Job Summary

This position is primarily responsible for controlling noxious weeds in county-owned parks and medians in county rights-of-way using Integrative Pest Management strategies, in compliance with all applicable State and Federal laws, including RCW 17.10. Responsibilities primarily include operating and maintaining spray equipment, maintaining reports and records on supply usage and coordinating weed control activities with internal departments and external agencies, including other jurisdictions, and educating community members on how to manage noxious weeds, and responding to concerns.

This position operates noxious weed survey and vegetation control equipment including, but not limited to, all-terrain vehicles; tractor with mowing deck; personal watercraft; and various hand tools including brush cutters, shovels, machetes, and chainsaws. This position will be required to collect, map, analyze and maintain data on noxious weed infestations using Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software.

The Weed Management Field Inspector works under the direction of a Weed Management Field Inspector, Lead, and may be responsible for daily coordination of activities for Weed Control Technicians and seasonal employees.

This position is represented by Local 17 Professional and Technical Employees.

Qualifications

Education and Experience: 

• A Bachelor’s degree in natural resource management, botany, horticulture, or a closely related field preferred.  The degree must have been conferred by an institution of higher education and have National Recognition of Accrediting Agencies by the U.S. Secretary of Education, and official transcripts will be required at the time of hire.
• Three (3) years’ experience performing vegetation control in a variety of settings including: maintaining infrastructure, parks facilities, natural areas or conservation lands; noxious weed survey and identification; and/or implementing environmental restoration projects is preferred.
• Advanced personal computer skills highly desirable, including experience with global positioning system (GPS) and ArcGIS geographic information systems (GIS) software applications.

• Current Pesticide applicator’s license preferred.

Any combination of training and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities will be considered.

Knowledge of:  Weed identification and control measures; botany and native plant identification; chemicals and tools used for the control of weeds; Global Positioning System (GPS) mapping; ArcGIS Geographic Information Systems software; state and local laws and regulations pertaining to noxious weed control; and personal computer applications.

Ability to: Clean and repair spray systems and equipment; safely operate required machinery, power and hand tools; read maps and identify locations; maintain complete and accurate written records; prepare required reports; communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; interface with the public and other agency personnel in a courteous manner; develop and deliver presentations on weed control; perform tasks in unfavorable weather conditions; lift and carry fifty (50) pounds on a regular basis.

Responsibility: Incumbents typically work in the field, often driving a UTV with specialized spray equipment for several hours at a time. Work involves controlling noxious weeds and nuisance vegetation in landscaped parks and undeveloped park areas, roadside vegetation, identifying, and inspecting for noxious weeds, interacting with the public regarding complaints about weeds which may be stressful or sensitive, assisting in record keeping and report writing, and a general understanding of herbicide chemistry.

Other Special Requirements: A valid motor vehicle driver’s license is required.
 

Selection Process:

Resume and other documents must be attached together in the 'Resume Upload' section of the application.  Multiple files are allowed, but all applicant attachments must be uploaded simultaneously, as there is no way to edit or append uploaded materials after submitting the application.

 

Application Review (Pass/ Fail) - An online application is required.  Attaching a resume does not substitute for a completed application; incomplete applications will not pass the application review.  Candidates deemed most qualified will be invited to participate in the remainder of the selection process.

 

Practical Exam (Pass/Fail) - This recruitment may require a practical exa