CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
CAREERS
PacVec shares career, internship, and fellowship opportunities provided by our partners and affiliations. Explore the current opportunities here:
STUDENT AND POSTDOCTORAL
A Postdoctoral Research Associate position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Sarah Hamer at Texas A&M University (TAMU) in the Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. The Postdoctoral Research Associate will advance research programs on canine Chagas disease, including new studies of treatment, diagnostics and epidemiology that have recently been funded by the National Institutes of Health and the Department of Homeland Security. The Postdoctoral Research Associate will work collaboratively with additional investigators at TAMU (Dr. Ashley Saunders) and University of Georgia (Dr. Rick Tarleton). The DHS-funded work will be managed by the Cross-Border Threat Screening and Supply Chain Defense (CBTS), a U.S. Department of Homeland Security Center of Excellence led by Texas A&M University.
Learn More.
The graduate assistant will work under the supervision of Vincenzo Ellis on projects associated with the CDC funded VectorED Network: 1) molecular barcoding of mosquito species and 2) evaluation of a rodent baited vaccine against the Lyme disease pathogen Borrelia burgdorferi. Duties will include field work (trapping and identifying mosquitos, dragging for and identifying ticks), molecular lab work, bioinformatics, data analysis, and writing. This is a paid stipend position. To apply, email a 1) cover letter including research interests and relevant experiences, 2) CV including undergraduate GPA, Masters thesis information and GPA, publications (if any), and the names and contact information for two references including Masters degree major professor (indicate which reference person is Masters degree major professor) to Vincenzo Ellis with “PhD VectorED Assistantship” in the subject line.
SUMMER INTERNSHIPS
The California Department of Public Health Vector-Borne Disease Section is hiring a paid summer intern based in Elk Grove, California. The intern must be an undergraduate student. The intern will work alongside state Public Health Biologists to learn how to conduct field surveillance and investigations for various vector-borne diseases, and will conduct a project that will culminate in a presentation of results at a state or regional vector control or public health meeting in 2026. The intern will also join a network of trainees in the Pacific Southwest region to continue building their skills and network that could lead to potential future career opportunities. The internship dates are June-August and are somewhat flexible depending on the student’s school schedule.
Location: Elk Grove, CA
Starting salary: $16.75 /hour
Application due: March 21st.
Intern with us this summer at Consolidated Mosquito Abatement District in Parlier, California, where you’ll gain hands-on biological field and laboratory experience, including mosquito surveillance and identification. You will also conduct a research project that will culminate in a presentation at a state or regional vector control meeting in 2026. You’ll also join a network of trainees in the region through the Pacific Southwest Center of Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases to continue building your skills and network, which could lead to potential future career opportunities! The internship dates are June-September and are somewhat flexible depending on the student’s school schedule. The student intern is expected to work 20-40 hours/week.
Location: Parlier, CA
Starting salary: $20 /hour
Application due: open until filled
Intern with us this summer at the Contra Costa County Mosquito and Vector Control District in Concord, California, where you’ll gain hands-on biological field and laboratory experience, including mosquito surveillance and identification. Your paid summer experience will culminate in a presentation at a state or regional vector control meeting in 2026. You’ll also join a network of trainees in the region to continue building your skills and network, which could lead to potential future career opportunities! The internship dates are June-September and are somewhat flexible depending on the student’s school schedule. The intern is expected to work 20-40 hours/week.
Location: Concord, CA
Starting salary: $20-25 /hour
Application due: open until filled
The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District in Elk Grove, California is hiring a paid summer intern. The internship is open to undergraduate students and recent graduates. You’ll gain hands-on biological field and laboratory experience, including mosquito surveillance and identification, and conduct an applied research project. Your paid summer experience will culminate in a presentation at a state or regional vector control meeting in 2026. You’ll also join a network of trainees in the region to continue building your skills and network, which could lead to potential future career opportunities!
