Job Description and Duties

Per CCR 249.3, this job control may be used to fill subsequent vacancies.

This position is located in the Identification Section Laboratory located at the Mediterranean Fruit Fly Preventive Release Program in Los Alamitos. Each day this facility releases millions of sterile medflies across the Los Angeles Basin. Sterile medflies are marked with a fluorescent dye that glows under ultraviolet blacklight. Many of these sterile flies are caught in detection traps. It is the primary responsibility of the Identification Section Laboratory to screen all the medflies trapped in Southern California for the presence of fluorescent dye. This is an essential function that ensures all medflies are sterile and confirms the absence of wild medfly populations in California

Under general supervision of the Agricultural Pest Control Supervisor, the Agricultural Technician II (Seasonal) independently performs the more difficult, varied, and responsible duties in a laboratory setting. This includes preliminary, insect pest diagnostic work that requires knowledge of the PD/EP Branch operations, organization, policies, and issues. The incumbent examines fruit flies trapped in Southern California for the presence of fluorescent dye and separates these flies from other non-target insects in samples preserved in alcohol. Incumbent identifies other target insects that might be present. Incumbent also transports traps and supplies to and from various trapping field stations

Essential functions include but are not limited to:

• Screen wet and dry traps for target insect pests such as, but not limited to, Mediterranean, Mexican, Oriental, and Melon fruit flies.
  
  
• Follow established protocols to examine insects submitted from trapping programs for the presence of fluorescent dye through the use of microscope, ultraviolet black-light, light magnifier, and forceps.
  
  
• Assist in the accurate organization of technical data concerning trap and fly counts and trap locations.
  
  
• Submit daily reports to the supervisor or lead at the end of each day when requested for reporting purposes.

As an employee of the California Department of Food & Agriculture (CDFA), you are required to perform the “essential functions” of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.  If you are interested in becoming part of a diverse and inclusive workforce where talent, experience, and expertise are valued, then CDFA is the place for you!!

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Working Conditions

The duties of this position are primarily indoors. The Identification Section laboratory is housed in modular trailers and furnished with desks, chairs, and office equipment. The Agricultural Technician Is work area includes a folding table, a chair, a dissecting microscope, an ultraviolent lamp, a white lamp, and various dissecting tools such as forceps and probes. The laboratory is kept dark for much of the day so that fluorescent dye is visible.

The incumbent will be required to drive, exit and re-enter the work vehicle numerous times during the workday, must possess a valid CA drivers’ license and maintain a good-standing driving record to operate a state motor vehicle safely and responsibly, be able to apply pesticides, work well under extreme time constraints, exercise good judgement, determine priorities, make appropriate well-thought out decisions, allocate staff and resources to achieve maximum results, maintain focus under conditions of duress, and provide accurate assessment of rapidly changing situations (ex. Multiple exotic pest detections requiring multiple operations).

Special Requirements

Application Instructions