Perform work of moderate difficulty identifying larval and adult mosquitoes with a dissecting microscope. Record results and enter information electronically. Set up and retrieve surveillance traps. Assist with processing black fly and tick collections. Perform other job-related duties as directed. This position works in our St. Paul office, hours are 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
- Taxonomy knowledge helpful
- All training provided
- Job variety - lab & field
- Work in a team
- Fun, fulfilling work
- Seasonal, summer job with flexible end dates (August - mid-September)
- Up to 40+ hr/week day shift
- Paid time off
- Paid holidays
- Some overtime available
- Promote public health through vector/nuisance mosquito surveillance and control
Frequently Asked Questions about the Lab Technician Position
1What kind of laboratory is this?
This is an identification laboratory using microscopes. This is not a lab where we conduct microbiology (i.e. PCR or utilize other bench skills).
2Do I have to have mosquito or insect taxonomy experience?
No. But it is helpful to know how to use a dichotomous key. Many people have experience through biology classes or hobbies using keys to identify organisms other than insects like birds, for example. Knowing how to use a key is helpful, but we will train you on how to use our keys.
3How can you sit all day at the microscope?
While we do spend a lot of time at the microscope, there are a variety of tasks we do daily. Former technicians comment on how fun the lab environment is and how interesting the job is. We share field duties which include setting up and retrieving mosquito traps, so everyone gets a chance to be outside. Every day is different, and staff enjoy the work.
4What does the normal day look like?
Our work shift is from 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. The first 3-4 weeks, we teach you how to identify mosquitoes (both larval and adult). You will have all the tools necessary to do the work, including a mosquito key specific to our area.
If we receive a large rain resulting in a hatch of mosquito eggs, field staff are out sampling wetlands. The samples they take are brought to the lab for us to identify. We determine the kinds of mosquitoes collected (some species do not bite people), how old they are (older larvae stop feeding before transforming to pupae), and how many there are that meet our treatment thresholds. We relay that information to field staff so they can treat the appropriate sites.
We look at many types of samples including larval samples from wetlands, tree holes, stormwater structures, or catch basins. We also identify adult samples collected in a variety of ways targeting a variety of mosquito behaviors (host-seeking) or egg laying, etc. Other lab tasks include washing sample vials and maintaining an inventory of collection containers for the field offices. We usually have many different types of samples to look at on any given day.
If we receive a large rain resulting in a hatch of mosquito eggs, field staff are out sampling wetlands. The samples they take are brought to the lab for us to identify. We determine the kinds of mosquitoes collected (some species do not bite people), how old they are (older larvae stop feeding before transforming to pupae), and how many there are that meet our treatment thresholds. We relay that information to field staff so they can treat the appropriate sites.
We look at many types of samples including larval samples from wetlands, tree holes, stormwater structures, or catch basins. We also identify adult samples collected in a variety of ways targeting a variety of mosquito behaviors (host-seeking) or egg laying, etc. Other lab tasks include washing sample vials and maintaining an inventory of collection containers for the field offices. We usually have many different types of samples to look at on any given day.