JOB DESCRIPTION 

Lab Technician- Full-Time, non-benefited 

General Purpose 

To prepare and test mosquitoes for potential disease and record results according to accepted lab procedures. 

Main Job Tasks and Responsibilities 

• To prepare vials with trapped, identified vector mosquitoes. 
• To record all data gathered during a testing session in the appropriate databases.  
• To follow the SWMACD testing protocol for West Nile Virus, Western Equine Encephalitis, and Saint Louis  Encephalitis. 
• Follow standard procedures for running testing equipment: pipettes, vortex, centrifuge, dry bath, etc. 
• Use great care in preparing supernatant, super pools, RNA samples, positive and negative controls, and master mix to not contaminate any samples. 
• Understand testing procedures and apply understanding to accurately identify existing disease.  
• Run the RT-PCR machine appropriately to test for potential disease. 
• Use a computer to run RT-PCR software, set up tests, and save results.  
• Work in close collaboration with the Trapping Technicians to facilitate the testing of vector mosquitoes.  Produce weekly reports to the Supervisor / Manager. 
• Attend all required training sessions 
• Perform related duties as required.  

Education and Experience 

• Education equivalent to high school diploma (appropriate work experience which will develop a level of  achievement and literacy equivalent to a high school education may be substituted for the required  education) 
• Should have or be trained to have a working knowledge and understanding of:  
  • Lab Environment, Clinical Lab Testing, Creating a Safe & Effective Environment, Sterilization,  Equipment Calibration, Biohazard Safety, Supply Management, Self-Development

Key Competencies & Licenses 

•  Work dependably and cooperatively with others 
• Maintain and appreciate safety precautions  
• Maintain a sanitary, uncontaminated environment, necessary for identifying specific disease 
• Learn to operate specialized equipment  
• Exercise independent judgment 
• Ability to accurately interpret and apply applicable rules and regulations 
• Ability to coordinate various operational functions of the District 
• Ability to apply scientific principles to practical situations 
• Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws and regulations about vector surveillance and control
• Basic knowledge of computers (Outlook, Microsoft Office, etc.). 
• A valid Utah Motor Vehicle Operators License with an excellent driving record 
• A Non-commercial Pesticide Applicators License in the Public Health Category from the Utah State  Department of Agriculture (if needed) 

Salary/ wage Range:  

-$17- $25 per hour