Lab Specialist

Metropolitan Mosquito Control DistrictLab Specialist - Full Time Position

St. Paul, MN 55104

Apply at: mmcd. org

Applicants must submit Resume and Cover Letter Open : 1/10/2025 - 1/24/2025

The Metropolitan Mosquito Control District (MMCD) was created by the Minnesota state legislature (Minn. Statute 473. 704) in 1958 for the benefit of citizens of Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, and Washington counties.

Our Mission: To promote health and wellbeing by protecting the public from disease and annoyance caused by mosquitoes, black flies, and ticks, in an environmentally sensitive manner.

Our Values: We value integrity, trust, cooperation, respect, and competence in our interactions with colleagues and customers.

Our Vision: To be the leading mosquito abatement district in the world.

See our website for more details: mmcd. org

The Lab Specialist is a crucial role that keeps our District laboratory operations running smoothly. You will use District provided equipment and vehicles to perform support and organize laboratory activities.

As the Lab Specialist, you will:

Organize and coordinate lab activities, goals and procedures.

Perform insect identification, processing and surveillance of mosquitos, ticks and black flies.

Assist in the training of seasonal laboratory technicians in all lab protocols and procedures.

Maintain, repair and purchasing of surveillance and laboratory equipment.

Assist in the collection and processing of data and reporting for research projects.

Perform other duties as assigned that are related to laboratory operations, surveillance tasks and research initiatives.

We're a District committed to teamwork, community, learning, and development.

Salary: $34. 10 per hour - this is a benefits eligible position -Employer Paid: Dental, Life Insurance, Short term/Long term disability, Vacation, Sick time, Holiday pay. Employer Contribution - Medical, Public Employees Retirement Association Other benefits offered - Vision, 457 Deferred Comp/ROTH plans, Voluntary life insurance.

MMCD is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.

POSITION TITLE: Lab Specialist

DEPARTMENT: REPORTS TO: FLSA STATUS:

Tech Services Assistant Entomologist Non-exempt

Hourly wage: $34. 10

Class Summary:

Under the general supervision of the Assistant Entomologist, the Lab Specialist performs moderately complex work in coordinating lab activities, including the identification of adult mosquitoes, mosquito and black fly larvae, ticks, and other insect species. This position is responsible for assisting with lab operations, supporting seasonal lab technicians, and ensuring that lab procedures and protocols are followed accurately. The Lab Specialist plays a key role in organizing and managing field sample processing and in maintaining the entomology lab's equipment and supplies.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:Lab Organization and Coordination:

• Organize and coordinate lab activities, including managing samples, surveillance equipment, labels, and vials, to ensure the lab can efficiently address priorities and manage workloads.
• Work with the Assistant Entomologist to define goals, objectives, and priorities for lab operations.
• Ensure field facilities have adequate supplies and resources to complete their work, and maintain clear communication with field offices regarding sample submission times, priorities, and procedures.

• Perform detailed identification of adult mosquitoes, larvae, ticks, and black flies using a microscope and taxonomic keys.
• Provide assistance in the identification of non-target species as part of surveillance and research activities.

• Assist in training seasonal lab technicians in mosquito, black fly, and tick identification, as well as lab protocols and procedures.
• Monitor and guide technicians' work to ensure accuracy and quality in identification tasks and overall lab performance.

• Maintain and repair surveillance equipment, ensuring it is in proper working condition.
• Manage inventory of lab supplies, ensuring that necessary materials are ordered and readily available for lab operations and fieldwork.
• Stay informed about insect surveillance tools, techniques, and industry standards, making recommendations for improvements or new practices.

• Organize various submitted samples to ensure efficient operations of the entomology lab.
• Assist in training of seasonal staff in proper sample organization and processing protocols.
• Maintain communication with field operations to ensure correct submission and handling of samples.

• Assist in compiling, generating, and disseminating related summaries, reports, and findings.
• Support mosquito and entomology research projects, as assigned, and assist in the collection and processing of research data.
• Assist in processing non-target multiplate samples and help train seasonal staff in their processing.

• Assist with the removal of ticks from small mammals and provide tick identification support as assigned.

• Provide lead support for the ordering and purchasing of laboratory supplies and technical services.
• Ensure timely procurement of necessary lab materials and equipment.

• Perform other duties as assigned that are related to laboratory operations, surveillance tasks, and research initiatives.

• Basic entomology and insect taxonomy.
• Basic laboratory practices and procedures.
• Ability to identify species of adult and larval mosquitoes.
• Ability to identify species of black flies and ticks.
• Familiarity with insect surveillance tools and methods used in the industry.

• Strong organizational abilities to manage multiple tasks and prioritize work.