ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I BIO SCIENCE (Mosquito Control Program - Internal Only)

Introduction

The Maryland Department of Agriculture is a department under Maryland''s Executive Branch. Formed in 1972 by the Maryland General Assembly to address the agriculture needs for the State of Maryland, the Department oversees and serves as a regulatory body for animal health and consumer services to include marketing and lab services, plant and pest management and resource conservation. As the number one industry in Maryland, the diversity of agriculture programs in the State continues to expand and grow.Â

The Mosquito Control Program provides a direct service to approximately 2,100 communities in 16 Maryland counties. The primary goal of this program is to prevent the occurrence of mosquito-borne disease in humans, pets and livestock.  Mosquito control is an economic necessity in some parts of Maryland dependent on outdoor tourism during the summer. The program relies on surveys and monitoring of the larval and adult mosquito populations to coordinate control activities. Control techniques include breeding source reduction, public education, biological control and insecticide applications from aircraft or ground equipment.

Join our Team and make a difference to protect our natural resources!

This position is only open to current employees of the Mosquito Control Program

GRADE

13

LOCATION OF POSITION

MDA Headquarters

50 Harry S Truman Pkwy. Annapolis, MD 21401

Main Purpose of Job

The primary purpose of this position is to implement and manage modern, science-based Integrated Mosquito Management (IMM) programs within Anne Arundel County and other assigned jurisdictions to protect public health and enhance quality of life. As a key operational lead west of the Chesapeake Bay, the incumbent is responsible for the comprehensive maintenance, testing, and calibration of all specialized equipment, ensuring the agency remains mission-ready for rapid intervention. Beyond mosquito control, this role provides critical support to the Program Manager in executing large-scale nuisance insect initiatives, specifically the Black Fly suppression program in Northern Maryland and Midge control operations in Baltimore County and the Chesapeake Bay. By bridging technical field operations with rigorous equipment oversight, this position directly supports the agencyâs mission to provide environmentally responsible and data-driven pest management services to the citizens of Maryland.

POSITION DUTIES

Vector Surveillance and Integrated Pest Management (IPM)Â

• Operations Independently conducts larval mosquito surveillance and control operations.Â
• Evaluates aquatic habitats to determine the appropriate application of biological control agents and pesticides, ensuring minimal impact on non-target species.Â
• Interprets and applies complex federal and state mandates, including the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), the Clean Water Act, and NPDES/PDMP requirements.Â
• Conducts pre-treatment surveys and rigorous post-treatment inspections to analyze pesticide efficacy and monitor for adverse environmental effects. Â
• Utilizes ESRI GIS applications to perform spatial analysis and create precision maps of treatment areas, ensuring accurate tracking of ecological data and intervention sites.Â
• Partners with Public Works to implement cultural control methods, such as modifying stormwater management systems to eliminate breeding habitats through improved drainage.Â
• Provides technical training and field supervision for seasonal personnel, ensuring adherence to biosafety  protocols and application standards.Â

Nuisance Insect Program Management & CoordinationÂ

• Assists the Program Manager in executing specialized control programs for Blackflies (Simuliidae) and Midges (Chironomidae) across diverse Maryland ecosystems, including the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay freshwater areas.Â
• Collaborates with departmental scientists to research and determine optimal biological and chemical control strategies for midge populations in sensitive estuarine environments.Â
• Coordinates the logistics of aerial application contracts, including timing and site selection based on larval population density assessments. Manages the application process for pesticide discharge permits through the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE), ensuring all regional operations are fully permitted and legally compliant.Â

Technical Logistics and Fleet ManagementÂ

• Oversees the calibration, maintenance, and winterization of specialized spray equipment and high-tech vector control vehicles to ensure operational readiness and safety compliance.Â
• Ensures all equipment functions within calibrated parameters to maintain precise application rates, preventing environmental over-exposure and ensuring fiscal responsibility.Â

Resource Procurement and Efficacy AnalysisÂ

• Evaluates the technical efficacy of various insecticides and biological agents, providing data-driven recommendations for procurement based on resistance patterns and environmental safety.Â
• Manages the chemical inventory for multi-county operations, ensuring proper storage according to hazardous material protocols.Â
• Acts as a technical liaison for neighboring counties, coordinating the purchase and strategic distribution of pesticides to ensure regional consistency in vector management.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:  A Bachelorâs degree from an accredited college or university in biology, bio-chemistry, zoology, botany, animal science, wildlife management, or any other discipline in the field of biological science.

Experience: None.

Note: Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in Environmental Engineering and Natural Resources classifications or Environmental Engineering and Natural Resources specialty codes in the Engineering, Natural Resources and Science field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required education.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preference will be given to applicants who possess the following preferred qualification(s). Include clear and specific information on your application regarding your qualifications.

Experience surveying and treating for Black Flies

LIMITATIONS ON SELECTION

This position is only open to current employees of the Mosquito Control Program.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties may be required to possess a motor vehicle operatorâs license valid in the State of Maryland.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Some positions in this classification are assigned duties which will require the applicants to be examined by a physician. After an offer of employment, applicants for such positions will be given a medical examination to certify the ability to perform the essential job functions.

SELECTION PROCESS

Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date. Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified and placed on the eligible (employment) list for at least one year.

EXAMINATION PROCESS

The assessment may consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience related to the requirements of the position. It is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Please report all experience and education that is related to this position.

BARGAINING UNIT STATUS

G

BENEFITS

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

Online applications are STRONGLY preferred. If you unable to apply online, you may mail a paper application to: Maryland Department of Agriculture Human Resource Office, Room 304 50 Harry S Truman Parkway Annapolis, MD 21401. If you are submitting additional information, such as diplomas and transcripts, the preferred method is to upload them online with your application.Â

If you are unable to upload, you may mail, hand-deliver or fax (HR Fax # 443-602-9831). All paper applications must be received by the closing date, no exceptions. (Postmarks not accepted.)

Resumes will NOT be accepted in lieu of completing the online or paper application.Â

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the Stateâs diversity. People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country. TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay For questions concerning this recruitment, please contact: Kathleen Newhouse at 410-841-5837 or kathleen.newhouse2@maryland.gov.