Job Title: Black Fly Control Coordinator

Division: Plant Industries

Headquarters: TBD, Southeastern WV

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Salary Range: $33,000 - $35,000

OPEN UNTIL FILLED

Nature of Work: An employee in this classification performs professional level work in the planning, development and execution of the Department’s Black Fly Control Program and assists with other Agricultural Pest Survey Programs work as time permits and priorities dictate.

Examples of Work:

• Coordinates the Black Fly Control Program.
• Complements the Pest Identification Laboratory by assisting with the identification of insects and other arthropods and providing control information, advice and technical assistance regarding the safe and proper use of pesticides to landowners, extension agents, and personnel from other agencies.
• Monitors treated rivers and tributaries for black fly larvae and non-target macroinvertebrates.
• Organizes and evaluates the information and data collected regarding black fly control.
• Plans and executes follow-up control programs as required.
• Responds to black fly complaints.
• Reviews reports and technical literature and interprets research results.
• Trains subordinate insect survey and control project personnel.
• Assists in the execution of cooperative programs with counterpart federal agencies.
• Prepares and presents radio and television programs and written news releases, makes oral presentations to professional meetings, civic groups, schools, and garden clubs; prepares informational brochures, and reports for publication in scientific journals as appropriate.
• Conducts visual surveys for helicopter hazards.
• Maintains spray maps, making changes and corrections as needed.
• Prepares written weekly, monthly and annual reports; maintains records.
• Attends professional meetings and takes classes, as needed to maintain pesticide applicator’s license.
• Coordinates and completes helicopter applicator’s contract process.
• Other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions: Standing, sitting, driving, walking, operating a computer, public speaking, outside work, wading in streams, operating a canoe, kayak or raft, possible exposure to poison ivy and insect bites/stings, and exposure to inclement weather.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of insects and other arthropods and their relationships to plant and animal life.
• Ability to interpret federal and state codes and to work cooperatively with such agencies that deal with insects.
• Ability to interpret the objectives of the Department, its procedures, policies and rules, and the relationship of the Division to the rest of the agency.
• Ability to plan and conduct population and damage assessment surveys associated with insects and other arthropods; use the data to develop effective control strategies that will result in a professional biological control program.
• Ability to analyze data and incorporate the results of research into operational use and interpret these results for the general public.
• Ability to supervise the work of subordinate personnel.
• Ability to work independently in the field for extended periods.
• Ability to prepare and conduct public information programs dealing with insects and other arthropods and their damage and control.
• Ability to interact with employees, officials and the public to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor’s degree with a major in entomology, biology, or a related field.

Experience: One year of work experience in a field related to biological science.

Substitution: Successful completion of a Master of Science degree in one of the above fields may be substituted for the required experience.

Additional Requirements:

• Valid Driver’s License.
• Satisfactory completion of pre-employment drug testing.
• Satisfactory completion of pre-employment law enforcement background investigation, including DMV records.
• Must maintain a positive image of the Commissioner, West Virginia Department of Agriculture, and the State of West Virginia.

This description is subject to review and revision at the discretion of the Commissioner and designees.