Weed Management Field Inspector - Public Works

Clark County, Washington

1d•Onsite

About The Position

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. 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.

Requirements

Knowledge of weed identification and control measures.
Knowledge of botany and native plant identification.
Knowledge of chemicals and tools used for the control of weeds.
Knowledge of Global Positioning System (GPS) mapping.
Knowledge of ArcGIS Geographic Information Systems software.
Knowledge of state and local laws and regulations pertaining to noxious weed control.
Knowledge of personal computer applications.
Ability to clean and repair spray systems and equipment.
Ability to safely operate required machinery, power and hand tools.
Ability to read maps and identify locations.
Ability to maintain complete and accurate written records.
Ability to prepare required reports.
Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
Ability to interface with the public and other agency personnel in a courteous manner.
Ability to develop and deliver presentations on weed control.
Ability to perform tasks in unfavorable weather conditions.
Ability to lift and carry fifty (50) pounds on a regular basis.
A valid motor vehicle driver’s license is required.

Nice To Haves

A Bachelor’s degree in natural resource management, botany, horticulture, or a closely related field.
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.
Advanced personal computer skills, including experience with global positioning system (GPS) and ArcGIS geographic information systems (GIS) software applications.
Current Pesticide applicator’s license.

Responsibilities

Control noxious weeds in county-owned parks and medians in county rights-of-way using Integrative Pest Management strategies.
Operate and maintain spray equipment.
Maintain reports and records on supply usage.
Coordinate weed control activities with internal departments and external agencies.
Educate community members on how to manage noxious weeds and respond to concerns.
Operate noxious weed survey and vegetation control equipment including all-terrain vehicles, tractor with mowing deck, personal watercraft, brush cutters, shovels, machetes, and chainsaws.
Collect, map, analyze, and maintain data on noxious weed infestations using Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software.
Conduct inspections of weed infestations to eradicate noxious weeds and ensure compliance with State regulations.
Prepare reports of weed infestations.
Record results of inspections using mobile ArcGIS software applications.
Interface with other counties, cities, state, and federal agencies regarding infestations.
Apply herbicides using spray equipment.
Provide information and education to citizens about controlling noxious weeds through public speaking and written materials.
Periodically survey waterways to detect early infestations of invasive aquatic weeds.
Develop a library of multi-media training aids.
Research and document facts and information for grant applications.
Assist in the guidance, training, and direction of seasonal employees or volunteers.
Aid the Lead Weed Management Field Inspector and office staff to enhance productivity and administration of the Program.
Perform related duties as assigned.