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 in data maintenance and analytics.

Learn more aboutwhat it’s like to work at the Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences.

Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):

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.Operating 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.

Required Qualifications:

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.

Preferred Qualifications:

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.

Working Conditions:

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 forest, sometimes in adverse weather conditions.Must be willing to work a flexible seven day schedule including weekends (Saturdays Sundays trapping).Must be willing some holidays and may stand for prolonged periods of time. Ideal candidate will be able to work through mid-October.Field work requires transporting objects weighing ~ 30 pounds (on average) for an average distance of 300 feet.

About the Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences (BIDLS):

The DPH Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences (BIDLS), predominantly located in Jamaica Plain, provides public health response to infectious disease. These services include programmatic and epidemiologic response, as well as laboratory testing through the State Public Health Laboratory (SPHL).

Infectious disease response services address concerns of the general public as well as those disproportionately affected by infectious disease through a variety of risk factors. BIDLS administers ongoing disease reporting for over 90 reportable diseases in the state. Disease reporting review and follow-up with clinical providers and local boards of health is a central function of the bureau. Surveillance activity is complemented by an extensive contracted service system. These services are funded through state and federal resources and include prevention education, community outreach screening for infectious disease, immunization services, health service navigation, medical case management, insurance enrollment, housing assistance, and referral and linkage to infectious disease treatment.

The SPHL provides scientific expertise and capacity to identify infectious agents, chemical agents, and other toxins that cause human disease. The SPHL is an active partner in joint activities with other bureaus/agencies such as environmental health, food and drug, agriculture, disease prevention and health promotion programs, and public safety. The SPHL is a reference laboratory of the national Laboratory Response Network (LRN) and is a U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Select Agent laboratory. SPHL staff work closely with laboratory and disease prevention programs at the CDC, and partners with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

BIDLS Vision: Optimize the health of all people in Massachusetts and implement an equitable and just public health response by combatting infections and other public health threats.

BIDLS Mission:  Use testing, analytical, and direct service capacities, grounded in data-, science-, and equity-driven public health principles, to share accurate information, provide timely guidance, and respond to infections and other public health threats, leveraging innovation and partnerships at the individual, family, community, and population levels.

DPH Mission and Vision:

The mission of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is to promote and protect health and wellness and prevent injury and illness for all people, prioritizing racial equity in health by improving equitable access to quality public health and health care services and partnering with communities most impacted by health inequities and structural racism.

We envision a Commonwealth with an equitable and just public health system that supports optimal well-being for all people in Massachusetts, centering those with systemically and culturally oppressed identities and circumstances.

Learn more and share a one-pager on DPH and what we do: DPH at a Glance PDF | Doc

Pre-Hire Process:

A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visithttp://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori

Education, licensure, and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines.

Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website.

If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link and complete the ADA Reasonable Accommodation Request Form

For questions regarding this requisition, please contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services Human Resources at 1-800- 510-4122 Ext. #4

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 in data maintenance and analytics.

Learn more aboutwhat it’s like to work at the Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences.

Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):

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.Operating 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.

Required Qualifications:

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.

Preferred Qualifications:

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.

Working Conditions:

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 forest, sometimes in adverse weather conditions.Must be willing to work a flexible seven day schedule including weekends (Saturdays Sundays trapping).Must be willing some holidays and may stand for prolonged periods of time. Ideal candidate will be able to work through mid-October.Field work requires transporting objects weighing ~ 30 pounds (on average) for an average distance of 300 feet.

About the Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences (BIDLS):

The DPH Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences (BIDLS), predominantly located in Jamaica Plain, provides public health response to infectious disease. These services include programmatic and epidemiologic response, as well as laboratory testing through the State Public Health Laboratory (SPHL).

