Research Assistant (R&D)

SUMMARY

Heluna Health (dba Public Health Foundation Enterprises) and the Vector-Borne Disease Section (VBDS) of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) are recruiting for a Research Assistant in the West Nile virus (WNV) and Dead Bird Surveillance Program. This position will support the WNV and Dead Bird Call Center from May through September (season length varies). Workdays are Monday through Friday, 30 - 40 hours a week. The position is located in Richmond, CA.

Birds that contract WNV from infected mosquitoes often perish from the disease, thus reports of dead birds can serve as good indicators of WNV activity. The Research Assistant is responsible for answering questions about WNV from public callers and coordinating submission of bird carcasses for WNV testing. Reported and tested bird results assist local vector control agencies in prioritizing their mosquito control and education programs to prevent human disease. The WNV program uses the statewide website, www.westnile.ca.gov, and email reports to inform and update the public, local agencies, and media.

If hired for this position, you will be required to provide proof that you are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 prior to your start date or have a valid religious or medical reason qualifying you for an exemption (that may or may not require an accommodation).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Ensure that all callers to the toll-free West Nile Virus Call Center receive correct information and that data from the callers is recorded accurately in the database.

• Respond to public calls with accurate information on West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne diseases.
• Screen online dead bird reports and respond via telephone and email messages.
• Work with California mosquito and vector control agencies and VBDS staff to arrange for the collection, shipping, and testing of dead birds for WNV.
• Travel weekly to UC Davis, using a state vehicle, to pick up shipping materials for return to local agencies.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• This position requires interaction with the public, local agencies, and other VBDS staff, so communication skills and the ability to work well with others is critical.
• Required attributes also include the following: problem-solving, recording information accurately, using databases, prioritizing workload, and the ability to interpret and follow protocols explicitly.
• This position works under the guidance of the Supervising Public Health Biologist and reports to the Arbovirus Biologist in the WNV Dead Bird Surveillance Program. 

Education/Experience   

• Completed coursework in biology or a related science is required.
• Experience identifying animals based on physical characteristics.
• Experience communicating scientific or health information.
• Experience entering information into a database.
• Experience interpreting and following protocols.
• Demonstrated interpersonal and oral communication skills to interact with diverse constituents. 

Certificates/Licenses/Clearances 

• Valid Class C driver's license required.
• Must legally be able to drive company vehicle to various locations.

 Other Preferred Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities 

• Experience with Microsoft Word
• Experience on use of menus and functions of databases/websites
• Time management and organizational skills
• Writing skills to respond in a clear, concise, and accurate manner in responding to emails
• Knowledge of avian diseases
• Basic knowledge of biological sciences or public health
• Knowledge of California birds
• Phone experience to handle large volume of calls  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Stand                                    Occasionally
• Walk                                     Occasionally
• Sit                                         Frequently
• Handling/Fingering              Frequently
• Reach Outward                    Occasionally
• Reach Above Shoulder        Occasionally
• Climb, Crawl, Kneel, Bend    Occasionally
• Lift / Carry                            Occasionally - Up to 50 lbs
• Push/Pull                             Occasionally - Up to 50 lbs
• See                                      Constantly
• Taste/ Smell                         Not Applicable

KEY

• Not Applicable                  Not required for essential functions
• Occasionally                      (0 - 2 hrs/day)
• Frequently                         (2 - 5 hrs/day)
• Constantly                         (5+ hrs/day)

 WORK ENVIRONMENT

General office setting

EEOC STATEMENT

It is the policy of Heluna Health to provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

Heluna Health is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer that encourages minorities, women, veterans, and disabled to apply.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

See job description