Invasive Weed Management Specialist
JOB TITLE: Invasive Weed Management Specialist
CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt
DEPARTMENT: Weed & Pest
SUPERVISOR: Weed and Pest Manager
SALARY: $48,096 to $57,715 Annually
Under the direction of the Weed and Pest Manager and the Field Supervisor, performs inspections and control activities as required. Works with property owners, the public, and other governmental entities as part of an integrated pest management program.
PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Use GPS/GIS enabled devices to collect spatial data related to weed and pest distributions.
- Safely mix, load, and apply pesticides.
- Calibrate, clean, and maintain equipment.
- Identify invasive, noxious, and beneficial native plant species.
- Instruct and supervise seasonal employees in inspection and field control operations.
- Safely operate equipment relevant to vegetation or insect management such as trucks, ATVs, backpack sprayers, loaders, carts, etc. in a variety of conditions.
- Address concerns from the public in a respectful, informative, timely, and professional manner.
- Solicit the cooperation of property owners in noxious weed control operations.
- Keep the City facility in good repair, clean, and in operational condition (as directed).
SECONDARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Maintain all required certifications.
- Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations related to integrated pest management.
- Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.
- Identify insect disease vectors and nuisance insects.
- Engage in mosquito source site reduction.
- Participate in public education and outreach via print media, digital media, and in person events.
- Assist with the management of mosquitoes, insects of public health importance, and other pest species as required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
- Basic knowledge of integrated pest management practices.
- Familiarity with equipment and tools used for assigned work.
- Ability to use smartphones and computers to collect and record observations made in the field and lab.
- Possess basic computer literacy and a familiarity with Excel and spreadsheets.
- Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
- Work in uneven terrain and in harsh weather conditions for extended periods.
- Work independently without direct supervision.
QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE JOB
Required:
- High school diploma or GED required.
- Ability to acquire Commercial Chemical Applicator’s License within 6 months of hiring.
- Ability to acquire FAA Part 107 Small UAS certification.
- Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
Preferred:
- Bachelor’s degree in a field related to Biology, Botany, Agriculture, Ecology, Entomology, Rangeland Management, etc.
- Any combination of experience in plant and insect identification, plant and insect biology, chemistry, rangeland management, agriculture, data collection, or pesticide use and safety.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for making observations, communicating with others, reading, and writing. The employee is also required to maintain physical condition necessary for operating assigned equipment, walking, standing, kneeling, repeated bending or sitting for prolonged periods of time and lifting to 60 pounds. Maintain mental capacity which allows the capability of making sound decisions demonstrating intellectual capabilities.
Working Environment:
- Typically work a regular 40-hour work week but may be required to work occasional evenings and weekends to meet the needs of the City.
- Subject to mandatory overtime hours.
- Will work both independently and in groups.
- Exposure to high volumes of noise while operating application equipment in the field.
- Exposure to extreme field conditions, including heat, water/swamps, and insect populations.
- Exposure to hazardous materials/substances.
- Works with mechanical equipment on a regular basis.
- Prone to repetitive activities.
