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Alistair
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Vector Control Officer
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What does your job involve?
Killing mosquitoes - I can’t believe they pay me for it! We cover the top half of Queensland and respond to cases of dengue fever. Over the last 4 years we have created a Geographical Information System (G.I.S.) - basically computer mapping. This helps us collect survey information in the field using handheld computers (the same size as a gameboy!) We spray inside people’s houses, look in their yards for mosquito breeding sites and do lots of research on new traps and other fun stuff.
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What do you like most about your job?
The opportunity to travel to places in north Queensland you can’t normally visit easily and get paid for it – I’ve even been to the Torres Strait Islands a few times!
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What are the perks of your job?
I have had the chance to rub shoulders with some of the best dengue mosquito control people in the world and go overseas on a private consultancy - more paid travel! I also learn heaps about handheld computers and mobile mapping – definitely an area of society with unmet needs.
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What is the most unusual or fun thing you’ve done in your job?
The weirdest thing I’ve done would have to be testing insect repellents against leeches and mozzies in rainforests and swamps, the most fun thing would be learning lots about handheld computers and GIS.
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What inspired you to choose a career in this area?
I didn’t really! Basically I was looking for work in the middle of a Dengue outbreak and Qld Health needed someone straight away - fate I suppose!
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How did you get to where you are now?
By being conscientious, maintaining a sense of humour, being fun to be around and always ready to take on a challenge.
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Who or what has been an inspiration to you?
The Far North Queensland GIS Users Group Inc. (FUNGIS) is a body of public and private sector individuals that come together to share ideas and support each other and work as a team to achieve common goals. They prove that people can work together even if they have different ideals, to achieve outcomes that benefit the whole industry.
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What’s the best advice you’ve been given?
Be yourself! Always listen to others but then make your own informed decisions.
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What training/qualifications do you have/need?
Currently I have a restricted pest control operators licence to kill mosquitoes. I also did a year at university studying Natural Resource Management. Since I have been here (5 years now) I have done training courses on mosquito biology and identification, mosquito management & Planning, GIS software training and dangerous goods handling. The position description for my job now requires tertiary education (or equivalent experience) in pest control or mosquito management.
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What subjects did you study at school?
In year 12 I studied legal studies, accounting, biology, geography and modern European history. In year 11, I also studied chemistry and English. The most beneficial have been biology and geography.
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What are your career goals/plans for the future?
I’d like to return to university, get a degree in spatial science (mapping etc.), work for a private map solutions provider and maybe eventually start my own full-time consultancy. Right now, I’m starting a Certificate III at TAFE in Spatial Information Services.
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What career opportunities are there for people in your field?
There are many opportunities for people with an interest in mapping and GIS, ranging from private enterprise, government and also not-for-profit community groups. Plenty of opportunity to travel too! Within mosquito control, you have unlimited opportunities if you can study entomology and hang around long enough for a Masters or PhD!
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What is the average starting salary for a graduate?
$35-45K
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