Aquatic Weed Harvester Operator (Seasonal)

Under direct supervision of the Land and Water Resources Director, this position is of temporary and seasonal nature and performs skilled labor operating light to heavy motorized equipment for the aquatic weed harvesting operations on County lakes. This position works in most weather conditions, assists in routine maintenance activities on program equipment and follows all safety procedures for personal and equipment protection. When not assigned to operate equipment, incumbent may be assigned to perform other duties as apparent or assigned.

The incumbent exemplifies the characteristics of a collaborative, innovative and resilient work culture and models the appropriate behavior to create and maintain a resilient work culture within the department. The incumbent works in partnership with other employees, departments/divisions, agencies and the public in delivering effective and innovative services.

Duties and Responsibilities

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Essential Functions:

1. Operates light to heavy motorized equipment. Operates primarily small watercraft, aquatic weed harvester, transport barge and shore conveyor. Aids in the mobilization /demobilizations of all equipment.
2. Performs maintenance of County Lakes. Focuses on aquatic plant harvesting and collection operations. Uploads plant material onto a dump truck using a conveyor system.
3. Maintenance and service of equipment. Conducts daily inspection of machine and assists in routine maintenance of equipment. Supports the mechanic with maintaining/fixing equipment in a group setting.
4. Maintains daily log of activities including time spent on each job, equipment used, location of job, gas used, oil, maintenance and repair.
5. Discuss project success/failures and L&W Resources Director for future planning.
6. Performs a variety of work as directed; to include but not limited to general labor, miscellaneous maintenance and assisting others, etc.

Additional Functions:

1. The incumbent is responsible for effectively managing his or her workload to achieve departmental goals. Assures that responsibilities are performed in compliance with federal and state regulations and county policies and procedures.
2. Participates in professional staff development. Participates in training and education opportunities to maintain and improve proficiency. 
3. Performs other related functions as apparent or assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of safe driving techniques and the occupational hazards of motorized equipment operation, traffic rules and regulations.
• Working knowledge of the operation of diesel engines/equipment, hydraulic systems, outboard marine engines and conveyor belts systems. 
• Working knowledge of the uses, principles and practices of operation of an aquatic weed harvester and related peripheral equipment including a transport barge and offshore unloader.
• Ability to work in a variety of environments and conditions including in an outdoors setting with inclement weather.
• Ability to listen, comprehend, and effectively communicate information both written and orally to all individuals.
• Ability to use logical and creative thought processes to develop solutions according to written specifications and/or verbal instructions. 
• Ability to work with private individuals, civic groups, private businesses, non-profit agencies and governmental agencies with courtesy, tact and firmness.
• Ability to understand and effectively carry out complex oral and written directions. 
• Ability to operate the assigned equipment in the prescribed manner.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

1. High school diploma or GED; and
2. Must be able to demonstrate the ability to swim and be comfortable around water and on-water equipment.
3. Any equivalent combination of education, experience and training which demonstrates the knowledge and abilities necessary to perform the essential duties. 

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Experience in the mechanical and/or environmental field.

Conditions of Employment

1. Must possess a valid driver's license and be able to drive in the state of Minnesota. 
2. Obtain and maintain required certifications and licensures. 
3. Ability to travel within Minnesota, including extended overnight stays. 
4. Ability to travel in your daily work assignment.
5. Must successfully complete a background check.
6. Must comply with organizational and departmental policies. 
7. Performs physical/mental demands of the work environment requirements for this position.
8. Must successfully achieve the core competencies and required knowledge skills and abilities for the position. 
9. Adherence to data practices policies and standards concerning non-public information is mandatory. Access to non-public data must be restricted solely to the necessary information required to fulfill employment responsibilities. While accessing the data, individuals must take reasonable precautions to prevent unauthorized access by those without a legitimate work-related purpose. Upon completion of the work-related necessity for accessing the data, proper storage in accordance with county policies and Minnesota Statutes is mandatory.

Physical Demands & Working Conditions

Physical/Mental Requirements:

Requires moderate physical effort working regularly with lightweight materials and occasionally with heavy weight materials (over 60 pounds) or occasional requirements for continuing periods in difficult work positions.

Working Conditions:

Working conditions where one or more of the disagreeable elements (dust, heat, fumes, cold, noise, vibration or wetness) are regularly present and objectionable, or continuing exposure to work situations which could result in incapacitating accidents or periodic exposure of work situations involving hazards that could result in total disability, critical illness or loss of life, despite the provision and/or implementation of available safety measures (or) severe mental stress involved that could result in a serious mental disorder, psychosis, mental instability and/or impair physical health. 

Hours of Work:

The typical work hours for this position will be 10 hour workdays working 4 days a week, Monday through Thursday, weather permitting. Additional hours may be required as assigned or apparent. 

Length of employment is typically from mid-May to Mid-June.

Equipment Utilized:

• Uses general office equipment including but not limited to the telephone, computer, printer, copier, fax machine and communication radio. Utilizes computer software programs as related to assigned area.
• Uses equipment/vehicles/machines including but not limited to: small watercraft, aquatic weed harvester, transport barge and offshore conveyor.
• This position does require the operation of an automobile.

Employee Core Competencies

Quality of Work:

• Maintains a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Demonstrates the ability to use resources productively, effectively, and efficiently.
• Anticipates potential problems, providing workable solutions with a 'can do' approach.
• Develops and maintains a good working knowledge of job responsibilities and procedures.
• Takes initiative to analyze situations, resolve problems, and reach decisions.

Quantity of Work:

• Exhibits good organizational and time management skills.
• Plans and schedules work accountabilities in order of priority.
• Self-motivated, works independently, and assumes new challenging assignments.
• Works well under pressure, utilizing resources effectively.

Professional Conduct/Integrity:

• Fosters teamwork and cooperation within and between departments, divisions, and outside agencies.
• Demonstrates knowledge and actions consistent with the County's values and code of ethics.
• Upholds high moral principles and professional standards, including truthfulness, sincerity, and confidentiality.
• Shows respect for others' ideas, perspectives, and styles.
• Demonstrates appropriate business etiquette and social skills.

Customer Service:

• Provides information, options, and solutions in a respectful manner.
• Maintains the County's reputation for high-level customer satisfaction by providing service that is professional, courteous, and responsive.

Communication:

• Develops and maintains working relationships to produce results and a trusting and respectful work environment.
• Communicates professionally through spoken and written correspondence, including emails.
• Listens well, respects differing viewpoints, and contributes appropriately to others.

Safety:

• Maintains a safe work environment, complying with County safety policies and procedures.
• Attending required training.
• Reports safety concerns to appropriate parties. 

Accountability and Dependability:

• Adheres to all County policies and procedures.
• Competently performs all required job duties.
• Maintains an acceptable record of work attendance and punctuality in accordance with County and Department requirements.

Notice

This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" employment relationship and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirement of the job change.

Waseca County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.