Arbovirus Laboratory Technician; Long Term Seasonal

An Official website of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Job Description – Arbovirus Laboratory Technician (Long Term Seasonal) (260000ID)

The Massachusetts State Public Health Laboratory (SPHL) at the Department of Public Health (DPH) offers an exciting seasonal opportunity for dynamic individuals to participate in vector‑borne disease surveillance in Massachusetts. Seasonal Arbovirus Laboratory Technicians will develop skills in field biology, identifying mosquito habitat, and utilizing an array of traps to trap mosquitoes throughout the state. Additionally, Seasonal Arbovirus Laboratory Technicians will be working in a BSL‑II laboratory, speciating mosquitoes and preparing samples for molecular testing.

Seasonal Arbovirus Laboratory Technicians will work adjacent to members of the molecular diagnostic team and have opportunities to gain valuable skills in data maintenance and analytics.

• Set traps targeting arthropod disease vectors in locations throughout Massachusetts following a variable workweek.
• Sort arthropod catch and identify to species, sex, and life stage to prepare for virus testing.
• Maintain a program of quality control of reagents, equipment, and methods; participate in a program of quality assurance and take corrective action when needed.
• Operate state vehicles all over the state of Massachusetts, in occasional off‑road environments.
• Record all pertinent capture information regarding location, trap type, etc.
• Assist in rearing and identification of mosquito larvae.
• Ensure cleanliness and sterilization of laboratory equipment and maintain field‑collecting equipment including trap sites and State‑owned Vehicles as needed.
• Enter information into database for surveillance of West Nile Virus (WNV) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and run audits to check all entries from MASPHL customers (Mosquito Control Districts).
• May generate summaries of test results.
• Field work may be performed in rain and rugged terrain.
• May assist in testing and other duties with proper training and supervision.

• Able to follow written and oral instructions and maintain accurate records.
• Capacity to communicate effectively in oral expression and write clearly and concisely.
• Capable to exercise sound judgment.
• Able to work in a team setting.
• Capability to understand and apply policies, procedures, specifications, standards, and guidelines governing assigned unit activities.
• Ability to determine proper format and procedures for assembling items of information.
• General knowledge of laboratory testing techniques and methods; including sample collection, knowledge of sanitation and sterilization methods, techniques and procedures followed in a laboratory.
• Experience working with the types and uses of sterilization equipment and devices used in a laboratory and proper methods used in the disposal of laboratory materials.

• Knowledge of mosquito surveillance in tracking disease.
• Understanding of the different species of mosquitoes and ticks.
• Mastery of wetland assessment and various traps set up & collection.
• Knowledge of laboratory, field & insectary safety procedures and policies.
• General knowledge and experience of mosquito and/or tick surveillance in tracking disease, species of mosquitoes and/or ticks and experience with ovitraps and mosquito rearing.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with an aptitude for interacting effectively with a variety of individuals.
• Capacity to work in a team setting and demonstrate an appropriate level of professionalism.
• Able to multitask and work accurately under stress of time constraints and heavy workload demands.
• Skilled attention to detail, while maintaining neat and orderly work habits in a shared workspace.
• Proficient use of data management software and Microsoft applications such as Word, Outlook, and Excel.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and clean driving record.

• Must be willing to work in an environment exposed to harmful effects of chemicals, gases, fumes, inflammable and pathogenic materials and dangerous equipment infectious agents.
• Willing to work outdoors in swamps and…