TAHC - Entomologist Specialist, Pleasanton

Veterans, Reservist or Guardsmen with an MOS or additional duties that fall in the fields related to the minimum requirements may meet the minimum qualifications for this position and are highly encouraged to apply. Additional Military Crosswalk information can be accessed at: Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions

General Description:
Performs advanced (senior-level) consultative services, technical assistance, research, and field work as it relates to entomology and the prevention and control of vector-borne diseases. Work involves focusing on the study and management of insect species that impact livestock directly as pests or disease vectors, or indirectly through environmental and production effects.  Work involves specialization in livestock and animal agriculture to support efforts in improving animal health and productivity; planning, developing, and implementing consultative services and assistance to agency staff, industry partners, and livestock producers; and communicating with the public. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Duties: 
•    Serves as a subject matter expert for entomological matters and provides highly advanced technical advice and direction to TAHC leadership, veterinarians, agency staff, industry stakeholders, livestock producers, and the public. 
•    Performs identification, monitoring and studying of insects that affect livestock health, including flies, screwworms, ticks, and other vectors of disease.
•    Develops and implements insect surveillance and control programs statewide. Identifies the needs for vector surveillance and control goals and objectives.
•    Studies and analyzes the risks of ectoparasites discovered and consults with TAHC veterinarians and leadership.
•    Collaborates with the TAHC veterinarians to determine trends and provide recommendations to mitigate risks and develop sustainable pest management protocols. 
•    Oversees the development of agency policies, procedures, manuals, and standards related to vector surveillance and control and plans activities in accordance with short- and long-term objectives and goals.
•    Provides guidance to staff in the development and implementation of new methods and procedures.
•    Develops and coordinates ectoparasite training programs.
•    Acts as TAHC liaison to the United States Department of Agriculture - Animal and Plant Inspection Service – Veterinary Services (USDA-APHIS-VS) Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program and USDA Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS) in matters related to disease vectors and vector surveillance and control.
•    Acts as TAHC liaison to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Texas Department of Agriculture, Texas Parks Wildlife Department, Department of State Health Services, and local jurisdictions in matters related to disease vectors and vector surveillance and control.
•    Consults with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and other state, federal, and local entities to identify training needs of stakeholders and partners related to arthropod disease vectors.
•    Presents information on integrated vector management and its various facets to governmental and external stakeholders.
•    Through observation of operations and analysis of data, determines trends and resolves operational problems related to vector surveillance and control in the context of disaster planning and response; presents proposed modifications to protocols and procedures to Emergency Management. 
•    Uses Geographic Information System and statistical skills to analyze vector and vector-borne disease data.
•    Prepares administrative reports on agency vector surveillance and control programs and activities.
•    Collects, organizes, analyzes, and/or prepares data to be published regarding ectoparasite submissions found in Texas.
•    Produces or oversees the production of reports; legislative bill analyses and fiscal notes; factsheets; and guidance documents related to vector surveillance and control by TAHC.
•    Performs related duties as assigned.
 

Minimum Qualifications:

• •    Graduation from an accredited college/university with a degree in entomology or related field.
• •    3+ years of experience in agricultural entomology.

Education and experience may be substituted for one another on a year-for-year basis.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:  Knowledge of working in a Geographic Information System. Knowledge of entomological nomenclature. Knowledge of toxicology, composition, and classification of pesticides and their effect on the environment. Knowledge of the principles of integrated vector management. Knowledge and comprehension of state and federal statutes affecting vector control. Knowledge of vector-control practices and methodologies. Knowledge of the structure and function of relevant local, state, and federal agencies and organizations. Knowledge of epidemiological aspects of vector-borne diseases. Skill in technical writing, teaching, public speaking, and risk communication. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Ability to prioritize and plan projects, work effectively with teams, and meet deadlines for projects. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and make sound decisions. Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with individuals, government agencies, and organizations. Ability to follow policies and procedures. Ability to collect and submit ectoparasites for testing. Ability to work with local, state, and federal agencies and private contractors following natural disasters.

IMPORTANT: The TAHC is an emergency response agency. This position plays a key role in the agency’s emergency management activities.  As a first responder, this position is subject to participate in rotating temporary duty assignments away from the regular designated headquarters for up to two weeks at a time.  This duty may involve working in adverse conditions; may require irregular working hours and overtime; and, may include duties other than those specified in the standard position description.

Other Requirements:  Must have a valid Texas driver’s license and safe driving record. Employment of selected candidate is contingent upon the receipt of an acceptable criminal background check and an acceptable moving violation record from the Texas Department of Public Safety. Must have reliable transportation.  Mileage reimbursed at current allowance rate.

At time of hire, selected applicants must show proof of eligibility to work in the U.S. in compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act. Proof of eligibility to work in the U.S. will be confirmed using E-Verify. All males who are age 18 through 25 and required to register with the Selective Service must present proof of registration or exemption from registration upon hire.

How to Apply: To submit your application for employment, select Apply Online. Create and/or Login to your on-line applicant profile and electronically submit your State of Texas Application for Employment. All applications must contain complete work experience, including job title, dates, employer, supervisor's contact information and a description of duties performed. If this information is not submitted, your application may be rejected and be considered incomplete. Resumes do not take the place of this required information, however, may serve as supplemental information.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

The Texas Animal Health Commission is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation or disability in employment or in the provision of services.  In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, any requests for reasonable accommodation needed during the application process should be communicated by the applicant to our Human Resources Department (512) 719-0700. For a telecommunications relay service for the hearing impaired, please dial 711.