Department:

Health & Human Services

Start Here. Grow Here. Stay Here.

Are you passionate about the environment and recognize the importance of understanding and limiting pests? Our Mosquito Management Services division is recruiting for an Environmental Biologist with an interest in impacting our community. This role is scientific and technical work monitoring the environmental and biological effects of chemicals used in mosquito control. If chosen, your role will involve scientific and technical tasks related to managing aquaculture and monitoring the environmental and biological impacts of chemicals used in mosquito control.

The pay starts between $57,577.60 - $65,000.00 (based on experience), benefits begin within 60 days of hire, and there are opportunities for advancement. Apply today to take the first step in a lasting and stable career, known for its impact on both our residents and guests alike!

About the Position

In this role, you will...

Design, implement, and maintain the mosquitofish aquaculture/ aquaponics program.Conceptualize and construct innovative improvements to increase the production and efficiency of the fish culture system and how it is utilized to reduce the mosquito population in the county.Prepare and maintain daily and weekly logs and reports to track water chemistry, fish production, and overall health of the aquaculture system.Additional duties include: trapping wild Gambusia to keep fish stocks at an acceptable level, monitoring water quality, and ordering fish food and other supplies as needed.Develop and implement procedures for protocols to treat various habitats with Gambusia, which includes water quality monitoring and field trials on mosquito populations.Prepare reports and spreadsheets to analyze the results of the testing.Track, record, and review Enterprise-wide pesticide usage.Generate compliance reports.Work with the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) coordinator on projects; attending IPM working group meetings and assisting in researching information on proposed actions to the approved list of chemicals.Assist with the review of business units' IPM plans.Maintain a clean and safe working environment of facilities and vehicles.Develop and implement an environmental monitoring program to track the impacts of insecticide spraying on mosquitoes.Conduct field surveys before and after treatments to monitor flora, fauna, and water quality parameters, and any negative impacts that may be observed. Record and report data of site visits. Assist the Manager in making sure the NPDES document is complete and up to date.Teach interested parties about aquaculture, aquaponics and responsible environmental stewardship.Prepare and present at industry-related conferences regarding these topics.Attend MMS and Enterprise meetings.Prepare and manage an annual budget for section activities.Select, order, and maintain materials, equipment, and supplies needed for the Mosquito fish/IPM section.

About the Schedule

Work Hours:

Full-Time, 40 hours per week.Monday - Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

About You

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in one (1) of the biological sciences, physical sciences, or a related field -AND- Three (3) years of professional-related experience.-OR- Master's degree can substitute for one (1) year of professional experience.-OR- Progressively responsible professional experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the required college degree.Must pass and/or maintain FDACS Public Health Applicator License within six (6) months of employment. (We can help with this!)Valid Florida driver's license by date of hire.

Subject to Passing Substance Screening: This position is subject to passing a pre-employment substance screening. An applicant who fails to pass a required drug screening test shall be disqualified from employment for a period of five years.

Physical Demands: Employees in this role must occasionally lift and/or move more than 50 lbs. Employees can use handling devices (dolly, cart, etc.) or work with another team member to lift and/or move excessive poundage of 50-plus pounds.

About Everything Else

Starting Pay Range: $57,577.60 - $65,000.00, based on experience.

Our interview process could include phone interview(s), Microsoft Teams video interview(s), and/or in-person interview(s).

If you are selected to join our team, please click on this link to review the Required First Day Documents. You will need to present the following items on your first day:

1. I-9 Acceptable Documents to show your identity and authorization to work. Use this link to learn more and review the different document options: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents

If your position requires a Florida Driver’s License, this must be one of your documents. (Your Florida Driver’s License can serve as one of your documents listed in link above – List B Documents.)  

2. U.S. Social Security Card (signed, physical card). This is a requirement of our Payroll Department and failure to provide this document could jeopardize timely compensation. (Your U.S. Social Security Card can serve as one of your documents listed in link above – List C Documents.)  

Benefits:

Enjoy great benefits including Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, Flexible Spending Accounts, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Florida Retirement System (FRS) and many, many more! Choose one of three great medical plans, including one with a $0 premium option, with completed preventative visits!For more information about employee benefits, please click this link or visit SCGov.net for additional information.Utilize our award-winning wellness program including free gyms at multiple Sarasota County Government locations. Enjoy 11 paid holidays, 3 personal days and 16 paid vacation days in the first year of full-time employment with increasing accrual rates with years of service. (That adds up to a possible 30 days off in your 1st year!)​​

A different blend of voices prompt better conversations, choices and results for everyone. Sarasota County – Many Voices, One Team.

We celebrate and value the experiences, backgrounds, perspectives, talents and strengths that make us different.

Our vision is to attract, develop, retain and engage a talented workforce broadly representative of the citizens and communities we serve. To further value creativity, innovation, collaboration and great customer service – internally and externally. 

A job applicant with a disability who requires reasonable accommodation to participate in the application/selection process is requested to make known the need for an accommodation to Human Resources or appropriate county staff members. For assistance with the application, please call 941-861-5353.

Sarasota County prohibits discrimination in all services, programs or activities. View the complete policy at scgov.net (keywords: ADA Compliance).

Sarasota County Government is a Tobacco-Free/Drug-Free Workplace.