Field Validation Biologist II
Salary: $31.98 - $37.32 Hourly
Location : Lehigh Acres, FL
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: [click to reveal phone number]
Organization: Mosquito Control
Department: Field Validation
Opening Date: 11/13/2025
Closing Date: 11/29/2025 11:59 PM Eastern
Description
Are you passionate about science and public health? The Lee County Mosquito Control District (LCMCD) is seeking a dedicated Field Validation (FVAL) Biologist II to support our mission of protecting the community through innovative mosquito management.
This position plays a vital role in advancing the District's FVAL program by designing and conducting experiments, performing laboratory and field bioassays, analyzing data, and collaborating with industry and research partners to evaluate new control technologies.
If you're ready to make a measurable impact through fieldwork, laboratory science, and collaborative research, we invite you to apply and join our commitment to evidence-based mosquito control and public health innovation.
Essential Functions
- Develop experimental designs to validate present technology and investigate the benefit of alternative mechanisms to the FVAL program
- Identify program needs in field validation with the assistance of the Mosquito Control and Applied Science Technology teams, develop experimental design, carry out the study and analyze the results
- Monitors laboratory and field tests, records data, and enters data in project databases
- Assists the FVAL Manager in developing effective responses to changes in susceptibility to pesticides
- Works with industry partners and other collaborators to validate novel technologies
- Assists with maintenance of mosquito colonies for use in bioassays of new products and formulations
- Collects and maintains larvae from field for larval and adult bioassays following established protocols
- Performs larval bioassays on collected larvae
- Raises larvae not used in larval bioassays to adulthood and performs CDC bottle bioassays on adults
- Collects mosquito pupae from treatment areas to evaluate effectiveness of application in accordance with approved protocols
- Analyzes and communicates results of bioassays and identified trends in susceptibility to FVAL Manager
- Prepares and maintains stock solutions of insecticides to be used in bioassays
- Assists with processing requests from School Mosquito Education program administrator for requested number of larvae
- Assists with maintenance of mosquito fish, including cleaning tanks, feeding fish, and restocking the population as needed
- Performs a variety of maintenance duties as needed to keep laboratory spaces and insectary operational
- Assists the FVAL Manager in the performance of her/his duties
- Represents the District at conferences, science fairs and public meetings as needed
- Conducts presentations at professional meetings and to the public on mosquito control and scientific intelligence as needed
- Present validation studies and results at state and national meetings and publish field validation results in scientific journals if warranted
- Responsible for completing his/her timecard daily
- Responsible for submitting all Time-Off Requests as soon as he/she knows they will be absent, late or leaving early
- Responsible for ensuring timecard is correct and approved by 8:00 a.m. on payroll Mondays
- Works closely with the Public Information Officer in assisting with the response to public, media and government agency inquiries as needed
- Communicate with the public in a professional and courteous manner and refer all inquiries outside area of expertise back to the appropriate person at the District
- Responsible for wearing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Always Follow all District's Safety policies and procedures
- Responsible for ensuring all assigned equipment is maintained and repaired as needed
- Other duties and projects assigned
Qualifications
- Bachelors degree in Natural Sciences, Entomology or related field from an accredited college or university is required
- Masters of Science degree in Natural Sciences, Entomology or related field from an accredited college or university preferred
- Demonstrates knowledge of all aspects of mosquito control practices and/or a combination of education and experience in an entomology related field that demonstrates an ability to quickly become proficient in all aspects of mosquito control practices.
- Must have the ability to effectively communicate in front of an audience
- Must have the ability to learn and identify a variety of mosquito species
- Must have the ability to ride in helicopters
- Must be able to work a varied schedule including weekend and nighttime hours as needed
- Must have regular and predictable attendance
- Must be able to read, communicate and understand technical instructions in English
- Must have a valid FL Class E Drivers License with a clean driving record
- Must hold a current Public Health License or obtain one within six (6) months of employment and maintain certification by earning appropriate CEUs (continuing education units)
- Must have excellent computer skills and demonstrate proficiency in Microsoft Office, and have the ability to learn and operate internal, web based, GPS and mapping programs including entering data into phone Apps and databases
- Must be able to read and understand chemical labels
Supplemental Information
Work Environment/Physical Requirements: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Physical Requirements: Moderate physical activity is required on a regular basis including lifting, reaching for, pulling and carrying up to fifty pounds, reaching and pulling with arms, stooping, bending frequently, standing, sitting, walking for long distances and climbing over and around natural obstacles and in and out of vehicles and a variety of other equipment. Must be able to use hands and fingers to grip and operate a variety of hand tools and other equipment. Excellent vision, both close and distance, is frequently required.
Work Environment: The work environment varies but normally is outdoors or in a vehicle but may include warehouses, office buildings, helicopters, boats, heliports, mangroves, fields, islands, open water, laboratories and animal rearing/storage facilities. Exposure to all types of weather is required as the position is required to work outside, exposed to high temperatures and humidity, sun, rain, wind, mud and insects. Frequent local travel and out of town travel is required. Exposure to loud and moderate noise levels will occur on a regular basis when around aircraft, helicopters, tanker trucks, pony motors and a variety of other equipment, motors and engines. Working with and around chemicals, which are stored, handled, applied/used and disposed of according to exact labeling instructions, is required frequently.
Pre-employment background check and drug screen required.
Equal Opportunity Employer; Drug Free Workplace; Veterans Preference to those who qualify. We are an E-VERIFY employer. Please visit our careers page at or for more information.
Lee County Mosquito Control District offers a comprehensive benefits packet
Excellent benefits package includes:
- Florida Retirement System,
- Medical,
- Dental,
- Vision,
- Life/LTD/STD
- Generous paid time off package.