Seasonal Weed Sprayer

Summary Statement

Under general supervision, performs equipment chemical spraying to control and eradicate designated noxious weeds from public and private land. The position uses a variety of chemical spray equipment to control identified noxious weeds in Morton County; much of the work includes mechanical repair and fabrication of equipment as well as fieldwork in the identification and eradication of noxious weeds. The work schedule is usually Monday through Friday (depending on weather conditions).

This is a temporary, seasonal position that typically works between the months of May to mid-September. Requires extensive outside manual labor in a variety of weather conditions.

• Applies chemicals to control and eradicate noxious weeds; performs bio-control tasks as required;
• Operates hand and power tools, and motorized equipment for the application of weed control sprays; maintains and repairs tools and equipment as needed;
• Using established procedures and equipment including but limited to 4x4 trucks, ATV/UTV’s, GPS, pumps, small engines, and Personal Protective Equipment;
• Ensure spraying procedures adhere to weed control rules and regulations by maintaining communication with the supervisor and other crew hands via training and established written materials;
• Perform regular maintenance on equipment, including checking and/or changing oil, tire pressure. Clean equipment including washing vehicles. Clean and organize shop;
• Keep accurate and detailed records for each spraying day;
• Uses safety equipment and clothing when around chemicals;
• Assists the Weed Officer in keeping a clean/safe facility;
• Doing the prep work on equipment for each day’s use;
• Meet with landowners to sell chemicals when the weed officer isn’t available;
• Assist in bug collections for biocontrol of noxious weeds;
• Obtain and maintain Commercial Applicator’s License;
• Survey and map County properties, public and private, for infestation of noxious weeds;
• Operate spraying unit on public and private lands (i.e., roadsides, canal banks, private fields);
• Identify noxious weeds and various applicable species;
• Clean and calibrate spraying equipment;
• Provide input to supervisor on improvements in equipment and techniques;
• Interact with park visitors and private property owners;
• Completes required daily logs, records, and maps; maintains supplies inventory;
• Perform other duties as appropriate or necessary for the performance of the job.

Problems encountered are routine and somewhat repetitive and generally solved by following clear directions and procedures. This position has the ability to craft and respond to basic communication needs arising from incoming requests without gaining authority. This position has limited authority, decisions should be made in coordination with the Weed Officer.

• The schedule is somewhat flexible, but demands seasonal workers be more available when weather conditions are conducive for spraying;
• Work requires sufficient physical strength, agility, endurance, dexterity, and hand-eye-foot coordination to perform all essential duties; manual dexterity required to handle equipment associated with the job;
• Work may expose employees to potential chemical hazards; potential biological hazards; and potential physical hazards;
  The employee is required to wear protective clothing and equipment such as protective boots, and safety goggles for functions that require it and as listed on the label of chemicals being used;
• Required to walk, talk, and hear/listen. Stands and walks most of the day. Frequent bending, kneeling, reaching, pulling, and pushing is required. Often requires climbing and balancing, crawling, and climbing. The employee is often required to use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms;
• Reaching, extending hands and arms in any direction;
  Stooping and bending downward, using lower extremities and back muscles;
• Standing for a minimum of two hours at a time; walking for extended periods with a minimum of two hours, and negotiating steep slopes with 300 feet of hose;
• Must be able to…