Noxious Weed Control Field Technician

ALL APPLICANTS MUST APPLY FOR "WEED CONTROL FIELD TECHNICIAN" ON THE OFFICIAL LEWIS COUNTY JOBS SITE TO BE CONSIDERED. FIND POSTING AT: HTTPS://JOBS.LEWISCOUNTYWA.GOV

ANY APPLICANTS THAT DO NOT APPLY THROUGH THE OFFICIAL COUNTY JOB BOARD WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

NATURE OF WORK:

Under close supervision, acts as a team member to develop and implement the County’s noxious weed control- management program for the Lewis County Noxious Weed Control Board.

Position is expected to run from May 1st to October 31st.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

• Conduct field surveys to identify, document, and map noxious weed infestations, utilizing GIS & other software.
• Maintain and file complete and accurate records of information for field activities, utilizing Microsoft Office suite & other required software.
• Assist and participate in weed control activities, primarily being the application of chemical herbicides in variable field settings, but also including physical removal and other methods as necessary.
• Respond to information requests and noxious weed reports/complaints from residents and landowners.
• Provide information to the public about noxious weed control projects.
• Assist with managing weed program outreach display materials
• Assist with outreach activities and educational events.
• Assist with other duties as assigned, including responding to requests by email and phone.
• Work with municipal and public agency staff, as well as contractors to achieve control of noxious weeds on public lands.
• Support weed management efforts by working with volunteer and landowner groups.
• Perform job duties in compliance with laws, rules, regulations, and other standards.
• Represent the County to the public, as well as private organizations and schools on weed reduction issues.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Work is performed in a standard office environment as well as outdoors at off-site field environments with exposure to inclement weather, safety hazards, power tools, other equipment, and chemical herbicides; work involves moderate physical demands and must possess strength sufficient to lift and move items weighing up to fifty pounds.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS:

High School Graduate or GED Certificate and a minimum of one year’s college credit in plant biology, natural sciences, natural resource management, weed identification, and/or related field (will accept at least one year’s work experience in the environmental science and natural resources field in place of college credit).

A valid Driver’s License is required. Must obtain a WA State Pesticide Applicator’s License and the necessary endorsements within 60 days of hire.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

Knowledge of:

• Lewis County policies and procedures.
• Washington State Noxious Weed Control Law and other local, state and federal laws and regulations that relate to noxious weed control activities in Lewis County.
• Integrated pest management and weed control methods, including impacts from invasive plants.
• Field equipment, including safe operation and field maintenance of equipment such as hand tools, brush cutters, backpacks, and power sprayers.
• Ecological or agricultural theory, systems, and practices.

Skills in:

• Maintaining accurate records & data entry.
• Operating a personal computer utilizing standard and specialized software.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with co-workers.
• Communicating effectively and following verbal and written instructions.
• Effective communication with private landowners and other members of the public, as well as related conflict de-escalation techniques.
• Working independently and as part of a team with diverse backgrounds, and coordinating with others to facilitate teamwork and program objectives.
• Maintaining safety while working with potentially hazardous chemicals.
• Navigating forested backroads and operating four-wheel-drive vehicles in suboptimal conditions.
• Identifying noxious weeds, native plants, and common ornamental plants in Washington State.

Job Type: Temporary

Pay: From $22.73 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Paid training

Compensation Package:

• Hourly pay

Experience:

• Integrated vegetation management: 1 year (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)
• WA State Pesticide Applicator’s License (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Chehalis, WA (Required)

Willingness to travel:

• 25% (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $23