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Clackamas County Vector Control District - Biologist

Posted: 10/17/2025
Location: Oregon City

 

 

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

CLACKAMAS COUNTY VECTOR CONTROL DISTRICT

320 Warner Milne Road, Oregon City, OR 97045

is currently seeking applicants for the position of:

 

BIOLOGIST

Applications first reviewed after: November 17th, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.

(Position will remain open until it is filled.)

 

Seeking hard working candidates with good communication and organizational skills and a strong background in biology, with emphasis on vector-borne disease ecology. Successful candidates will collect, identify, enumerate, process and analyze vectors (mostly mosquitoes), using typical laboratory techniques and methods. Candidates should be comfortable in field and laboratory settings, have strong interpersonal communication skills, and be well trained in the scientific method, especially as it relates to vector-borne disease ecology and epidemiology.  Duties include setting up and retrieving vector traps in various habitats around the county, working in conditions that may expose them to insect bites, and working with infectious agents in a laboratory setting.  Candidates should have a strong desire to support research on pesticide resistance and vector-borne diseases and will be expected to participate in applicable research projects and other duties. 

Minimum qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in biology or related discipline is preferred. Experience in vector control will be preferred. Other qualifications include a valid driver’s license and insurability and a pesticide applicator certification or the ability to obtain certification within 30 days of hire.  Successful candidates must pass a reference check and criminal background screen and may be asked to participate in a pre-employment drug screen and medical exam. 

Primary duties (under the supervision of the Executive Director)

  1. General
    1. Regular attendance at staff meetings
    2. Adherence to CCVCD policies and procedures, as outlined in the General Handbook.
    3. Responsible for regular laboratory cleaning and orderliness.
    4. Shared responsibility for weekly District cleaning chores (trash, restrooms, etc.).
    5. When asked, attendance at District Board Meetings (to include presenting to the Board the results/analysis of field surveillance/trap/laboratory data in graphical and/or tabular form).
    6. Participation in District “On Call” status for emergencies (flooding, etc.)
    7. Hold a valid driver’s license from Oregon or other state within the CONUS and be insurable under the district policy.
    8. Obtain an Oregon Department of Agriculture Public Applicator License within 30 days of hire and maintain licensure throughout employment.  Obtaining an ODA Public Applicator License requires passing the “Laws and Safety” and “Public Health” exams.
    9. Other duties as directed and in scope with the mission of the district.
  2. Surveillance
    1. Adult trapping with a variety of traps:

                                                              i.      Carbon dioxide baited traps

                                                            ii.      Gravid traps (Cummings, GAT, ova-cup)

  1. Laboratory
    1. Maintain regular testing through OSU veterinary diagnostic testing.
    2. Prepare and learn about newer methods of disease testing in house with PCR testing.
    3. Maintain laboratory equipment, including fume hood, microscopes, and other relevant devices.
    4. Work with other staff to maintain traps in good working order.
    5. Continue with annual bioassay testing for larval and adult mosquitoes throughout the county to test for pesticide resistance.
    6. Work on creating a sustainable rearing room for mosquitoes to have populations on hand for resistance testing.
    7. Revise trapping routes and locations based on needs of the district and relevant historical data.
    8. Attend professional conferences and training as they relate to vector-borne diseases.
  2. Outreach as needed
    1. Participating in regular public outreach events (CC Fair, Master Gardener’s meeting, etc.).
    2. Assisting with educational outreach to local schools (elementary, middle, high) when requested.
    3. Maintaining an “Outreach” kit (preserved insects, magnifying lenses, etc.).
    4. Participation in ‘career day’ events at local schools and colleges.

 

Salary Range: $78,875 - $105,700 per hour depending on experience.

Hours and Duration:  Monday – Thursday 7:00am – 5:00pm / Permanent

Applicants have two options to apply for this position: (We DO NOT accept resumes in lieu of the district general application, but attaching a resume is encouraged.)

  1. Pick up an application (7am – 5pm, M-Th) at the district office at 320 Warner Milne Road, Oregon City, OR 97045, OR
  2. Request an application to be e-mailed or mailed to you by calling 503-655-8394 or by sending an email to tmicallef@clackamas.us.

 

Applications may be submitted by US Mail or email scanned pdfs delivering the application materials to:

Clackamas County Vector Control District

320 Warner Milne Road, Oregon City, OR 97045

 

Email application materials (in pdf) to: tmicallef@clackamas.us

 

If you require accommodation to participate in our application process, please contact Theresa Micallef at 503-655-8394. The district is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other classification protected by law. Veteran’s preference available.