Matthew Hoefer – Environmental Scientist

Professional Summary

Matt Hoefer has 15 years of experience in vector ecology and integrated pest management strategies. Through his vast knowledge of pesticides, applications and effects on humans, Matt was instrumental in ensuring abatement methods delayed the existence of the West Nile virus within Benton County—surpassing the Center for Disease Control’s estimated timeline of exposure by six years. Furthermore, he assisted with the development and implementation of the Handheld Sentinel Program and Smartflow Systems for Application Data. This program helped structure and organize a unique handheld application program and truck-mounted ultra-low volume system for mosquito control operations for ease of record-keeping, data analysis and pesticide exposure concerns. Matt’s expertise in environmental monitoring and surveillance, understanding of hazardous effects to humans, animals, invertebrate species and plant life, as well as project leadership and communications, make him a valuable asset to the EAS team.

Matt's work for EAS involves conducting environmental surveillance and multi-media sampling; providing data summaries; interfacing with the client, regulators, stakeholders; and preparing technical reports in support of the Public Safety and Resource Protection (PSRP) program at the Hanford Site. The PSRP program at Hanford is being directed for the U.S. Department of Energy by the Mission Support Alliance. Matt’s responsibilities include monitoring environmental contaminants in soil, native vegetation, agricultural products, and drinking water. Specific activities include:

  • Conduct environmental surveillances and assess the contaminant levels in the Hanford environs and nearby communities.
  • Perform cumulative assessments of environmental impacts and site human health exposures from site operations.
  • Detect and characterize releases from site activities.
  • Review annually the environmental surveillance program design and implementation, sample collection, sample analysis and reporting requirements.

Areas of Specialization

  • Vector ecology, including trapping, identifying and control
  • Disease testing, data entry and reporting
  • Environmental monitoring and surveillance
  • Supervising personnel
  • Conducting scientific reports and bioassays
  • Sara Title III-Tier Two reporting
  • Familiar with HMIS and NFPA hazard ratings
  • Communications and report writing
  • Client/Community relations

Relevant Work Experience

While working for the Benton County Mosquito Control District, Matt collaborated with the Department of Health, Center for Disease Control, Department of Ecology, State Fish and Wildlife, Army Corp of Engineers, Natural Resources Conversation Service, Washington State University, Oregon State University and University of California-Davis for testing and confirmation of disease. He has also provided information to WSDA on organic farms, apiary sites and pesticide-sensitive individuals.

Understanding that tires were a major breeding source for disease carrying mosquito species, Matt implemented a program in 2005 to collect abandoned and unused tires within the Benton County District boundaries as a control method. Since its inception, the tire drive has become an annual event held each spring, and through the program, Benton County Mosquito Control has collected and recycled more than 20,000 tires in the past 7 years. Additionally, Matt recently spearheaded a workshop for 60 members of the Northwest Mosquito and Vector Control Association—from Canada to Florida—to test products for larvacide and adulticide mosquito resistance.

Education/Training

  • B.S., General Agriculture, minor in Fisheries/Wildlife, Oregon State University, 2009
  • A.A., Columbia Basin College, 2004
  • Certified Mosquito Identification Specialist—Florida Medical Entomology Lab (March 2010)
  • Public Health Control Operator License, 1997 to present
  • Ornamental Insect & Disease License, 1997 to 2002
  • Ornamental Weed Control, 1997 to 2002

Professional Affiliations

  • American Mosquito Control Association
  • Northwest Mosquito and Vector Control Association