Location: Elk Grove, CA
Starting salary: $20-22 /hour
Application due: open until filled
Oregon detected the invasive mosquito species Aedes aeygpti for the first time last year and we need your help to track it! This mosquito bites during the day and has the potential to transmit viruses like Zika and dengue. Intern with us this summer at the Jackson County Vector Control District in Central Point, Oregon, where you’ll gain hands-on biological field experience, including mosquito surveillance and identification. Your paid summer experience will culminate in a presentation at a state or regional vector control meeting in 2026. You’ll also join a network of trainees in the region through the Pacific Southwest Center of Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases to continue building your skills and network, which could lead to potential future career opportunities! The internship dates are June-September and are somewhat flexible depending on the student’s school schedule.
Location: Central Point, OR
Application due: March 7th
Undergradutate internship with Salt Lake City Mosquito Abatement District (Salt Lake City, UT)
The Salt Lake City Mosquito Abatement District is hiring two paid summer interns. The intern will gain hands-on experience in vector surveillance and control and will conduct a research project that will culminate in a presentation at the annual PacVec meeting in Salt Lake City in 2026. You’ll also join a network of trainees in the region through the Pacific Southwest Center of Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases to continue building your skills and network, which could lead to potential future career opportunities!
Location: Salt Lake City, UT
Starting Salary: $17 /hour
We are hiring two summer interns! Gain hands-on experience through a summer research project (~12 weeks) with a vector control district and UNR tick genomics lab. Your project will culminate in a presentation at a state or regional vector control meeting in 2026. You’ll also join a network of trainees in the region to continue building your skills with potential future career opportunities in public health or academic research.
Location: Reno, NV
Application due: March 28th
Intern with us this summer at East Side Mosquito Abatement District in Modesto, California, where you’ll gain hands-on biological field and laboratory experience, including mosquito surveillance and identification. You will also conduct a research project that will culminate in a presentation at a state or regional vector control meeting in 2026. You’ll also join a network of trainees in the region through the Pacific Southwest Center of Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases to continue building your skills and network, which could lead to potential future career opportunities!
Location: Modesto, CA
Starting Salary: $18.44/hour
SUMMER AND SEASONAL
Under the direction of the Field Supervisors or the Scientific Programs Manager the Seasonal Vector Assistant (VCA) supports the District’s vector control and surveillance operations. This seasonal role may involve both fieldwork and support tasks related to mosquito and vector control, surveillance, and research, including disease prevention and public health initiatives. The position is full-time, seasonal, and not to exceed 1,500 hours per year.
The Seasonal Vector Control Assistant plays a key role in supporting vector control efforts in the field and assisting in surveillance tasks. Responsibilities include performing field surveillance and control activities, assisting in research, and maintaining equipment and facilities. The role also involves handling biological specimens and adhering to health and safety standards in both field and District environments.
This Seasonal position runs from March to October 2025.
Location: Marin/Sonoma, CA
Starting salary: $23.00 to $27.00/hour
Application due: Open until filled.
Positions will be assigned to mosquito duties that may involve field work, laboratory work or a combination of both and will necessitate driving around the County in a District vehicle. This position can expect to be assigned a range of duties that support the District’s mission to protect public health.
All positions will be based at District headquarters in Roseville; however, work area may change depending on need and be anywhere in Placer County.
Location: Truckee, CA
Salary: $21.00 per hour
Positions will be assigned to mosquito duties that may involve field work, laboratory work or a combination of both and will necessitate driving around the County in a District vehicle. This position can expect to be assigned a range of duties that support the District’s mission to protect public health.
All positions will be based at District headquarters in Roseville; however, work area may change depending on need and be anywhere in Placer County.
Location: Roseville, CA
Salary: $19.00 per hour
Applications are always accepted and kept on file for three years.
San Mateo County Mosquito & Vector Control is inviting applications to fill this position. Under direct supervision of the Operations Director, Field Operations Supervisor or Vector Control Technicians shall carry out routine inspections of residences in areas known to have mosquitoes, and/or complete field work entailing inspection and larvicidal treatment of creeks, catch basins, drains, salt marsh areas, miscellaneous sources, and stocking mosquito fish in backyard ponds. These positions also include preparing materials and equipment for work assignments, service requests, clearing access ways, some drainage maintenance, general maintenance, housekeeping, and assistance with frequent or routine needs. Seasonal employees are required to work dependably and cooperatively with others, maintain and appreciate safety precautions, and operate some specialized equipment. Seasonal employees may operate right-hand drive vehicles. Applications are always accepted and kept on file for three years.
