WORK ENVIRONMENT
General office setting
EEOC STATEMENT
It is the policy of Heluna Health to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to age 40 and over) national origin or ancestry race color religion sex gender sexual orientation pregnancy or perceived pregnancy reproductive health decision making physical or mental disability medical condition (including cancer or a record or history of cancer) AIDS or HIV genetic information or characteristics veteran status or military service.
Employment Type
Hourly
