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Research Assistant (VBDS) (R&D)



SUMMARY

Heluna Health and the Vector-Borne Disease Section (VBDS) of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) are recruiting for a Research Assistant in the West Nile virus (WNV) and Dead Bird Surveillance Program. This position will support the WNV and Dead Bird Call Center from May through September (season length varies). Workdays are Monday through Friday, approximately 20 - 25 hours a week. The position is located in Richmond, CA.

Birds that contract WNV from infected mosquitoes often die from the disease, thus reports of dead birds can serve as good indicators of WNV activity. The Research Assistant is responsible for answering questions about WNV from public callers and coordinating submission of bird carcasses for WNV testing. Reported and tested bird results assist local vector control agencies in prioritizing their mosquito control and education programs to prevent human disease. The WNV program uses the statewide website, www.westnile.ca.gov, and email reports to inform and update the public, local agencies, and media.

Hourly rate: $22.00 per hour depending on experience/qualifications.

If hired for this position, you will be required to provide proof that you are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 prior to your start date or have a valid religious or medical reason qualifying you for an exemption (that may or may not require an accommodation).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Ensure that all callers to the toll-free West Nile Virus Call Center receive correct information and that data from the callers are recorded accurately in the database.
  • Respond to public calls with accurate information on West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne diseases.
  • Review online dead bird reports and respond via telephone and email messages.
  • Work with California mosquito and vector control agencies and VBDS staff to arrange for the collection, shipping, and testing of dead birds for WNV.
  • Identify common bird species based on verbal descriptions or photographs.
  • Route non-WNV related questions to appropriate agencies.
  • Using a state vehicle, travel to UC Davis to pick up shipping materials for return to local agencies.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

This position requires interaction with the public, local agencies, and other VBDS staff, so communication skills and the ability to work well with others are critical. Required attributes also include the following: problem-solving, recording information accurately, using databases, prioritizing workload, and the ability to interpret and follow protocols explicitly. This position works under the guidance of the Supervising Public Health Biologist and reports to the Vector Ecologist in the WNV Dead Bird Surveillance Program.

 Education/Experience   

  • Completed college level coursework in biology or a related science, required.
  • Experience identifying animals based on physical characteristics, required.
  • Experience communicating scientific or health information, required.
  • Experience entering information into a database, required. 

Other Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities 

  • Knowledge of California birds and avian diseases, preferred.
  • Knowledge of and skills in the use of Microsoft Office products including Word, Excel, Access, and Outlook, required.
  • Demonstrated interpersonal, writing, and oral communication skills to interact with the public and local agencies.
    Phone experience to handle large volume of calls, preferred.
  • Ability to speak conversational Spanish, preferred.  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

  • Stand: Occasionally
  • Walk: Occasionally
  • Sit: Frequently
  • Handling/Fingering: Frequently
  • Reach Outward: Occasionally
  • Reach Above Shoulder: Occasionally
  • Climb, Crawl, Kneel, Bend: Occasionally
  • Lift / Carry: Occasionally - Up to 20 lbs
  • Push/Pull: Occasionally - Up to 20 lbs
  • See (Vision): Constantly
  • Taste/ Smell: Not Applicable

KEY

  • Not Applicable = Not required for essential functions
  • Occasionally = (0 - 2 hrs/day)
  • Frequently = (2+ - 5 hrs/day)
  • Constantly = (5+ hrs/day) 

WORK ENVIRONMENT

General office setting

EEOC STATEMENT 

It is the policy of Heluna Health to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants, without regard to age (40 and over), national origin or ancestry, race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy or perceived pregnancy, reproductive health decision making, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer or a record or history of cancer), AIDS or HIV, genetic information or characteristics, veteran status or military service.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

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