Environmental Specialist BIO Science Mosquito Control Program - Internal

Introduction

The Maryland Department of Agriculture is a department under Maryland's Executive Branch. Formed in 1972 by the Maryland General Assembly to address the agriculture needs for the State of Maryland, the Department oversees and serves as a regulatory body for animal health and consumer services to include marketing and lab services, plant and pest management and resource conservation. As the number one industry in Maryland, the diversity of agriculture programs in the State continues to expand and grow.

The primary goal of this program is to prevent the occurrence of mosquito-borne disease in humans, pets and livestock. Mosquito control is an economic necessity in some parts of Maryland dependent on outdoor tourism during the summer. The program relies on surveys and monitoring of the larval and adult mosquito populations to coordinate control activities. Control techniques include breeding source reduction, public education, biological control and insecticide applications from aircraft or ground equipment.

This position is only open to current employees of the Mosquito Control Program.

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MDA Headquarters 50 Harry S Truman Pkwy. Annapolis, MD 21401

The primary purpose of this position is to implement and manage modern, science-based Integrated Mosquito Management (IMM) programs within Anne Arundel County and other assigned jurisdictions to protect public health and enhance quality of life. As a key operational lead west of the Chesapeake Bay, the incumbent is responsible for the comprehensive maintenance, testing, and calibration of all specialized equipment, ensuring the agency remains mission-ready for rapid intervention.

Beyond mosquito control, this role provides critical support to the Program Manager in executing large-scale nuisance insect initiatives, specifically the Black Fly suppression program in Northern Maryland and Midge control operations in Baltimore County and the Chesapeake Bay. By bridging technical field operations with rigorous equipment oversight, this position directly supports the agency’s mission to provide environmentally responsible and data-driven pest management services to the citizens of Maryland.

• Operations Independently conducts larval mosquito surveillance and control operations.
• Evaluates aquatic habitats to determine the appropriate application of biological control agents and pesticides, ensuring minimal impact on non-target species.
• Interprets and applies complex federal and state mandates, including the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), the Clean Water Act, and NPDES/PDMP requirements.
• Conducts pre-treatment surveys and rigorous post-treatment inspections to analyze pesticide efficacy and monitor for adverse environmental effects.
• Utilizes ESRI GIS applications to perform spatial analysis and create precision maps of treatment areas, ensuring accurate tracking of ecological data and intervention sites.
• Partners with Public Works to implement cultural control methods, such as modifying stormwater management systems to eliminate breeding habitats through improved drainage.
• Provides technical training and field supervision for seasonal personnel, ensuring adherence to biosafety protocols and application standards.

• Assists the Program Manager in executing specialized control programs for Blackflies (Simuliidae) and Midges (Chironomidae) across diverse Maryland ecosystems, including the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay freshwater areas.
• Collaborates with departmental scientists to research and determine optimal biological and chemical control strategies for midge populations in sensitive estuarine environments.
• Coordinates the logistics of aerial application contracts, including timing and site selection based on larval population density assessments. Manages the application process for pesticide discharge permits through the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE), ensuring all regional operations are fully permitted and legally compliant.

• Oversees the calibration, maintenance, and winterization of specialized spray equipment and high-tech vector control vehicles to ensure operational readiness and safety compliance.
• Ensures all equipment functions within calibrated parameters to maintain precise application rates, preventing environmental over-exposure and ensuring fiscal responsibility.

• Evaluates the technical efficacy of various insecticides and biological agents, providing data-driven recommendations for procurement based on resistance patterns and environmental safety.
• Manages the chemical inventory for multi-county operations, ensuring proper storage according to hazardous material protocols.
• Acts as a…