Seasonal Noxious Weed Control Technician

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES

Contract seasonal employees in this position are responsible for surveying, monitoring, and controlling state- and county-listed noxious weeds in the field, including the safe handling and application of herbicides in accordance with applicable regulations and County policy.

Hours worked per week are generally 40 hours per week from approximately April through October. Work hours may include early mornings, extended days, and occasional weekends depending on weather conditions and project needs. EOE, Veterans Preference.

This position works under the immediate supervision of the Weed Inspector.

Supervision of other employees is not a responsibility of positions in this classification.

(The following description of duties may not be all-inclusive and other duties may be assigned at the discretion of management.)

• Survey public, private, state, and federal lands for the presence of listed noxious weeds; identify priority species; map and document infestations.
• Apply herbicides using backpack sprayers, ATV/UTV-mounted equipment, and handguns in compliance with pesticide label requirements and County policies.
• Manually remove or mechanically control selected noxious weed species as directed.
• Mix, load, transport, and store herbicides in accordance with safety standards and regulatory requirements.
• Complete accurate and detailed pesticide application records, survey logs, and monitoring documentation.
• Assist with equipment maintenance, calibration, cleaning, and decontamination to prevent the spread of noxious weeds.
• Operate County vehicles, including pickup trucks and trailers, and operate ATV/UTV equipment in rough or unimproved terrain.
• Courteously meet and deal effectively with other employees, landowners, outside agency personnel, and the public.
• Regular physical attendance at the employer’s facility is required.

Six months of experience in weed control, agriculture, rangeland management, pest control, or related field work, OR a satisfactory equivalent combination of experience and training which demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the duties of the position.

• Experience with noxious weed identification, particularly eastern Oregon species.
• Experience operating ATV/UTV spray equipment.
• Experience driving pickup trucks and towing trailers.
• Experience with GPS data collection or mapping.
• Experience handling, mixing, and applying herbicides.

• Knowledge of basic noxious weed identification; herbicide safety procedures; field survey techniques.
• Ability to accurately identify common noxious weed species; communicate effectively both orally and in writing; work independently without direct supervision; comprehend and follow instructions; courteously meet and deal effectively with other employees, department heads, outside agency personnel, landowners, and the public.
• Skill in safe operation of ATV/UTV equipment in rough terrain, including loading and unloading from trailer or truck; safe handling and application of herbicides; use of GPS units for location data collection.

Work is performed primarily in the field and may subject the employee to adverse conditions including heat, wind, rain, dust, and uneven terrain. Work may occur in remote rangeland, riparian corridors, and rights-of-way. Exposure to herbicides, insects, livestock, and wildlife is possible.

Work requires standing, walking, kneeling, bending, climbing, lifting and moving up to 50 pounds, pushing, pulling, and reaching.