Infectious disease response services address concerns of the general public as well as those disproportionately affected by infectious disease through a variety of risk factors. BIDLS administers ongoing disease reporting for over 90 reportable diseases in the state. Disease reporting review and follow-up with clinical providers and local boards of health is a central function of the bureau. Surveillance activity is complemented by an extensive contracted service system. These services are funded through state and federal resources and include prevention education, community outreach screening for infectious disease, immunization services, health service navigation, medical case management, insurance enrollment, housing assistance, and referral and linkage to infectious disease treatment.

The SPHL provides scientific expertise and capacity to identify infectious agents, chemical agents, and other toxins that cause human disease. The SPHL is an active partner in joint activities with other bureaus/agencies such as environmental health, food and drug, agriculture, disease prevention and health promotion programs, and public safety. The SPHL is a reference laboratory of the national Laboratory Response Network (LRN) and is a U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Select Agent laboratory. SPHL staff work closely with laboratory and disease prevention programs at the CDC, and partners with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

BIDLS Vision: Optimize the health of all people in Massachusetts and implement an equitable and just public health response by combatting infections and other public health threats.

BIDLS Mission:  Use testing, analytical, and direct service capacities, grounded in data-, science-, and equity-driven public health principles, to share accurate information, provide timely guidance, and respond to infections and other public health threats, leveraging innovation and partnerships at the individual, family, community, and population levels.

DPH Mission and Vision:

The mission of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is to promote and protect health and wellness and prevent injury and illness for all people, prioritizing racial equity in health by improving equitable access to quality public health and health care services and partnering with communities most impacted by health inequities and structural racism.

We envision a Commonwealth with an equitable and just public health system that supports optimal well-being for all people in Massachusetts, centering those with systemically and culturally oppressed identities and circumstances.

Learn more and share a one-pager on DPH and what we do: DPH at a Glance PDF | Doc

Pre-Hire Process:

A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visithttp://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori

Education, licensure, and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines.

Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website.

If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link and complete the ADA Reasonable Accommodation Request Form

For questions regarding this requisition, please contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services Human Resources at 1-800- 510-4122 Ext. #4

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.Minimum Entrance Requirements: Applicants must have at least (A) one year of full-time, or equivalent part-time, technical or professional experience in laboratory work in a recognized clinical, medical, hospital, chemical, water quality, public health, biological, bacteriological, marine sciences or materials testing laboratory, or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below. Substitutions:
I. An Associate's degree or higher with a major in medical technology, chemistry, bacteriology, food science and technology, environmental science, chemical or environmental engineering, wastewater technology, oceanography or the biological sciences may be substituted for the required experience. II. The successful completion of one year of full-time, or equivalent part-time, education toward a degree at a recognized medical or dental school may be substituted for the required experience. III. The successful completion of training in a recognized school or hospital course or an American Medical Association (AMA) approved training program for laboratory technicians or medical technologists may be substituted for the required experience. IV. Registration as a medical technologist by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists, the International Society for Clinical Laboratory Technicians or American Medical Technologists or as a bacteriologist by the National Registry of Microbiologists may be substituted for the required experience. Special Requirements: None.

Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate’s years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics?Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC)may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.Minimum Entrance Requirements: Applicants must have at least (A) one year of full-time, or equivalent part-time, technical or professional experience in laboratory work in a recognized clinical, medical, hospital, chemical, water quality, public health, biological, bacteriological, marine sciences or materials testing laboratory, or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below. Substitutions:
I. An Associate's degree or higher with a major in medical technology, chemistry, bacteriology, food science and technology, environmental science, chemical or environmental engineering, wastewater technology, oceanography or the biological sciences may be substituted for the required experience. II. The successful completion of one year of full-time, or equivalent part-time, education toward a degree at a recognized medical or dental school may be substituted for the required experience. III. The successful completion of training in a recognized school or hospital course or an American Medical Association (AMA) approved training program for laboratory technicians or medical technologists may be substituted for the required experience. IV. Registration as a medical technologist by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists, the International Society for Clinical Laboratory Technicians or American Medical Technologists or as a bacteriologist by the National Registry of Microbiologists may be substituted for the required experience. Special Requirements: None.

Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate’s years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics?Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC)may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.