Public health Entomologist (210808)

Job Description:

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has a Public Health Entomologist opening in Topeka. We seek candidates with expertise in vectors of public health importance including the natural vector ecology, preferred habitats, and hosts, feeding behaviors, and pathogen transmission competence.  Under the guidance of the supervisor, the appointee will be expected to manage the vector surveillance program, collaborate with epidemiology staff on vector-borne disease surveillance projects, offer guidance and expertise for vector control and mitigation to local health departments, and work with internal and external stakeholders to advance the entomology program at KDHE.

Job Responsibilities may include but are not limited to the following:

Plans and organizes vector surveillance activities that align with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) tick surveillance guidance.  Quickly and efficiently adapts existing surveillance programs to fit the needs of disease emergence versus disease and/or pathogen endemicity.  Organizes and coordinates special surveillance projects as they arise, such as in response to rare occurrences of confirmed vector-borne disease (VBD) and serves as the boots on the ground VBD ecology subject matter expert. Consults with established VBD programs at other state health departments, the CDC, and Centers of Excellence to implement best practices and enhance cross-state collaboration.

Provides vector identification services for KDHE surveillance and epidemiology activities, including identification to the species level of ticks, mosquitoes, fleas, and kissing bugs.  Develops local collection of ticks, mosquitoes, and other insects to serve as vouchers or reference specimens, to display at community engagement and outreach events, and for use on vector identification training.  Provides consultation to Local Health Departments (LHDs), long-term care facilities, schools, and other entities regarding pests of public health significance, such as bedbugs, head lice, scabies, and rodents.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in entomology or related applied sciences, such as biology.

Licensing & Certification:

• Valid Driver’s License – Incumbent is required to have and maintain a valid driver’s license when operating a state vehicle, a private vehicle, or a rental vehicle for the benefit of the State.

Preferred Qualifications:

Any additional skills, experiences, or qualifications that would be beneficial, but aren’t strictly necessary.

• Master’s degree in entomology, public health, or related field with an emphasis on medical/veterinary entomology.
• At least five years’ work experience in entomology, pest management, public health, or related field.
• Knowledge and use of statistical software a plus, but not required.
• Strong skills in program management, evaluation, and data management.
• Knowledge of ecology and the most likely places to encounter vectors of public health importance, primarily mosquitoes and ticks that are known the transmit human pathogens.
• Knowledge of medical/public health entomology, vector biology, and epidemiology to decide which aspects of this knowledge base to teach to LHDs and other stakeholders.
• Knowledge of medically important pests and their management and control to help establish surveillance, prevention, and control guidance for KDHE, LHDs, and municipalities.
• Knowledge and ability to set and maintain appropriate mosquito surveillance traps and use of surveillance equipment.
• Knowledge and ability to conduct active tick surveillance, particularly use of tick drags, carbon dioxide traps, and other relevant surveillance techniques.
• Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access.
• Proofreading, editing, attention to detail.

About the Position:

• Who can apply: Anyone (External)
• Classified/Unclassified Service: Unclassified
• Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm (Flexible schedules available)
• Eligible to Receive Benefits: Yes
• Veterans’ Preference Eligible: Yes

Employment Benefits:

• Comprehensive medical, mental, dental, vision, and additional coverage
• Sick & Vacation leave
• Work-Life Balance programs: parental leave, military leave, jury leave, funeral leave
• Paid State Holidays (designated by the Governor annually)
• Fitness Centers in select locations
• Employee discounts with the STAR Program
• Retirement and deferred compensation programs

How to Apply:

Specific instructions for applying, which might include submitting a resume, cover letter, list of references, or completing an online application.

Please include the Job ID number when emailing.

Job Application Process: Only applications submitted within our State of Kansas Careers Portal will be considered.

• First Sign in or register as a New User at https://admin.ks.gov/offices/personnel-services/jobs
• Complete or update your contact information on the State of Kansas Careers Portal > My Contact Information page. *This information is included on all your job applications.
• Upload required documents listed for each specific job posting.
• Start your draft job application, upload other required documents, and Submit when it is complete.
• Manage your draft and submitted applications on the Careers> My Job Applications page.
• Check your email and My Job Notifications for written communications from the Recruiter.
  • Email – sent to the Preferred email on the My Contact Information page
  • Notifications – view the Careers> My Job Notifications page
• Helpful Resources at jobs.ks.gov: “How to Apply for a Job – Instructions” and “How to Search for a Job – Instructions”

Contact:

[email protected]

Salary Range

$ $23.87 to $33.55