Vegetation Control Specialist

Under general supervision, to assist with planning and carrying out the County's vegeta­tion management program, including invasive noxious weed eradication, weed management and weed control along roadsides, around bridges, at airports, and other locations throughout the county; to prepare, mix, and apply herbicides;  to operate spray vehicles and equipment;  and to do related work as required. This classification is a for cause, non-exempt position.

Reports To: 
Vegetation Control Supervisor, Deputy Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer, Senior Deputy Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer, Assistant Agricultural Commissioner/ Sealer of Weights and Measures, Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer of Weights and Measures.Essential job functions: 
Members of the Vegetation Control team prepare and maintain various records both in the field and on the computer, utilize various computer programs and apps, perform property owner coordination and record keeping, track acreage totals of weed infestations and treatments; assess and read maps both electronic (such as GIS) and paper; mixes, loads and applies pesticides for weed eradication and control; operates various trucks equipped with spray pumps and operates equipment to carry out vegetation management on County roads, private property, government property and other areas; updates vehicle maintenance records and plans for servicing and repairs; assists with the maintenance, calibration, and repair of vegetation management equipment;   identifies, locates, and controls specific invasive noxious weed species; Personal Protective Equipment is worn and maintained , operates various equipment, checks supplies; helps develop plans for weed eradication and control, completes and distributes notices of intent to appropriate entities; assists with the general  implemen­tation of vegetation management programs. 

Knowledge of: 

• Safety requirements, procedures, and equipment related to the use of pesticides and herbicides in vegetation management activities.
• The geography of Siskiyou County.
• Provisions of the California Vehicle Code pertaining to truck and equipment operation on streets and highways.
• Operation and care of gas and diesel vehicles.
• Equipment and procedures used in vegetation management work.
• Methods of mixing and measuring pesticides and herbicides used in vegeta­tion management activities.        
• Operate spray vehicles, related spray equipment, and vehicles and equipment essential to work assignments.
• Locate and identify noxious and common weeds.
• Safely mix and apply herbicides and pesticides while protecting the environ­ment.
• Perform necessary repairs to vegetation management equipment.

Desired Skills:

• Read, interpret, and understand written materials and maps, including laws, regula­tions, and requirements for use of vegetation control substances.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Communicate tactfully and courteously with the public, department staff  and other agencies.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.

Any combination of training or experience that would provide the knowledge and skills to successfully perform the listed duties is qualifying.  A typical way, but not required, to obtain the required knowledge and skills would be:

Any experience operating and maintaining trucks, farm equipment, ATVs, or spray equipment.
Previous experience in mixing and application of herbicides is highly desirable.
Knowledge of plant identification and characteristics.

Special Requirements:
Possession of a valid California driver’s license.
Must be 18 years or older at time of hire.
Must be able to work and communicate with the public.
Must be able to operate or learn to operate a manual transmission and All-Terrain Vehicle’s (ATV). TYPICAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Ability to walk, run, and maintain balance while stooping, kneeling, bending, pulling or twisting; climb ladders; driving for extended periods,; physical ability to use a shovel; normal manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination; lift and move objects weighing 50 lbs. or more without assistance and lift and move objects weighing up to 100 pounds with assistance; corrected hearing and vision to normal range; verbal communication skills; use and operate vegetation management vehicles, pesticide mixing, and application equipment, loading equipment, and hand tools; general use of copiers, and other office equipment.

TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is performed both indoors and outdoors in a wide variety of temperatures; work is often performed in remote locations with pesticides; exposure to poison oak or ivy, dust, pollen, insects, ticks, snakes, wildlife and hazardous materials; must be able to wear safety equipment and clothing such as a hard hat, safety gog­gles/glasses, rubber/plastic gloves, appropriate work boots, chemical resistant clothing, respirator; regular contact with other staff, the public and other government agencies.

Salary : $3,172 - $4,051