Vegetation Management Specialist

City of Bloomington, Indiana•West Lafayette, IN

20d•$22•Onsite

About The Position

Work for Indiana Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana. About the Indiana Department of Transportation : The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) provides a dynamic workplace that serves Indiana citizens, improves our state’s quality of life, and enhances its economic opportunity. INDOT has a number of innovative programs and projects, including Public-Private Partnerships, Green Initiatives, and cutting-edge uses of materials and assets. As part of the State of Indiana, INDOT offers a competitive total compensation package, as well as outstanding work/life balance. Whether you are an established professional in the transportation field or just starting your career, INDOT has exciting and challenging opportunities for you. Role Overview : This position requires the ability to work independently in all weather conditions and navigate uneven, unmown terrain. Responsibilities include operating and maintaining equipment such as tractors, UTVs, hydroseeders, herbicide sprayers (handheld, backpack, vehicle-mounted), chainsaws, and string trimmers. The technician will complete short-term daily and weekly tasks based on supervisor-set or approved priorities and deadlines, while proactively identifying and resolving issues. Collaboration with sub-district and district staff is essential to align objectives within a comprehensive vegetation management plan. The technician will address vegetation needs across 20% of the sub-district system annually and must obtain a Registered Technician license within 6 months and a Category 6 Herbicide Applicators license within 1 year of hire. Plant identification skills—both native and non-native species within DOT right-of-way—are required. The role demands adherence to operational memorandums and industry best practices for herbicide application, tree and brush removal, seeding, and revegetation. Accurate tracking of inventory and material usage is expected, along with proficiency in GPS field units and ESRI geospatial data software. Continuing education in herbicide application, plant ID, and equipment usage is necessary to fulfill job duties. Location : This position is located in INDOT’s West Lafayette Unit. CDL Positions : Candidates with a current CDL will earn an additional $1 per hour for this position. Candidates without a CDL will be given 90 days to obtain their CDL, with training provided by INDOT, and will then earn an additional $1 per hour upon successfully obtaining their CDL. Pay Rate: This position traditionally starts at an hourly rate of $22.00 but may be commensurate with education and work experience. A Day in the Life: The essential functions of this roles are as follows: Comply with all Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) safety policies and procedures. Operate basic highway maintenance/ traffic equipment to maintain, repair and clean highways and rights-of-way. Perform winter operations duties including snow and ice removal. Perform emergency response activities such as: clean-up, traffic control, bridge closures, lane closures, placement of signs, and erecting barricades. Perform regular inspections and routine equipment maintenance such as: minor repairs, preventative maintenance, refueling, and pre-trip inspections. Perform job documentation tasks such as entry into the Work Management System (WMS). Maintain, repair and install traffic signs, route markers, pavement markings, etc. Coordinate work assigned by the Supervisor ensuring that the needed materials and equipment are available. Communicate and provide feedback on employee issues to the Supervisor. Workday attendance at assigned worksite(s) is an essential function of this position. These additional duties may be performed depending on the job assignment: Asset Inspector: Perform a visual and physical inspection of INDOT owned and maintained assets to evaluate maintenance needs and assign condition rating. Operate inspection equipment to determine location, condition rating, and operation of small culvert assets. Bridge Maintenance & Repair Specialist Operate basic highway maintenance equipment, specialized bridge repair and inspection equipment for maintenance, repair, and inspection of bridge structures. Investigate complaints related to bridges and large culverts and coordinate to ensure follow up action is taken. Contracts Inspector: Perform inspections activities and complete the related paperwork on all maintenance contracts. Heavy Equipment Operator: Operate various types of heavy and specialized equipment to include, but not limited to; Gradall, Backhoes, Dozers, Vactors, Sweepers, SewerJets, Loaders, Skidsteers, Ag-spreaders, Pavers, Rollers, etc. Perform maintenance and repair of light and heavy equipment and hand tools (e.g., dump truck, grader, forklift, tractor-trailer, chain saw). Herbicide: Operate, calibrate and set application rates for all the different types of herbicide and pesticide equipment that will be used on a routine basis. Must maintain appropriate record of all application data. . Serve as an independent chemical applicator and undertake landscape projects throughout the District. Shared workforce: May support construction project ensuring compliance with contracts and quality of work being performed. Perform sampling procedures for different types of materials. May perform and/or assist in aggregate testing and other types of testing such as Indiana Test Methods (ITM). The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time.

Requirements

High School Diploma or High School Equivalent (HSE).
Must possess a valid Class A or Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) or obtain one with the first 90 days of employment.
Pass and submit to a drug test as a condition of employment.
General Knowledge of federal, state, and local highway guidelines, laws and regulations, principles, and practices for purposes of construction inspection, testing, maintenance, and repair of highway.
Broad knowledge of Microsoft computer programs to include Word, Outlook, and Excel.
Ability to read, interpret and follow technical documents.
Must be able to lift 50 pounds.
Ability to perform physical activities such as lifting, dragging, stooping, standing, and walking for long periods of time.
Must be able to endure exposure to inclement weather.
Able to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation
Must be able to obtain, and maintain, a Core Herbicide and Class 6 Herbicide license.

Nice To Haves

Must have valid commercial driver’s license (CDL Class A).
Six months training or 6 months experience in operation of heavy construction equipment
Must complete Certified Highway Technician Construction Courses or Highway Technician Testing Courses as applicable.

Responsibilities

Comply with all Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) safety policies and procedures.
Operate basic highway maintenance/ traffic equipment to maintain, repair and clean highways and rights-of-way.
Perform winter operations duties including snow and ice removal.
Perform emergency response activities such as: clean-up, traffic control, bridge closures, lane closures, placement of signs, and erecting barricades.
Perform regular inspections and routine equipment maintenance such as: minor repairs, preventative maintenance, refueling, and pre-trip inspections.
Perform job documentation tasks such as entry into the Work Management System (WMS).
Maintain, repair and install traffic signs, route markers, pavement markings, etc.
Coordinate work assigned by the Supervisor ensuring that the needed materials and equipment are available.
Communicate and provide feedback on employee issues to the Supervisor.
Workday attendance at assigned worksite(s) is an essential function of this position.
Perform a visual and physical inspection of INDOT owned and maintained assets to evaluate maintenance needs and assign condition rating.
Operate inspection equipment to determine location, condition rating, and operation of small culvert assets.
Operate basic highway maintenance equipment, specialized bridge repair and inspection equipment for maintenance, repair, and inspection of bridge structures.
Investigate complaints related to bridges and large culverts and coordinate to ensure follow up action is taken.
Perform inspections activities and complete the related paperwork on all maintenance contracts.
Operate various types of heavy and specialized equipment to include, but not limited to; Gradall, Backhoes, Dozers, Vactors, Sweepers, SewerJets, Loaders, Skidsteers, Ag-spreaders, Pavers, Rollers, etc.
Perform maintenance and repair of light and heavy equipment and hand tools (e.g., dump truck, grader, forklift, tractor-trailer, chain saw).
Operate, calibrate and set application rates for all the different types of herbicide and pesticide equipment that will be used on a routine basis.
Must maintain appropriate record of all application data.
Serve as an independent chemical applicator and undertake landscape projects throughout the District.
May support construction project ensuring compliance with contracts and quality of work being performed.
Perform sampling procedures for different types of materials.
May perform and/or assist in aggregate testing and other types of testing such as Indiana Test Methods (ITM).

Benefits

Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
Education Reimbursement Program
Group life insurance
Referral Bonus program
Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
Free Parking for most positions
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