Job Description:

SUMMARY

Heluna Health (dba Public Health Foundation Enterprises) 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, 32 - 40 hours a week. The position is located in Richmond, CA.

Birds that contract WNV from infected mosquitoes often perish 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.

The hourly rate for this position is $22.00 per hour.

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.


• Screen 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.


• Travel weekly to UC Davis, using a state vehicle, to pick up shipping materials for return to local agencies.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

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 and reports to the Supervising Public Health Biologist.

Education/Experience   

• Completed coursework in biology or a related science is required


• Experience identifying animals based on physical characteristics


• Experience communicating scientific or health information


• Experience entering information into a database


• Experience interpreting and following protocols


• Demonstrated interpersonal and oral communication skills to interact with diverse constituents 
  

Certificates/Licenses/Clearances 

• A valid California driver’s license, proof of vehicle insurance, and reliable transportation or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions 
  

Other Preferred Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities 

• Experience with Microsoft Excel and Word


• Experience on use of menus and functions of databases/websites


• Time management and organizational skills


• Writing skills to respond in a clear, concise, and accurate manner in responding to emails


• Knowledge of California birds and avian diseases


• Basic knowledge of biological sciences or public health


• Phone experience to handle large volume of calls 
  

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 50 lbs


• Push/Pul: Occasionally - Up to 50 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 without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

Heluna Health is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer that encourages minorities, women, veterans, and disabled to apply.

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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