Weed Specialist

State of North Carolina•Wake County, NC

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Weed Specialist oversees statewide weed regulatory programs, policy development, and the management of state- and federally regulated plant species, including surveys, treatments, budgets, administration, and reporting. The role also supervises one full-time and seasonal employees assigned to the Witchweed Eradication Project. The Weed Specialist is responsible for the administration of State Noxious Weed Rules adopted under the N. C. Plant Pest Law. This position provides technical and regulatory expertise for the identification and management of regulated weeds for the Plant Protection Section’s 18 field specialists through the development of program procedures, manuals and other weed program aides for field use. This includes active engagement of areas infested with Class A and B noxious weeds with area Field Specialists. The Weed Specialist is responsible for ensuring agricultural commodities and other regulated articles move in compliance with applicable laws/regulations. This position is responsible for administering a permitting process to facilitate the movement of weeds for scientific research. The work of this employee is supervised by the Plant Pest Administrator and provides research support and critical reviews of weed science which are presented to the Plant Protection Section on a routine basis.

Requirements

Considerable knowledge of North Carolina flora and the wide range of exotic weeds that may present potential pest problems.
Knowledge of state and federal laws, regulations, associated quarantines, and programs associated with weed pests and agricultural crops.
Demonstrated experience with agricultural production systems and practices including the use of herbicides and cultural practices.
Ability to supervise personnel.
Ability to serve as a consultant to the Division and Department regarding regulatory weed programs.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with state and federal agencies, extension personnel, grower organizations, and the public.
Master's degree in horticulture, crop science, weed science, or a closely related curriculum from an appropriately accredited institution and one year of related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Responsibilities

Oversees statewide weed regulatory programs, policy development, and the management of state- and federally regulated plant species.
Manages surveys, treatments, budgets, administration, and reporting for regulated plant species.
Supervises one full-time and seasonal employees assigned to the Witchweed Eradication Project.
Administers State Noxious Weed Rules adopted under the N. C. Plant Pest Law.
Provides technical and regulatory expertise for the identification and management of regulated weeds for the Plant Protection Section’s 18 field specialists.
Develops program procedures, manuals, and other weed program aides for field use.
Engages actively with areas infested with Class A and B noxious weeds with area Field Specialists.
Ensures agricultural commodities and other regulated articles move in compliance with applicable laws/regulations.
Administers a permitting process to facilitate the movement of weeds for scientific research.
Provides research support and critical reviews of weed science to the Plant Protection Section.