[Entm-beu] Fwd: Entomologist -- Mosquito Control Manager -- Polk County MC

Fri May 8 08:34:34 PDT 2026

Please see job posting below:
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*Amy C. Murillo, Ph.D.*
*Assistant Professor*
Department of Entomology
University of California
Riverside, CA 92521
Office: 951-827-5853
amy.murillo at ucr.edu
UCR Website <https://profiles.ucr.edu/app/home/profile/alock001> | Lab
Website <http://murillolab.ucr.edu/> | Veterinary Entomology
<https://www.veterinaryentomology.org/>

Entomologist
Bartow, FL, United States *and 1 more*
Job Description

Must have the physical, developmental and mental ability to perform job
tasks, work efforts, responsibilities and duties of the job illustrated
below:
*Entomologist - POLK_BoCC_Career Site Careers*
<https://fa-eqpz-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/job/2538>
MAJOR FUNCTION

This is a highly scientific position reporting to the Mosquito Control
Manager. This is a physically demanding position, requiring field work in
wet and swampy areas infested with mosquitoes during the heat of the
summer, as well as travelling to isolated areas by truck, ATV, and or boat.
This position also requires laboratory skills with handling active
ingredients of various pesticides used in managing pestiferous mosquito
populations. Experience with collecting mosquitoes in the field and
insectary management to produce multiply generations of known vector
mosquito species. Conduct research projects that directly benefit the
advancement of mosquito control in Polk County, Florida, and present
findings at mosquito control annual conferences or related workshops and
meetings.
ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES
The Entomologist position will be an important part of protecting the
residents of Polk County from known and potential emerging public health
disease threats from mosquitoes. This must be achieved through scientific
knowledge of mosquitoes and their control methods while working in a “team”
oriented environment.
•    Proficient identification skills of all mosquito species found in Polk
County and surrounding areas. Monitor mosquito population dynamics through
routine trapping and other data collecting methods. Monitor all
surveillance activities as needed or requested.
•    Work with Arbovirus Specialist when arbovirus activity is reported
from local or state health officials. Conduct in-house West Nile Virus
surveillance when local transmission risks increase.
•    Designing, implementing, and analyzing tests of the efficacy of the
products used to control mosquitoes and possible development of genetic
and/or behavioral resistance to products used to treat pestiferous mosquito
populations.
•    Make recommendations for improvements to the larvicide program in
regard to mosquito biology and behavior as it relates to treatment.
•    Assist in planning and working with responsible agencies regarding
treatment of mosquitoes on state or local environmentally sensitive lands.
•    Work with University scientists, other Governmental entities and
independent contractors on specific research projects. Develop research
projects related to mosquitoes or other disease-causing arthropods in Polk
County.
•    Present research projects at annual conferences or other public
speaking opportunities related to mosquitoes or other arthropods. Florida
Mosquito Control Association, American Mosquito Control Association,
Arbovirus Workshop, are examples of important conferences that are specific
to mosquito control research.
•    Conduct public education at schools, fairs, workshops and other
publicly attended events when requested from outreach/education staff.
•    Develop skills necessary to use, train and maintain specialized
equipment used in field and lab studies. Review new research methods to
improve laboratory work efficiency. Explore various funding opportunities
to achieve research objectives.
•    Supervision of surveillance staff and part-time employees
participating in research related projects. Actively recruit additional
field staff when needed.
•    Perform other duties as assigned by the Mosquito Control Manager
KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS
•    Knowledge of laboratory and field scientific evaluation including
statistical analysis.
•    Ability to compile data and findings into scientific reports.
•    Ability to prepare manuscripts for publication.
•    Understanding of computer data base and GIS programs.
•    Knowledge of native flora and fauna and their relationship with
mosquitoes.
•    Ability to work with/handle pesticides and laboratory chemicals in a
safe manner.
•    Ability to plan projects, assign, and supervise subordinates.
•    Ability to productively work independently without constant
supervision.
•    Knowledge of mosquito habitats; either natural or anthropogenic.
•    Ability to work in a physically demanding position, requiring
fieldwork in wet and swampy areas infested with mosquitoes during the heat
of the summer, as well as inspect in highly developed and populated areas
for pestiferous mosquitoes.
•    Able to read, write, understand and converse clearly in the English
language.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor’s degree in biology, entomology, or a related field from an
accredited college or university and two (2) years of experience in
mosquito control or a closely related field.
Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to secure a valid Florida
drivers license at the time of employment.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Selected applicants must successfully obtain the Florida Department of
Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) Public Health Pest Control
License within six (6) months of initial employment.
All employees will be required to work before, during, or after an
emergency. During an emergency, employees may temporarily be assigned to
work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position,
location and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.
SPECIAL PREFERENCE
Master’s degree in entomology or related field preferred.
Peer review publication experience
FDACS Public Health Pest Control License
One (1) year supervisory experience

Job Info

   - Job Identification2538
   - Job Category19-1020 Biological Scientists
   - Posting Date05/01/2026, 08:22 AM
   - Apply Before05/15/2026, 11:59 PM
   - Degree LevelBachelor's Degree
   - Job ScheduleFull time
   - Location
    4177 Ben Durance Road, Bartow, FL, 33830, US

*Entomologist - POLK_BoCC_Career Site Careers*
<https://fa-eqpz-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/job/2538>
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