LTE Public Health Field Staff

Public Health Madison and Dane County (PHMDC) in Madison, Wisconsin is seeking four (4) Limited Term Employment (LTE) Public Health Field Staff opportunities.

Limited Term Employees (LTEs) are limited to 1,200 hours in a payroll year and are not guaranteed any hours per week.

COMMITMENT TO EQUITY AND INCLUSION

As an employer, we strive to provide a work environment where diversity and differing opinions are valued, creativity is encouraged, continuous learning and improvement are fostered, teamwork and open/honest communication are encouraged, and meeting customer needs through quality service is a shared goal. All employees must be able to demonstrate multicultural competence - the awareness, knowledge, and skills needed to work with others who are culturally different from self in meaningful, relevant, and productive ways. Applicants from traditionally underrepresented populations including women, racial and ethnic minorities, and persons with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.

DEFINITION

Under the direction of the Environmental Health Services Supervisor, the public Health Field Staff  will perform a variety sampling and data collection activities in the field as well as technical and analytical work in the Public Health Laboratory.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES                                                                                                                                    

Water Quality LTE

The successful applicant will be responsible for collection and analysis of beach water quality samples. They will also perform basic microbiological analysis on drinking water and other samples as needed.

Additional duties include general laboratory maintenance, data entry, and updating the beach website. Some work on Saturdays may be required.

Vector Control Technician

The successful applicant will perform field sampling of water for mosquito larvae; identify mosquitoes in the lab and perform data entry; conduct adult mosquito surveillance and perform larval mosquito control as needed. They will also collect ticks through established protocols, identification to species, and data entry.

In addition to these duties the incumbent may be asked to prepare samples for analysis and assist laboratory personnel in any way to ensure day-to-day operations run smoothly. This includes, but is not limited to, participating in sampling, setting up samples for analysis, logging sample information into the laboratory LIMS, sample disposal, testing and monitoring of samples, cleaning laboratory supplies and equipment; assisting with general housekeeping and maintaining the organization of the laboratories and storage areas, maintenance of field/laboratory facilities and equipment; performing laboratory and equipment checks including temperature and safety equipment checks, preparing laboratory culture medias, reagents, and buffers in accordance with laboratory prep methods; assisting with administrative tasks including organization of records, scheduling and supporting maintenance and repair appointments, completing clerical and general office duties associated with laboratory prep methods and samples; preparing laboratory equipment, supplies, and trash for sterilization and/or decontamination, responding to complaints and/or inquiries from customers; providing direct "hands on" help to the laboratory lead workers, and performing related work as assigned.

Education, Training and Experience:

Must possess a high school diploma, or equivalent. Requires six month's experience in a laboratory or a setting performing similar work.

Experience may be gained by completing two years of college or technical school training in relevant areas. Other combinations of training/experience that demonstrate the possession of necessary knowledge, skills and abilities will also be considered.

Licenses/Certifications:

Certifications may be required based on the assigned program.

Special Requirements:

Traditional work hours are 7:45am-4:30pm. Start and end times may vary to accommodate the workload. Work hours are flexible but must be available to work on weekdays.

Must have a valid driver's license, or access to reliable personal transportation, or equivalent. As a condition of employment, employees are required to be current, and remain current, with certain immunizations and vaccinations.  A list will be provided at the time of the job offer.

For Bilingual Positions:

• Provide services in both English and the required foreign language (e.g., Spanish, Hmong, etc.), including oral interpretation and written translations in that language.

• Applicants being considered for Bilingual positions will be tested during the recruitment process. This may consist of either being able to respond to questions in that language (e.g., Spanish, Hmong, etc.) during the interview; or passing an oral translation (English to foreign language / foreign language to English) exam prior to employment.

Background Check Statement: Some positions may require a criminal background check which can include fingerprinting due to the nature of the job's responsibilities.

Wisconsin's Fair Employment Law, s. 111.31 - 111.395, Wis. Stats., prohibits discrimination because of an arrest or conviction record. However, Dane County may disqualify an applicant if the position's responsibilities are substantially related to the applicant's criminal history (e.g., the nature of the crime and its relationship to the position, whether hiring, transferring or promoting an applicant would pose an unreasonable risk to the business, its employees, customers and vendors, etc.) Management reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.

Physical and Environmental Work Requirements:

Laboratory and office work is performed primarily indoors and requires intermittently sitting/standing at a computer workstation/desk operating computer software or reviewing paper plans and reports, twisting to reach chemicals, equipment, and materials. Use Grasping and fine finger manipulations.

Regular exposure to laboratory chemicals, odors, toxic agents, noise, vibrations, and wetness. Field work involves walking into sample collection sites at beaches, ponds, ditches and other water sources. Ability to carry and mange equipment for collecting samples is required. Must be able to lift and carry forty pounds and possess a valid driver's license (employee is required to use their own vehicle but will be reimbursed for mileage).

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of internal and external stakeholders. Knowledge of or the ability to learn the physical and chemical properties of environmental contaminants and the technology and equipment associated with their monitoring and measurement.

Ability to implement administrative policies and procedures. Ability to maintain recordkeeping systems. Ability to implement sampling and safety procedures relative to the handling of hazardous materials. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively both verbally and in writing.