Noxious Weed Technician - Public Works Department

1800 Continental Pl., Mount Vernon WA

Description

***NOTE*** To be considered for this position, please apply at the Skagit County Job Opportunity site: SUMMARY: Under direction of the County Noxious Weed Coordinator, assists in the planning, coordinating, and monitoring of a comprehensive Spartina and Knotweed control program within the County, as required by the Washington State Noxious Weed Control Law, RCW 17.10, and the rules and regulations adopted by the Noxious Weed Coordinator and the Skagit County Noxious Weed Control Board. - Salary upon hire is step 1 through 3 ($20.63 to $22.11 per hour) for a Noxious Weed Technician, dependent upon qualifications. - Progressive increases are based upon years of service with Skagit County, up to step 8 total steps (top step $27.47). Noxious Weed Technician is range 9 of salary schedule Public Works (AFSCME). ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Plans, coordinates, and monitors the Skagit County management plan for Spartina and Knotweed. Provides technical advice and assistance to landowners pertaining to sound Spartina and Knotweed control and/or eradication practices. Assists the noxious weed coordinator with enforcements, landowner notifications and other seasonal noxious weed control and education and outreach activities. Surveys properties to determine infestations, make reports, collect data and field notes, measure areas and photographs infestations. Sets up weed control programs with landowners, based on approved noxious weed control techniques. Preforms Land inspections for the Washington Weed Free Hay and Mulch (WWHAM) and other applicable noxious weed inspections. Prepares documents and reports as required by the Skagit County Noxious Weed Control Program, Washington Department of Ecology and/or the Department of Agriculture. Coordinates and preforms outreach to create treatment agreements with private landowners. Applies for grants and other funding sources for noxious weed control. Mixes and applies necessary herbicides and surfactants. Maintains Spartina and Knotweed related equipment. Maintains and documents landowner agreements, spray records and yearly site information Attends meetings as required by the Noxious Weed Coordinator. Attends safety classes. Assists with other Natural Resource Division Projects. Supervisory: Supervises Spartina and Knotweed crew as well as seasonally contracted Corps crews. OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS: This position will be assigned responsibilities in the County’s Department of Emergency Management (DEM) structure during floods and other emergencies. May be tasked with performing related duties. Related duties as required are duties that may not be specifically listed in the position description but are within the general occupational series and responsibility level typically associated with the employee’s classification of work. ***NOTE*** To be considered for this position, please apply at the Skagit County Job Opportunity site: MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Associates’ degree in a related Natural Resources field. Five years' related experience preferred. Environmental and Agricultural studies preferred. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted which provides the skills, knowledge and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position. REQUIRES KNOWLEDGE OF: - Plant materials - Noxious weeds - Herbicides used in Spartina and Knotweed control efforts - GPS Mapping experience preferred - ARC GIS online - Computer applications such as Word, Excel, Access and Outlook - Geographical background of Skagit County shorelines to efficiently and effectively carry out the goals and objectives of the Skagit County Spartina and Knotweed Eradication Program REQUIRES ABILITY TO: - Operate computers and computer programs such as Word, Excel, Access and Outlook as well as specialized mapping programs/applications. - Follow oral and written instructions. - Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with other employees and public. - Requires ability to navigate and/or walk-through variety of outdoor terrains in varying weather conditions with heavy equipment. - Work safely under potentially hazardous river, road, or weather conditions. - Operate and maintain vehicles and equipment used in weed management. - Operate and maintain a boat for aquatic species surveys and site monitoring. - Lead, coach, train, and direct day-to-day crew functions. - Plan, schedule, layout, and maintain day-to-day work functions. - Handle hazardous chemicals safely in accordance with label laws. - Work in inclement weather. - Lift 50 pounds. LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS: - Valid Washington State driver's license required. - Aquatic Herbicide Applicator's license preferred or the ability to obtain upon employment. - Washington State Boaters Education Card preferred or the ability to obtain upon employment. - HAZWOPER certification preferred or the ability to obtain upon employment. - First Aid CPR certification preferred or the ability to obtain upon employment. WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Work is performed both in office and outdoor environments at various sites within Skagit County. Adverse weather conditions are common. Sits, stands, or walks for long periods of time. Physical effort is required to lift equipment, chemical backpacks, Brush Cutter machinery, etc. weighing up to 50 lbs. and is required to access difficult terrain along the County's shorelines and rivers (on foot). Frequently drives motor vehicle to perform duties at other sites or travel out of County.