Starting salary: $19.00 – $25.00 per hour (depending on experience)
Location: Burlingame, CA
Dates: April/May through October/November (season length varies)
Under the general direction of the District Manager and Assistant Manager and direct supervision of the Regional Supervisor and Mosquito and Vector Control Specialist, the Mosquito and Vector Control Assistant performs vector surveillance, performs vector control operations, and provides public education within the District’s service area, is assigned a geographic zone and/or specialized function of a vector control agency and performs work as required.
Location: Oroville, CA
Salary: $18.00 – $20.00 per hour
Applications due: Open until filled
Butte County Mosquito and Vector Control District is inviting applications to fill this position. Under the general direction of the District Manager and direct supervision of the Entomologist II or Entomologist I / Biologist I, if an Entomologist II is not employed, the Lab Assistant, assists with vector surveillance, insect identification, pesticide efficacy trials, resistance studies, vector-borne disease surveillance, lab and surveillance equipment preparation and maintenance, tabulates data, and/or any other specialized function of a vector control agency and performs work as required. The District currently maintains 18 full-time employees on its staff. In addition, the District hires ten to fourteen seasonal employees during the mosquito season.
Location: Oroville, CA
Salary: $18.00 – $20.00 per hour
Applications due: Open until filled
VECTOR CONTROL / PUBLIC HEALTH
The CDC Foundation is seeking a part time Entomologist III who will work 20 hours per week and serve as a member of the ADHS Vector-borne and Zoonotic Disease (VBZD) Team. In this capacity, the position provides expertise on vector surveillance and control, including the identification of medically important arthropods and arachnids in Arizona (such as mosquitoes and ticks) and providing training on vectors and their control to local public health partners and vector control agencies. The position may also work with vector control or entomologist professionals from tribes, other state health departments, the CDC and local universities.
Location: Hybrid (Reside in Arizona)
Starting salary: : $41,800.00 per year plus benefits
Application due: 7/31/25
The Community Liaison, under the direction of the District’s Regulatory and Public Affairs Director, conducts a planned program of mosquito detection and abatement in areas where invasive Aedes mosquitoes are detected or suspected and spreads awareness of mosquitoes, mosquito control, and mosquito related public health issues in Alameda County. The Community Liaison will identify and build relationships with key community groups, leaders, businesses, and organizations, assist in evaluating the impact of outreach and education programs, record requests for service from the public, and participate in other mosquito control activities as assigned.
Location: Alameda, CA
Starting salary: : $105,878.52 – $128,661.72
Application due: 2/10/25
Under the direct supervision of a Program Supervisor and the general direction of the Operations Manager, performs inspections and control for all vector operations, provides assistance and support to other Vector Control personnel, and does related work and supportive services as required. Essential functions include extensive driving throughout the county, traversing various terrains to conduct surveillance, inspections and treatments, the ability to transport and apply pesticides, effective verbal and written communication with members of the public and other District personnel, the ability to efficiently plan and execute their daily workload with minimal supervision and exercise good judgement in assessing the appropriate treatments in various situations.
The Vector Control Technician is responsible for tasks associated with Integrated Vector Management (IVM) within the county related to mosquito and vector control. Responsibilities include the application of comprehensive vector control measures with major emphasis on activities designed to inspect for and/or progressively reduce the vector population within an assigned area, and to assist the public with related vector problems. The Vector Control Technician must be proficient in and capable of accomplishing duties in all District vector operations.
Location: Contra Costa County, CA
Starting salary: $7,243.81 – 9,707.41 per month
Application due: Open until filled.
The Department of Entomology seeks a Research Technician for approximately 40 hours/week.
This position will maintain mosquito colonies, conduct toxicology bioassays on mosquitoes, collect and record experimental data, assist in preparation of reports and manuscripts, and assist in general lab inventory and organization including chemical hygiene and waste management.
Location: Wooster, OH
Starting salary: $15.70-20.67/hour
Application due: Open until filled.
