Weed Control Coordinator

Whatcom County•Bellingham, WA

About The Position

Whatcom County Public Works Department, Natural Resources Division is hiring a Weed Control Coordinator to lead the County’s Noxious Weed Management program. The role helps protect agricultural lands, waterways, and natural areas by coordinating efforts to prevent the spread and manage noxious weeds and invasive plants throughout Whatcom County. It combines technical expertise with program leadership, public education, and enforcement. The coordinator works with the Whatcom County Noxious Weed Control Board, County departments, landowners, and partner agencies to develop practical weed management strategies and policies and support stewardship of public and private lands. The position requires leadership, sound judgment, clear communication of technical information, and respectful work with people who have differing perspectives. Work hours are either Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m., or Monday–Thursday, 7:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m. The salary range is $34.89–$50.66 per hour. Starting salary depends on qualifications, relevant experience, internal equity, applicable bargaining requirements, and County policies and approvals. Annual step increases of approximately 3.8% are subject to satisfactory performance, in addition to any negotiated cost-of-living adjustments. The position requires either a bachelor’s degree in natural sciences, agriculture, horticulture, botany, or a related field and four years of progressively responsible experience in noxious weed management or a related field, including at least two years of lead or supervisory experience; or an associate’s degree in one of those fields and five years of progressively responsible related experience, including at least two years of lead or supervisory experience. At its sole discretion, Whatcom County may consider combinations of education, experience, certifications, and training in lieu of specifically required qualifications.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in natural sciences, agriculture, horticulture, botany, or a related field, and four years of progressively responsible experience in Noxious Weed Management or a related field, including at least two years of lead or supervisory experience; or an associate’s degree in one of those fields and five years of progressively responsible related experience, including at least two years of lead or supervisory experience.
Leadership, sound judgment, ability to explain technical information clearly, and ability to work respectfully with people who have differing perspectives.

Responsibilities

Develop, manage, and evaluate the County’s Noxious Weed Management program, including short- and long-term goals.
Supervise, train, and evaluate staff and coordinate program work.
Advise County departments, private landowners, and other agencies on weed identification, prevention, and treatment.
Support integrated vegetation management on County properties and roadsides.
Direct public education and outreach and help landowners improve weed management practices with a community stewardship focus toward natural resources.
Serve as the Weed Board’s enforcement agent, including issuing violation notices and civil infractions and coordinating enforcement actions to ensure compliance with Washington State noxious weed control laws.
Oversee surveys, monitoring, GIS mapping, and records of invasive plant infestations.
Prepare budgets, pursue grant funding, monitor contractor work, and maintain required reports and records.
Safely apply herbicides to treat noxious weeds in accordance with state and federal laws, and monitor treated sites for effectiveness.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and their family.
Paid time off, with accrual rates based on employment years; prior related public service may be considered when setting the accrual rate.
12 paid holidays annually.
Washington State Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS) lifetime pension, with joint contributions required from the employee and the County.
Voluntary deferred compensation retirement plan with County match.
$50,000 life insurance coverage for employees.
Voluntary term life insurance and personal accident insurance.
Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for health care and/or dependent care expenses.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Annual step increases of approximately 3.8%, subject to satisfactory performance, in addition to any approved cost-of-living adjustments.