Entomologist

Nature of Work: Under limited direction, this position serves as the professional taxonomist and curator of the Department's permanent reference insect collection as well as the primary insect identifier for the Pest Identification Laboratory and the Agricultural Pest Survey Unit.

Examples of Work:

• Ensure the continuation of the department's insect museum and the integrity of the scientific asset that is listed in the national Registry of Scientific Collections by collecting, preserving, identifying, cataloging, and storing insects for the benefit of agriculture and nature conservancy.
• Plan and conduct surveys, control programs, and compile analyses of populations and damages.
• Obtain insect specimens for the reference collection through personal field surveys using standard and improvised techniques, surveys of other staff professionals, exchange with other insect museums, and the general public.
• Prepare insects for examination and identification using standard techniques and standardized scientific labeling.
• Maintain the order and integrity of the reference insect collection by ensuring that the collection is sorted and classified into proper taxonomic groups, free from museum pests, and specimen vials are appropriately prepared to ensure proper preservation of the specimens.
• Identify insect specimens using appropriate techniques for the group being examined, i.e., dissection and mounting of parts, mounting, and clearing, etc.
• Provide specific identification support for exotic (foreign) insect surveys for various cooperative agreement programs.
• Maintain record systems, traditional and electronic, for the reference insect collection so that specimens and the information about them will be readily available.
• Prepare insect identification key, new descriptions, or other appropriate information on insects and/or insect groups of significance for publication.
• Collaborate with entomologists in state and federal agencies, universities, private insect museums and the Web on matters relating to collection management, insect identification, etc.
• Foster research on West Virginia insects by advertising the reference insect collection and making specimens available to researchers and colleagues.
• Assist the Plant Pest Biologist/entomologist in providing the public with information and control recommendations on insects.
• Conduct specialty investigation work on insect problems considered significant from a biological, regulatory, or impact standpoint.
• Participate in Department information and educational activities, including radio and television programming, camps, educational group presentations, etc., that includes public speaking.
• Other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions:

Standing, sitting, driving, walking, outside work including exposure to inclement weather and environmental hazards, and lifting up to 25 pounds. Work in a laboratory environment is required; exposure to warm, humid conditions and unpleasant odors may occur.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the fundamental principles of the biological sciences, specifically entomology, and basic laboratory techniques.
• Knowledge of insects and their relation to the ecosystems.
• Knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations and agencies dealing with entomology.
• Knowledge of effective and safe pest control techniques.
• Ability to plan, manage, and maintain the integrity of a professional entomological program.
• Ability to stay abreast of new developments in research; provide analysis and interpret results.
• Ability to work independently in the field for an extended period.
• Ability to prepare and conduct public information programs dealing with insects, their damages and controls.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with peers, management, other government agencies, universities, private insect museums and the public.
• Ability to utilize computer systems and software to facilitate the maintenance of records and data retrieval.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelors' degree with a focus on entomology; a Masters' degree with specialization in taxonomy preferred.

Experience: Two years of full-time paid employment in entomology/insect taxonomy with a Bachelors' degree or one year of full-time paid employment in entomology/insect taxonomy with a Masters' degree preferred.

Additional Requirements:

• Valid driver's license required.
• Satisfactory completion of pre-employment drug testing.
• Satisfactory completion of pre-employment law enforcement background investigation, including fingerprinting and 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. West Virginia Department of Agriculture is an equal opportunity employer.