Vegetation Management Technician II-Wildlife

Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation•Toppenish, WA

17h•Onsite

About The Position

The Vegetation Management Technician II will assist the Program Manager, program supervisors and senior technicians in the protection of cultural, natural, and economic resources from invasive plant (noxious weeds) infestations on the Yakama Nation Reservation and Treaty Territory. Under the direction of the Invasive Species Biologist and senior vegetation management staff, the Vegetation Management Technician will perform all duties and tasks as assigned that are set forth in the 2011 Yakama Nation Integrated Weed Management Plan (IWMP). This includes treating invasive plants with herbicide application, manual removal, data collection, navigating a canoe, and working through various conditions in rough terrains depending on the time of year.

Requirements

Ability to independently implement and coordinate all aspects of vegetation management.
Knowledge of and ability to implement Integrated Weed Management principles to areas within the Yakama Nation Reservation and Treaty Territory.
Knowledge of East Cascades/Columbia Basin plants and ecosystems.
Ability to accurately identify invasive species visually.
Ability to use topographic maps to navigate to remote sites.
Ability to operate 4-wheel drive vehicles safely in rugged terrain.
Ability to carry a 40-pound backpack and operate weed control equipment under extreme and adverse weather conditions in challenging terrain.
Ability to work long hours and walk long distances in rugged terrain in difficult weather conditions.
Ability to navigate boats and canoes on streams and rivers.
Ability to record data and keep accurate chemical application logs and reports.
Ability to use a GPS unit and hand-held data devices to collect data.
Ability to calibrate spray equipment and strictly follow EPA pesticide labels.
Ability to work with a wide variety of individuals within the crew as well as individuals from other programs, state agencies and Federal agencies in a cooperative manner.
Ability to understand and execute oral and written instructions.
Ability to maintain a clean and organized work environment including vehicles, office, and pesticide storage areas.
Ability to operate assigned vehicle in safe manner, maintenance regularly to keep it in good condition and report all damages that may occur.
Ability to work independently and constructively using sound judgment and abiding by safety practices in carrying out assigned duties.
Minimum of at least one year of work experience in the agricultural field or forestry environments and related work with chemical herbicide application, weed control and vegetation management measures or any combination of education and experience which would demonstrate the ability to perform the work.
The incumbent will be required to be certified as a licensed Pesticide Applicator through the Washington State Department of Agriculture within six months after hire.
Incumbent must maintain physical condition as appropriate to perform assigned duties and responsibilities.
Position will require attendance at training and education seminars to stay current with license certification level.
Must possess a valid Washington State Driver's License with the ability to obtain a Yakama Nation Driving permit.
Required to pass a pre-employment drug test.

Nice To Haves

The incumbent may be required to upgrade their applicator's certification to perform specific applications relevant to accomplishing program goals and objectives (i.e., aquatic endorsement) within a year after hire date.
Enrolled Yakama Preference, but all qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

Plans and coordinate data collection, data entry and GIS activities of field crew.
Utilizes a combination of control methods from the IWMP to manage invasive plants including biological control, Cultural control, Mechanical/Physical control, and Chemical control.
Follows EPA label regulations for chemical application and USDA chemical applicator recording as well as the protocols set in the 2011 YN IWMP.
Works with the public in a professional manner and address concerns regarding Invasive Plants and chemical treatments.
Works both independently and as a team member under the direction of senior technicians in a professional manner, exercise sound judgement and record daily spray log activities.
Follows all Tribal regulations and policies.
Assists with public forums, open houses, and events to inform the public, other programs, and state agencies of invasive plants, spray areas, and chemical treatments.
Perform tasks according to pesticide license certification level including proper pesticide storage and accurate pesticide inventory, accurate pesticide solution mixing, equipment calibration, record applications, keep daily log, and handle pesticides safely.
Operates and maintains field equipment, minor equipment maintenance, assume responsibility for program equipment and vehicles, and safely operates and maintains ATVs, Side-by-side, and spray tanks.
Utilize field data collection tools for mapping, surveys, documentation applications (i.e., Survey123), and the ability to use Google Earth Pro to create KML data and basic field maps.
Effectively communicates with supervisor on work progress and works effectively independently and as a team member.
Inspect lands for Noxious Weeds and notify owners of non-trust lands of weed infestations located on their property.
Assist in providing information for program planning and implementation of weed control measures and practices of vegetation management.
Assists in the planning and spraying of invasive species on YN Wildlife restoration projects as needed.
Writes monthly reports of field duties accomplished.
May be assigned new projects and tasks not included on the description, or to assist other Wildlife staff as requested by supervisor.