The PIHOA Regional Communicable Disease Epidemiologist (RCDE) is a full-time exempt position located
in the PIHOA Honolulu, Hawaiʻi office. Under the direction of the PIHOA Regional Health Information Systems and Performance Improvement Coordinator (RHIS PM), the PIHOA RCDE will: 1) build epidemiological, surveillance, and health information systems capacity in USAPI health agencies; 2) provide direct services as needed; for example, in data analysis and public health emergency response; and 3) liaise with other PIHOA initiatives and regional, federal, and international agencies to inform and strengthen USAPI health outcomes.
Location: Honolulu, HI
Application due: open until filled
Under the general direction of the District Manager and direct supervision of the Office Administrator, the GIS/IT Specialist is responsible for coordinating the regular operation and maintenance of the Geographic Information System (GIS) for the District. The position evaluates and implements new developments in information technology (IT) systems.
Location: Fresno County, CA
Starting salary: : $6,560 – $7,765 per month
Application due: Open until filled.
Under the general direction of the General Manager, the Operations Program Manager (OPM) is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the Delta Mosquito and Vector Control District. This position includes planning, supervising, and coordinating all vector control inspection and control activities. The OPM also enforces District policies and safety standards, maintains operational records, and oversees pesticide application and environmental control measures. The OPM works collaboratively with other departments to ensure the District’s service excellence and may represent the District in public forums.
Location: Delta, CA
Starting salary: : $95,972 – $119,974 (5-step scale), negotiable. per year
Application due: Open until filled.
State Entomologist are concerned with flies, snails, beetles and other pests (including rodents) of economic and/or medical significance, and with the development, test or application of methods for their propagation or control. Major approaches to problem solving include methods of manipulating the effectiveness of the natural enemy; modifying the environment; changing adverse agricultural practices; introducing predators, parasites, pathogens and other beneficial organisms; devising and adapting abatement practices; applying chemicals; and integrating biological, chemical, cultural and/or other control measures. The Entomologist III independently performs a limited range of professional entomological assignments; may serve as project leader; and performs other related duties as assigned. The Entomologist IV independently performs the analysis, evaluation and solution of complex entomological problems with statewide implications; may supervise lower level entomologist as assigned; and performs other related duties as assigned.
Location: Island of Kauai, HI
Starting salary: Level III – $4,690 to $5,713 per month (SR-20, Step D to I); Level IV – $5,076 to $6,177 per month (SR-22, Step D to I).
Application due: Continuous
State Entomologist are concerned with flies, snails, beetles and other pests (including rodents) of economic and/or medical significance, and with the development, test or application of methods for their propagation or control. Major approaches to problem solving include methods of manipulating the effectiveness of the natural enemy; modifying the environment; changing adverse agricultural practices; introducing predators, parasites, pathogens and other beneficial organisms; devising and adapting abatement practices; applying chemicals; and integrating biological, chemical, cultural and/or other control measures. The Entomologist III independently performs a limited range of professional entomological assignments; may serve as project leader; and performs other related duties as assigned. The Entomologist IV independently performs the analysis, evaluation and solution of complex entomological problems with statewide implications; may supervise lower level entomologist as assigned; and performs other related duties as assigned.
Location: Island of Maui, HI
Starting salary: Level III – $4,690 to $5,713 per month (SR-20, Step D to I); Level IV – $5,076 to $6,177 per month (SR-22, Step D to I).
Application due: Continuous
Working closely with the Director, the Operations Manager is responsible for cultivating a culture of performance based accountability, leadership and team building within the mosquito operations team while partnering closely with sales, customer care and other departments to help accomplish the vision of the mosquito operations team and prepare for organizational and departmental growth. He/she should also have a keen eye for safety as well as regulatory compliance and process improvements to ensure exceptional customer experiences. This position has direct oversight of Clarke’s team of Field Supervisors who work 50/50 in the office and field, as well as our team of mechanics/fleet operations. Indirect supervision includes over 100 seasonal technicians during the months of April – October.
Location: Roselle, IL
ACADEMIC
Academic opportunities are organized by the most recent to the oldest job postings.
