Weed Control Operator

Purpose of Class

Sprays for weeds and performs semi-skilled duties to enforce the County weed control program; performs related work as required.

Primary Function

The primary function of an employee in this class is to perform herbicide and pesticide applications, cleanup, and maintenance of vehicles and spraying equipment. The work is performed under the supervision of the Assistant Weed Control Supervisor. The principal duties of this class are performed outdoors and may include working in adverse weather conditions and hazards involving the use of spraying equipment and hazardous chemicals.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (will vary by assignment)

• Surveys County in search of noxious weeds, including plotting and mapping problem sites;
• Calculates chemical application concentrations and rates per acre and mixes chemicals based on correct proportions for the job;
• Operates motor vehicle with spraying equipment to perform safe application of herbicides and pesticides after assessing environmental and other conditions effecting the job;
• Assists with recording services to property owners, noting extent of spraying operation;
• Maintains, calibrates, and performs basic repairs on motorized, mechanical and application equipment;
• Unloads and stores chemicals shipped in for storage;
• Conducts weed treatment and experimental control including collecting specimens of weeds for identification and study and maintaining weed identification records;
• Performs all work duties and activities in accordance with County policies, procedures, and safety practices.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• Performs other related duties as required.

Competency Requirements

Knowledge of:

• Applicable regulations and policies regarding safe work practices, including application of herbicides and pesticides;
• EPA guidelines and regulations;
• Customer service skills;
• Safe operation of basic power and hand tools;
• Basic maintenance procedures on a motor vehicle;
• Safe and correct operation of pesticide application vehicles and equipment.

Ability to:

• Follow written and oral instructions;
• Identify noxious weeds;
• Operate a motor vehicle, including four-wheel drive truck and ATV;
• Operate, adjust, and monitor spraying equipment;
• Maintain spraying records, logs, and documentation;
• Operate general shop hand and power tools;
• Perform basic mathematical computations in determining percentages for chemical concentrations;
• Work in a potentially hazardous environment;
• Communicate effectively with the public and other employees including in sensitive situations.

Acceptable Experience and Training

• High school diploma or GED equivalency is required and some knowledge of agriculture is preferred; and
• Some experience performing herbicide and/or pesticide application is preferred;
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the knowledge and abilities necessary to perform the work.

Special Qualifications

• Idaho Class B CDL drivers license may be required;
• Forklift operator certification may be required;
• Idaho Professional Applicators License (Laws and Safety, Agricultural Herbicides categories) may be required.

Essential Physical Abilities

• Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to discern verbal instructions and communicate effectively in person and by telephone;
• Sufficient visual acuity, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to comprehend written work instructions, labels, and package instructions;
• Sufficient manual dexterity, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to operate a variety of applicator equipment, power and hand tools, adjust equipment, operate standard office equipment and a personal computer, and operate a motor vehicle;
• Sufficient strength to lift objects in excess of 50 pounds;
• Sufficient body mobility, agility, and flexibility to perform maintenance and applicator operations and perform strenuous activities for extended periods of time in varied weather conditions.

BANNOCK COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

VETERAN'S PREFERENCE GIVEN PURSUANT TO IDAHO CODE.