Weed & Pest Management Lead Technician

Mesa County•Grand Junction, CO

11d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is responsible for assisting the Coordinator with the development, implementation, administration, and management of the Mesa County Noxious Weed Management program and rights of way management. The role involves utilizing integrated pest management methods to prioritize, treat, monitor, and map noxious weed species in compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, as well as internal Mesa County policies. The Lead Technician advances the mission of Mesa County Noxious Weed and Pest Management by assisting in the implementation of weed management objectives for long-term land health improvement and sustainability, maintaining strong working relationships with partners and citizens, providing direction and education, and fostering a culture of service and stewardship. The Lead Technician is expected to act autonomously in the field, supervise and direct seasonal employees, lead and participate in field work, assist with required documentation and training, participate in community education, and assist in data collection for grant funding.

Requirements

Degree in a related field of study (Environmental Science, Ecology, Natural Resource Management, Botany, or closely related field) and 18 months of noxious weed treatment field experience OR 18 months of noxious weed treatment field experience and 1 year of supervisory experience.
Ability to perform algebra and arithmetic.
Knowledge of proper and safe chemical handling.
Understanding of general concepts of biology, ecology, agriculture, and pest management.
Ability to use Microsoft Office and Arc GIS software.
State of Colorado Certified Operator or Qualified Supervisor Pesticide Applicator License (must be obtained within 60 days of hire).
Valid State of Colorado Driver’s License at the time of hire.
Must be able to travel and work occasional evenings and weekends.
Ability to perform walking, standing, stooping, sitting, squatting, bending and twisting at the waist, lifting up to 50 pounds, grasping, pinching, bending at the elbow, twisting at the wrist and shoulder.
Ability to navigate terrain of varying difficulty, including steep slopes, rocky areas, forests, wetlands and riparian areas.
Ability to walk for up to several miles outdoors in variable terrain and weather conditions, while carrying and operating a backpack sprayer.
Oral and written communications in English must be clear and effective.

Nice To Haves

Energetic, self-motivated, self-managed, take initiative.
Willing and able to schedule, prioritize, and accomplish tasks with little supervision.
Able to communicate respectfully and effectively with co-workers and citizens with diverse opinions in order to develop and complete projects.

Responsibilities

Properly identify noxious weed species, determine management plans, and conduct appropriate treatment methods in compliance with the Colorado Noxious Weed Act.
Select, prepare, and apply herbicides to noxious weed infestations, right-of-way areas, or Road and Bridge storage lots.
Complete required documentation related to herbicide applications, record, and conduct consistent mapping and monitoring efforts.
Participate in community outreach and education projects.
Supervise and train seasonal employees, ensuring employee safety.
Maintain and update mapping data through ESRI ARC Maps, ArcGIS Online, ESRI Collector, and EDDMapS West methodology, software, and apps.
Assist in setting up and participate in river-floating trips for noxious weed management on the Colorado and Gunnison River corridors.
Ensure records are accurate and up-to-date by conducting data entry and utilizing computer programs such as Microsoft Office software and Google apps.
Assist with project work and reports for grant documentation.
Maintain Colorado Pesticide Applicator license as Certified Operator or Qualified Supervisor; attend workshops/conferences for continuing education credits.
Assist in set-up and participate in various forms of public education events (e.g., farmers market booths, field trips, volunteer activities, informational pamphlet creation).
Assist in managing roadside right-of-way weed management objectives for regulated and nuisance weed species on County and state roadsides in coordination with the Mesa County and Colorado State Departments of Transportation.
Advise and educate the public regarding right-of-way weed management and herbicide treatment, respond to complaints, concerns, and requests for alternative management strategies.
Attend meetings and assist with setting an agenda and note-taking.
Maintain, inventory, and service equipment (backpack sprayers, UTV sprayer, weed wacker, chainsaw, etc.).
Conduct scouting and identification of noxious weeds on private properties.
Engage and recruit landowners and citizens to participate in the Upper Grand Valley Pest Control District Advisory Committee and the Mesa County Weed Advisory Board.
Perform other related duties as assigned.