The Department of Entomology at The Pennsylvania State University seeks applications for a full-time, 9-month tenure track Assistant/Associate Professor of Public Health Entomology with 70% research, 30% Extension assignment. Candidates with expertise in arthropods affecting humans including such pests as ticks, bedbugs, mosquitoes, and/or arthropods that contribute to allergies/asthma are encouraged to apply. Research focus could include, but is not limited to, pest management, pesticide resistance, population dynamics, behavioral/chemical ecological interactions, interactions of arthropods with pathogens and symbionts, and/or epidemiology.
For full consideration, apply by April 10, 2025. Learn More.
FELLOWSHIPS / FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
A research opportunity is available with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Fort Collins, Colorado. The participant will be involved in projects to learn about the development and improvement of molecular tools that inform decisions regarding vector mosquito control and surveillance. They will be trained in laboratory workflow development, specimen processing and management, next-generation sequencing, PCR assay development, and data analysis with a variety of tools (command line using CDC’s cluster computing resources, programs such as Geneious and CLC Genomics, and the online bioinformatics platform Galaxy). The fellow will have the opportunity to develop their own related side project if desired. The mentor and contact for questions about this opportunity is Michael Huston (yfk0@cdc.gov). Anticipated Appointment Start Date: September 16, 2024. Apply right away if you are interested, and feel free to forward this opportunity to others. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors. The appointment will initially be for one year, but may be renewed upon recommendation of CDC and is contingent on the availability of funds. Learn More.
The Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District is requesting research proposals. This funding opportunity is aimed at improving our Integrated Vector Management Program targeting mosquitoes, red imported fire ants, and flies in the Coachella Valley. Past research projects have included spatial mosquito repellents, virus transmission models, vegetation management in wetlands, biological control of fire ants, and activity of house flies. Because of the unique environment including very high temperatures and low precipitation, projects designed to work with the environmental conditions for surveillance of vectors and vector-borne diseases and projects that tailor control methods to the habitat here are of great interest. Please see our website for guidelines on proposal submission, interests of the District, and a budget worksheet (you can obtain these at here under Research Program FY 2024-2025). ADDITIONAL CAREER WEBSITES
- Rockies and High Plains Vector-Borne Disease Center (RaHPVEC)
- Northeast Regional Center for Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases (NEVBD)
- Tropical Islands Vector-borne Disease Training and Evaluation Center
- VectorEd (Mid-Atlantic and Ohio River Valley)
- Gulf South Vector-borne Disease Training and Evaluation Center
- Mosquito and Vector Control Association of California (MVCAC)
- The American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA)
- American Public Health Association
- Entomological Society of America (ESA)
- Society for Vector Ecology (SOVE)
- Utah Mosquito Abatement Association (UMAA)
- West Central Mosquito and Vector Control Association (WCMVCA)
- Alameda County MAD
- Contra Cost MVCD
- Marin/Sonoma MVCD
- San Mateo County MVCD
- Santa Clara County MVCD
- Butte County MVCD
- Placer MVCD
- Sacramento-Yolo MVCD
- Shasta MVCD
- Sutter-Yuba MVCD
- Tehama County MVCD
- East Side MAD
- Merced County MAD
- San Joaquin County MVCD
- Turlock MAD
- Consolidated MAD
- Delta MVCD
- Fresno MVCD
- Kern MVCD
- Antelope Valley MVCD
- Coachella Valley MVCD
- Greater Los Angeles County VCD
- Northwest MVCD
- Orange County MVCD
- San Bernardino County MVCD
- San Gabriel Valley MVCD
- West Valley MVCD
- Salt Lake City MAD
ADVERTISEMENTS
Need help advertising positions for students? Contact us!
Please contact us if your agency has seasonal positions that may be of interest to undergraduate students in the Pacific Southwest region! Such positions are important formative experiences for students, and they are excellent opportunities to raise awareness of career opportunities in vector-borne diseases. PacVec will help advertise by sharing simple job postings with our undergraduate students through our website, weekly newsletters, and job announcements. We can also help you partner with faculty for project-based internships that involve academic credit with a faculty mentor and possible continued data analysis during the school year. To maximize your audience and reach the best candidates for your positions, please send us these position announcements as early as possible, ideally in January or February, before students have settled their summer plans.
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The Pacific Southwest Regional Center of Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases is supported through Cooperative Agreement Number 1U01CK000649 between the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the University of California, Davis.
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