1. Position Identification

Work Unit:          Public Works Department – Weed District

Current Classification:           

Pay Grade:         5          Scale: $12.70 - $19.05       Title: Weed Control Technician            

Non-Exempt Working approximately 600 hours per operating season

Status:     Short Term

Supervisor:        Weed / Junk Vehicle / Mosquito Supervisor                             

Position Overview: The position is responsible for noxious weed management throughout Park County. This includes but is not limited to: herbicide spraying, biological control, mechanical removal, and cultural control methodology. The position requires working with a team member, and occasionally alone, to complete assigned tasks. The position requires correct identification of noxious weed species and biological control agents. Safe handling of pesticides is mandatory. Accurate record keeping is mandatory.

All duties listed below are essential functions of the position unless otherwise indicated. Duties of the position are not all inclusive and are subject to change.

1. Weed Spraying & Biological Control functions:

• Properly identify noxious weeds.
• Properly identify biological control agents.
• Handle herbicides safely and respectfully around others.
• Wear and properly use appropriate PPE, and ensure coworkers are also.
• Safely and efficiently operate application equipment.
• Accurately calibrate spraying equipment.
• Perform first aid as applicable in situations involving herbicides with yourself and/or co-workers.
• Follow proper procedures for herbicide spills.
• Safely and accurately complete pesticide mixing procedures based on product label instructions.
• Operate and maintain vehicles and application equipment.
• Communicate accurately, effectively, and respectfully with the public about herbicide, biological control, and/or noxious weed related topics.
• Complete accurate daily application records.
• Complete necessary record keeping for biocontrol releases, collections, and monitoring.
• Perform correct noxious weed and biocontrol monitoring protocol.
• Perform proper collection and release protocol and understand how this differs species-to-species.
• Collect accurate field data using the program ArcGIS.

1. Other Duties:

• As assigned, the position may occasionally require assisting other departments with special events. This includes but is not limited to: Election preparation and breakdown, Retirement party preparation and breakdown, mosquito trapping etc.

1. Knowledge, Educational, & License Requirements

Knowledge:

The position requires skill sets and/or exposure to the calibration of application equipment. Ability to operate and maintain vehicles and application equipment is useful, but not mandatory. Must have the physical capacity to prepare pesticides, load them into application equipment, hold nozzles for long periods of time, spray while riding in a truck and while walking on uneven ground. Must have the physical capacity to endure exposure to the elements while working in the field. Must be able to maintain productive and respectful working relationships with co-workers. Must be able to work without direct supervision in a responsible manner.

Education and Experience:

Must have obtained a High School Diploma or equivalent. Preferred education includes pursuing or having obtained an Associate Degree or Bachelors of Science in the following fields, or something related to the following fields: Integrated Pest Management, Botany, Rangeland Science, Land Rehabilitation, or Environmental Science.

Licenses, Certificates, Registrations:

Valid Driver’s License required. A State of Montana Pesticide Applicator License is preferred, but not required. If desired it may be obtained after hire. Age restrictions may apply.

1. Accountability

This position carries out standardized practices and procedures regarding the identification and management of noxious weeds throughout Park County. Work requires the interpretation and application of many safety rules, regulations, and policies regarding safe handling of chemicals and the environment. The actions and services provided by this position have a direct impact on the integrity of Park County.

1. Independence of Action

This position exercises an independent responsibility in performing position tasks with a team member or alone on a daily basis. The person in this position and the Supervisor develop work objectives jointly, and the person in this position is responsible for completing the work in a timely and accurate manner. On occasion the person in this position may need to resolve conflicts, and determine different methods and approaches to their daily work. The Supervisor is available to provide general guidance in position activities throughout the day by cell phone.

1. Personal Contacts

This position has contacts with other personnel, elected officials, department heads, vendors, and members of the public to exchange information and guidance along with coordinating activities regarding noxious weed management. In order to be responsive to questions and inquires, the person in this position clarifies or explains integrated pest management information that includes but is not limited to: herbicide/pesticide spraying, biological control methods, and mechanical and cultural control methods.

1. Work Environment and Physical Demands

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those in a normal outdoor work environment that involves physical demands associated with completing many simple tasks that include but are not limited to: pre-trip vehicle inspections, communicating over the phone and in person, safe handling of pesticides, calibration of application equipment, and some lifting.

The position requires exposure to pesticides and hazardous materials. The position requires travel to remote sites within Park County.

The position requires the ability to see, for safety and accuracy purposes related to noxious weed identification, herbicide application, handling of work materials, operation of equipment, and driving. Many of these duties require some peripheral vision.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is required to stand, sit and stoop, kneel, crouch, and hike or crawl with a 40 lb. pack. The employee is frequently required to walk, reach with hands and arms, use hand and fingers, handle or feel, grasp, climb, balance, and taste or smell. On a regular basis, the employee is required to talk and hear.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential function of the position.

Employees are provided with coveralls, rubber gloves, eye protections and any other necessary safety equipment.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate