The Alaka`ina Foundation Family of Companies (FOCs) has a potential need for a Laboratory Technician I – Entomology and Ecology Team (EET) to provide support for our government customer in Fort Collins, CO.

DESCRIPTION OF RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conduct laboratory operations, including receiving and logging samples; verifying accompanying information; accessioning samples into database systems; labeling, sorting, and transferring specimens; running query lists to process specimens; locating and separating aliquoted specimens for testing or shipping; assisting in programming laboratory equipment; preparing reagents in accordance with established protocols; and complying with laboratory safety and quality requirements.
• Perform laboratory testing activities, including nucleic acid extractions in accordance with established protocols; maintaining high standards of laboratory quality and safety; conducting quality control tests for extraction processes; performing amplification of nucleic acids using PCR techniques; preparing samples for sequencing; conducting sequencing as required; documenting all procedures performed; maintaining laboratory records; collecting and reporting test results; supporting bioinformatics pipeline analysis; and preparing summary reports of findings.
• Maintain accurate records of laboratory experiments and procedures in compliance with Quality Management Standards (QMS) established for CDC laboratories, and participate in required training for laboratory equipment use, safety, and QMS compliance.
• Conduct diagnostic testing laboratory operations, including intake of samples for genomic sequencing; performing nucleic acid extractions, library preparation, and sequencing; operating and maintaining established bioinformatics pipelines; accurately recording data and updating associated databases and sample inventories; participating in laboratory safety and quality trainings; maintaining laboratory standards and records in accordance with the Quality Manual for Microbiological Laboratories (QMML); and attending meetings, as needed, to coordinate laboratory activities and review results.
• Conduct research and development activities supporting direct detection diagnostics for Lyme disease using CRISPR technology and next-generation sequencing (NGS).
• Perform and maintain quality review and measurement of laboratory functions associated with biological research applications and activities.
• Provide support in maintaining laboratory functions essential to diagnostic development, including work involving the laboratory tick-mouse infectious cycle, and provide technical support for biological and scientific assessments related to quality management systems and applicable regulatory standards.
• Conduct quality reviews in accordance with established quality review plans to assess adherence to laboratory standards and procedures.
• Support implementation and maintenance of quality policies, processes, and procedures.
• Support continuous improvement of laboratory quality management systems, including internal audits, corrective and preventive actions, quality planning, document control, records management, equipment calibration, training, and data management functions.
• Assist in the development of quality management goals and implementation of objectives, policies, and priorities to ensure compliance with evolving regulatory and quality requirements.
• Serve as a laboratory liaison for audits, review committees, and third-party inquiries, including participation in external quality assessments and regulatory compliance activities.
• Any data collection involving ten (10) or more members of the public shall require appropriate Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval prior to implementation.
• May be required to support activities outside of standard business hours, including evenings, weekends, or holidays, within the established labor-hour structure, based on program needs.

REQUIRED DEGREE/EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in public health, microbiological, biochemical, biomedical or similar science.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Proficiency in standard office software applications, including Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Excel, and Word), as required to perform assigned tasks.
• Ability to communicate effectively and interact professionally with CDC personnel and external partners.
• Knowledgeable of laboratory safety, quality management, and access requirements.
• Willing and able to complete required medical clearances, health screenings, or fit testing necessary to perform laboratory duties in accordance with CDC policies.
• Willing and able to complete all required medical clearances, health screenings, and personal protective equipment (PPE) fit testing, as applicable, prior to performing work.
• Minimum of one to three (1-3) years of experience in a professional laboratory setting preferred
• Ability to follow and execute laboratory SOPs independently and with a high degree of quality assurance.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong problem-solving skills along with outstanding organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Energetic team presence with an eagerness to learn and collaborate with other members of the team.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize competing demands in a fast-paced environment.

DESIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Prior experience supporting and adherence of the CDC Institutional Review Board (IRB) requirements and applicable federal regulations. The Contractor shall not engage in human subjects research activities without prior approval.
• Experience with laboratory diagnostic assays.
• Experience with laboratory accreditation bodies and associated requirements.
• Experience with laboratory management/operational laboratory support and inventory management.    

REQUIRED CITIZENSHIP AND CLEARANCE:

• Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• Must be able to successfully complete a background investigation and obtain a CDC Personal Identity Verification (PIV) badge to access Government facilities and systems.

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The Alaka`ina Foundation Family of Companies (FOCs) is a fast-growing government service provider. Employees enjoy competitive salaries. Eligible employees enjoy a 401K plan with company match; medical, dental, disability, and life insurance coverage; tuition reimbursement; paid time off; and 11 paid holidays.

We are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer of individuals with disabilities and veterans. We are proud to state that we do not illegally discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of any protected categories. If you are a person with a disability and you need an accommodation during the application process, please click here to request accommodation. We E-Verify all employees

“EOE, including Disability/Vets” OR “Equal Opportunity Employer, including Disability/Veterans”

The Alaka`ina Foundation Family of Companies (FOCs) is comprised of industry-recognized government service firms designated as Native Hawaiian Organization (NHO)-owned and 8(a) certified businesses. The Family of Companies (FOCs) includes Ke`aki Technologies, Laulima Government Solutions, Kūpono Government Services, and Kapili Services, Po`okela Solutions, Kīkaha Solutions, LLC, and Pololei Solutions, LLC. Alaka`ina Foundation activities principally benefit the youth of Hawaii through charitable efforts which includes providing innovative educational programs that combine leadership, science & technology, and environmental stewardship.

For additional information, please click here.

SEASONAL MOSQUITO CONTROL AIDE (Fresno)

Fresno Mosquito and Vector Control District

Compensation: $18.00 to $19.00 per hour depending on experience, semi-monthly pay period

Employment type: full-time

How to Apply:

It is required to, at minimum, submit a completed FMVCD application in order to be considered for any position.
Please send any cover letters, resumes, or any supplemental application documents in the same e-mail as your Completed Application.
Application Link: https://www.fresnomosquito.org/_files/ugd/57ea28_a83309385b15496e81f768015af0d8c9.pdf
Or printed application can be obtained by picking it up at our office.

**Applications may be faxed (559-268-8918), mailed, delivered in-person or
emailed**

Mailing Address:
FMVCD
2338 E. McKinley
Fresno, CA 93703

BENEFITS
Paid District holidays
Sick leave for those who qualify

HOURS
Work week is Monday through Thursday, 10 hours per day. Weekend work may be required in emergency situations. Mosquito season generally lasts from March to October. Hours subject to change based on business need.

DISCLOSURE
If you are selected for the position management will decide if the employee will be assigned to Operations or Surveillance Team.

TYPICAL DUTIES
Use a variety of traps and methods to collect adult mosquitoes and eggs
Use stereo microscopes, dissecting microscopes, and other laboratory equipment
Collect immature mosquitoes and organisms that occur in aquatic habitats
Collect, evaluate, and package dead birds for arbovirus testing
Inspect assigned areas for mosquito and other vector breeding sources
Maintain an awareness of patterns and practices conducive to mosquito and other vector breeding which are significant to the timing of operations
Identify vector species and stages of development
Apply pesticides according to label instructions, selecting appropriate dosage rates and equipment to obtain optimum coverage and results
Maintain an awareness of ecologically sensitive sources and use treatments appropriate for specific habitats
Initiate requests for aerial application and provide information required for an effective result
Reinspect treated areas to evaluate effectiveness of treatment
Stock mosquitofish or other biological control agents as required
Maintain accurate and complete records of work done in District database
Assist with population monitoring of adult mosquitoes and other arthropods
Assist with vector-borne disease surveillance program
Perform routine arthropod identification and maintain pertinent records
Perform general maintenance activities (repairing and maintaining traps and collecting equipment, cleaning mosquitofish tanks, District vehicles, lab equipment, etc.)
Prepare and revise operational maps, including properties, topographic characteristics, and other features relevant to mosquito and vector control operations
Record significant changes on maps and use a computer to compile data as directed on work done, types of service, vector population history, and otherwise assist in collecting and compiling historical data
Advise local citizens of mosquito and vector control problems and request consent to enter onto property; assist with implementation of community education program
Drive vehicles and use power and hand spray equipment in a safe manner; keep equipment in working order
Use brush cutting equipment to prepare trails for access, perform general labor, and operate equipment used in vector control activities.
Attend training sessions, read agency manuals, and otherwise keep informed of policies, procedures and pertinent scientific advances
Keep supervisor informed of progress and problems.
Perform other tasks, as assigned by District Management, Supervisors and Technicians

QUALIFICATIONS
Must be at least 18 years of age
Must have high school diploma or equivalent
Must be able to read and write proficiently
Bilingual (Spanish) is highly desirable
Must be able to work independently and cooperatively with others
Must be able to work under adverse conditions such as heat, cold, mud, water, rough terrain, etc.
Must be able to carry 40 pounds
Must be able to swim
Must be safety conscience and able to learn the techniques necessary to do the job
Must be able to exercise good judgment
Must have a valid California Driver’s License and clean DMV record
Must pass pre-employment physical
Must pass LiveScan background check