 |
| My dipper cup with Aedes vexans and Culex tarsalis moquito larve |
Re: Internship Summary with Colorado Mosquito Control Inc. – Summer 2011
Date: 24 August 2011
My internship was with Colorado Mosquito Control Inc. as a field technician. My duties as a field technician included: Aquatic wetland sampling for larval mosquitos, Identification of larval and adult mosquitos using taxonomic keys, Public relations work (Explanation of: zoonosis cycles, mosquito biology, larvacidal mode of action, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and vector control), Data keeping methods in compliance with MSDS literature and requirements by the Colorado Department of Agriculture and Enviomental Protection Agency regulations, Understanding the components of vector management through the selection of applicable control methods using IPM framework. It sounds like a lot to know and do but the responsibilities of a field tech can best be summarized like this “We find ’em. We identify ‘em. We kill ‘em! For a safer community” I did not have an interest in the job before I started but during the first day training my enthusiasm grew and continued throughout the season.
The people I worked with are what made the job special. Jess Schurich is the Operations Manager for Northern Colorado. Jess is a great boss. She hired me, helped train me, pulled me out of a slough (without getting angry) and took the time to help me outline my duties with proper terminology. Chris Arnold and Matt Bennetts were the field supervisors. They kept the crews organized, always had advice or tips for safety and would help in any they could. I made good friends with the other techs. I look forward to keeping in touch with them and working with them next season. My highlights of the 2011 season would be:
1. Gaining the limited knowledge (there is a lot more entamology) of mosquito biology, zoonosis cycles and environmental factors that affect mosquitos.
2. Observation of the seasonal cycle of wetlands and riparian habitats in Colorado plains and urban ecotones from late spring to mid-summer.
3. Observing resident and migrational birds and wildlife; keying them out and observing the interaction and territoriality of different species.
4. Setting and collection of mosquito traps, keying out Culex tarsalis mosquitos from Aedes vexans, Culex pipiens and other mosquito species from collected samples, Rearing adults for bioassay trials for detection of resistance to Permethrin insecticides.
This job was physically and mentally demanding because of the environment. I.e. Wading through 10 – 15 foot tall cattails, in knee deep mud and waist deep stagnant pond water with a 50 pound applicator on my back in 90 plus degree heat. I still would not consider it a downfall. The entire experience was incredible and I hope they ask me to come back next season!
Working for Jess and Colorado Mosquito Control, I my opinion, is what employment in natural resources is about. This job would not have been my first, second or third choice had other opportunities been available, it picked me. If I had turned it down I would have lost an incredible opportunity to apply what I have learned from the Natural Resource courses at FRCC. I learned to never turn down an offer in this or any related field because you can’t be sure of the results. Showing up with an open mind, prepared to work and helping in any way I possibly can lead to surprising results. To stay in this field I need to continue my education, hone my observation skills and lose weight so I don’t sink so deep in the mud.
Barb thank you for making me take this internship. Sorry I was so reluctant to do this. I grew a lot this summer! Your priceless!!!
Don't think I need say more!
