What are the responsibilities and job description for the Outreach and Field Assistant position at Pend Oreille County?
Pend Oreille County is a great place to live, work, and play!
Pend Oreille Country is located in Northeastern Washington, on the border of Northern Idaho and Canada, with Newport, Washington being the County seat. We are just miles from major cities such as Spokane, Washington and Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. We offer rural living, fantastic recreational opportunities, and beautiful scenery.
Open Position: Outreach and Field Assistant
Full Wage Range: $20.44 - $25.77 per hour
Hiring Range: $20.44 to $22.89 per hour DOQ (32 hours per week)
Benefits include: Eligibility for allocation toward medical, dental & vision insurance, HRA VEBA and/or HSA, PERS retirement plan options, life insurance, long-term disability, paid holidays, paid vacation, and paid sick leave, time-based step increases. Paid twice per month on the 10th and the 25th of each month.
JOB SUMMARY: To develop and coordinate the public outreach component of the Weed Board, promoting the benefits it offers to all citizens of Pend Oreille County and to explain the impacts of noxious weeds on our county's resources and economy utilizing informational handouts and brochures, formal presentations, display boards, technical trainings, seminars and workshops, media alerts and press releases, staffing booths at community and regional events, our website and social media pages, as allowed. This position will also seasonally be required to do field inspections, control and monitoring; answer the public's questions concerning weed identification, control methods and requirements; and maintain compliance in weed control enforcement and recordkeeping pursuant to legal procedures.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: None
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Positively represent the Weed Board to the public through a neat and clean appearance, clean and articulate language, and driving within the spirit and letter of the law.
- Adhere to the rules and regulations of RCW 17.10 and the Pend Oreille County Noxious Weed Control Board Policy when contacting landowners, inspecting properties, and carrying-out each step of enforcement.
- Arrange and participate in trainings, seminars and workshops for Weed Board clients and staff, including license recertification trainings for field staff. Prepare and assemble educational materials and displays for various functions that the Weed Board participates in, following event themes. Solicit for participation in other functions.
- Prepare and disseminate news releases, articles and advertisements for newspapers and newsletters.
- Apply photographic skills for educational and weed management documentation purposes.
- Accurately add to survey inventory and mapping data; and perform infestation monitoring.
- Assist in managing projects such as grant, contract, and right-of-way work; maintain legal and financial documentation.
- Assist the public, answering questions concerning weed identification, control methods and legal requirements, and only offering approved written materials for chemical recommendations until fully licensed.
- Apply herbicide mixes to weed infestations according to Washington State Department of Agriculture regulations and Weed Board Policy; and maintain legal documentation.
- Assist in performing other office functions including but not limited to: data entry, inventory, composing letters and preparing correspondence, filing, copying and scanning documents into the long-term electronic storage, and other duties as assigned by the Programs Manager and/or Coordinator as needed to maintain an even workflow.
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
- Ability to communicate effectively with the public, often articulating complex system management concepts to the lay person, including proven ability to read, speak, and write the English language.
- Advanced computer skills are required, including but not limited to all Microsoft Office suite programs, website design and maintenance; GIS experience is preferred. Graphic design skills for creating flyers, brochures, display materials, etc. is required.
- Photographic skill and experience; preference given for experience with DSLR photography and videography.
- Demonstratable human relations skills and punctual attendance.
- Ability to read and orient oneself with a map, altimeter, and compass, GPS and to utilize phone data collection applications.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
- High School Diploma and AA degree or vocational training in communications, plant sciences, agriculture or equivalent; High School Diploma and two (2) years of relevant experience may be substituted for degree or certificate.
LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
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Valid driver’s license required
Must successfully pass a background
- Must have a current Washington State Department of Agriculture Public Pesticide Operator’s license with agricultural, ornamental, right-of-way, and aquatic endorsements or successfully passing the test for such within three (3) months after hire date.
- A Washington boater safety card may be required after hire.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL ABILITIES:
Work is performed in an office setting and outdoors with periods of standing, sitting and kneeling. Ability to lift and carry materials and equipment weighing up to fifty (50) pounds. Must be able to walk over steep and rough terrain carrying materials and equipment. Regular and punctual attendance is required. Because of the nature of this position, duties must be performed during regular hours within the department.
BEHAVIORAL STANDARDS: Respectful, courteous, and friendly to customers, other County employees, and County leadership. A team player that helps the organization meets its objectives. Takes initiative to meet work objectives. Effectively communicates with customers and other County employees. Builds relationships with co-workers and managers. Positively represents the County, maintaining the trust County residents have placed in each of us. Demonstrates honest and ethical behaviors.
Salary : $20 - $26