Vector Surveillance Technician

Vector Surveillance Technician

Salary

Depends on Qualifications

Location

Houston, TX

Job Type

Regular Full-time

Job Number

16619

Department

Public Health Services

Division

Mosquito & Vector Control

Opening Date

04/27/2026

Closing Date

6/30/2026 11:59 PM Central

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Position Description

If you're looking to be a part of a collaborative environment where your skills can make an impact, explore our current opportunities in creating a better future for public health.

About Harris County Public Health:

Harris County Public Health (HCPH) includes a network of more than 1,100 public health professionals working together to improve health outcomes for the third most populous county in the United States. HCPH provides a multitude of services such as medical and dental services, community programming, and health education for the approximately 2.3 million people in unincorporated Harris County. Through its core values of innovation, engagement, and health equity, HCPH strives to bring meaningful solutions to public health issues while keeping Harris County healthy and vibrant.

Our Values:

HCPH embraces a foundation of progressive work anchored by the department's cornerstone values guiding our work to improve the community's health and well-being.

• Transparency -We share information openly and honestly so that staff, partners, and the community understand our actions and the reasons behind them.
• Integrity -Our actions reflect strong ethical principles, ensuring we remain trustworthy, accountable, and consistent with our mission.
• Respect - We foster a supportive environment by valuing diverse perspectives, listening intentionally, and treating people with dignity in every interaction.
• Impact - We focus our efforts on activities that improve health, reduce disparities, and create meaningful, measurable outcomes for the communities we serve.
• Collaboration - We actively partner across teams, disciplines, organizations, and communities to align our efforts toward common goals.

Position Overview:

Under the supervision of the Vector Surveillance Supervisor, the Vector Surveillance Technician supports county-wide arthropod surveillance activities and is responsible for collecting, identifying, and submitting arthropod field samples for pathogen testing. This role requires the ability to respond to public concerns in real time and to communicate monitoring and prevention strategies for non-mosquito vector populations.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Sets and retrieves arthropod trapping devices and deploys various other collection methods in different habitats to collect arthropod specimens.
• Sorts and identifies arthropod samples and prepares samples for testing as required.
• Performs environmental surveys to identify appropriate habitats, and seek permission as needed from public and private properties for use of property.
• Maintains accurate records in database systems and assists with testing for vector-borne diseases in arthropod populations using various laboratory techniques.
• Assist in the development, preparation, use, and maintenance of field surveillance material and equipment.
• Conducts presentations and shares educational materials to Harris County residents and other entities as required

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx

If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email ADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net

Requirements

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Natural Sciences with a concentration in Entomology, Ecology, or a Related Field but may substitute for High School Diploma or GED with 2 years of related work experience in mosquito control operations, field collection, or morphological identification.

Certifications/Licenses:

• Valid Texas Drivers License (upon hire) and a good driving record required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Basic skills using Microsoft Office Suite.
• Knowledge of arthropod biology and habitats, morphological identification, integrated vector management, and public health
• Ability to troubleshoot issues and recommend appropriate solutions.
• Ability to plan, organize and execute tasks effectively and efficiently
• Ability to engage well with a variety of personalities and handle stress well
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Ability to develop, implement, improve, and learn new techniques pertinent to field/lab operations
• Must have good organizational skills and excellent communication skills to coordinate information to appropriate personnel

Core Competencies:

• Data Analytics and Assessment Skills: Ability to use data to analyze community health needs and support decisions that improve community health outcomes.
• Communication Skills: This competency focuses on using clear and effective communication to engage audiences, address misinformation, and build trust, supporting informed decisions and stronger public health outcomes.
• Health Advancement Skills: This competency focuses on applying principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion to public health, addressing systemic barriers, and promoting fair access to resources for healthier communities.
• Community Partnership Skills: This competency focuses on collaborating with communities to address the systems and policies affecting health, fostering engagement, shared ownership, and sustainable improvements in well-being.
• Public Health Science Skills: This competency focuses on using public health science and evidence-based approaches to develop and improve policies and programs, ensuring effective delivery of the 10 Essential Public Health Services.

NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.

Preferences

• N/A

General Information

Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:

• This is a Regular | Full-Time position.
• 40 hours per week.
• Must be able to work nights, weekends and holidays as required to accomplish the mission of MVCD

Work Environment:

• Office/Laboratory and Field environment.
• County vehicles are operated during field activities.

Physical Demands:

• Must be able to lift 70 lbs.
• Must be in good physical health, able to tolerate high heat and humidity for extended periods of time outdoors while working in a variety of urban and natural environments.
• Must be able to work nights, weekends and holidays as required to accomplish the mission of MVCD.

Work Location:

• Harris County Public Health: Mosquito & Vector Control Division - 3330 Old Spanish Trail, Houston, Texas 77021.

Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.

Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.

HARRIS COUNTY EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

Harris County offers a highly competitive benefits program, featuring a comprehensive group health plan and defined benefit retirement plan.

The following benefits are offered only to Harris County employees in regular (full-time) positions:

Health & Wellness Benefits

• Medical Coverage
• Dental Coverage
• Vision Coverage
• Wellness Plan
• Life Insurance
• Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account

Paid Time Off (PTO)

• Ten (10) days of vacation leave per year (accrual rate increases after 5 years of service)
• Eleven (11) County-observed holidays
• One (1) floating holiday per year
• Paid Parental Leave*
• Sick Leave

Retirement Savings Benefit

• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan

The following benefits are available to Harris County employees in full-time and select part-time positions:

• Professional learning & development opportunities
• Retirement pension (TCDRS defined benefit plan)
• Flexible work schedule*
• METRO RideSponsor Program*
• Participation may vary by County department. The employee benefits plans of Harris County are extended to all eligible participants across various departments with the exception of the Harris County Community Supervision and Corrections Department, for which the cited Health & Wellness Benefits are administered through the State of Texas.

In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, group health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Harris County Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the Countys behalf as needed.

For plan details, visit the Harris County Benefits & Wellness website:

www.benefitsathctx.com

01

Which of the following best describes your highest level of education completed as it relates to this position?

• High School or Equivalent
• Associates Degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree or higher

02

Which of the following best describes your verifiable experience in mosquito control operations, field collection, or morphological identification. (To be considered, the qualifying experience must be documented in your applications employment history)

• Less than 2 years
• 2 years or more.
• I do not have this experience.

03

Please provide details about your verifiable experience in mosquito control operations, field collection, or morphological identification. DO NOT USE "Please see Resume" or "See Resume" (To be considered, qualifying experience must be documented in your applications employment history) Please include your (a) roles, (b) types of organizations, (c) scope of duties and responsibilities, (d) employment dates (ex. MM/YYYY to MM/YYYY). If you do not have this experience, please type "None" in the space provided.

04

This role requires a Valid Drivers License (Texas upon hire). Do you have a Valid Drivers License with good driving record?

• I have a valid Texas driver's license good driving record
• I have a valid driver's license with good driving record from another state but can obtain a Texas license upon hire.
• I do not have a valid driver's license.

Required Question

Employer Harris County

Address 1111 Fannin St

Ste. 600

Houston, Texas, 77002

Phone 713-274-5445

Website https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/harriscountytx