Weed Management Field Inspector - Public Works

Job Summary

This position is primarily responsible for controlling noxious weeds in county-owned parks and medians in county rights-of-way using Integrative Pest Management strategies, in compliance with all applicable State and Federal laws, including RCW 17.10. Responsibilities primarily include operating and maintaining spray equipment, maintaining reports and records on supply usage and coordinating weed control activities with internal departments and external agencies, including other jurisdictions, and educating community members on how to manage noxious weeds, and responding to concerns.

This position operates noxious weed survey and vegetation control equipment including, but not limited to, all-terrain vehicles; tractor with mowing deck; personal watercraft; and various hand tools including brush cutters, shovels, machetes, and chainsaws. This position will be required to collect, map, analyze and maintain data on noxious weed infestations using Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software.

The Weed Management Field Inspector works under the direction of a Weed Management Field Inspector, Lead, and may be responsible for daily coordination of activities for Weed Control Technicians and seasonal employees.

This position is represented by Local 17 Professional and Technical Employees.

Qualifications

Education and Experience: 

• A Bachelor’s degree in natural resource management, botany, horticulture, or a closely related field preferred.  The degree must have been conferred by an institution of higher education and have National Recognition of Accrediting Agencies by the U.S. Secretary of Education, and official transcripts will be required at the time of hire.
• Three (3) years’ experience performing vegetation control in a variety of settings including: maintaining infrastructure, parks facilities, natural areas or conservation lands; noxious weed survey and identification; and/or implementing environmental restoration projects is preferred.
• Advanced personal computer skills highly desirable, including experience with global positioning system (GPS) and ArcGIS geographic information systems (GIS) software applications.

• Current Pesticide applicator’s license preferred.

Any combination of training and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities will be considered.

Knowledge of:  Weed identification and control measures; botany and native plant identification; chemicals and tools used for the control of weeds; Global Positioning System (GPS) mapping; ArcGIS Geographic Information Systems software; state and local laws and regulations pertaining to noxious weed control; and personal computer applications.

Ability to: Clean and repair spray systems and equipment; safely operate required machinery, power and hand tools; read maps and identify locations; maintain complete and accurate written records; prepare required reports; communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; interface with the public and other agency personnel in a courteous manner; develop and deliver presentations on weed control; perform tasks in unfavorable weather conditions; lift and carry fifty (50) pounds on a regular basis.

Responsibility: Incumbents typically work in the field, often driving a UTV with specialized spray equipment for several hours at a time. Work involves controlling noxious weeds and nuisance vegetation in landscaped parks and undeveloped park areas, roadside vegetation, identifying, and inspecting for noxious weeds, interacting with the public regarding complaints about weeds which may be stressful or sensitive, assisting in record keeping and report writing, and a general understanding of herbicide chemistry.

Other Special Requirements: A valid motor vehicle driver’s license is required.
 

Selection Process:

Resume and other documents must be attached together in the 'Resume Upload' section of the application.  Multiple files are allowed, but all applicant attachments must be uploaded simultaneously, as there is no way to edit or append uploaded materials after submitting the application.

 

Application Review (Pass/ Fail) - An online application is required.  Attaching a resume does not substitute for a completed application; incomplete applications will not pass the application review.  Candidates deemed most qualified will be invited to participate in the remainder of the selection process.

 

Practical Exam (Pass/Fail) - This recruitment may require a practical exam which will be job related and may include, but not limited to, the qualifications outlined in the job announcement.  Candidates deemed most qualified will be invited to participate in the remainder of the selection process.

 

Oral Interview - The interview will be job related and may include, not limited to, the qualifications outlined in the job announcement.  Top candidate(s) will continue in the process.

 

Employment references will be conducted for the final candidates and may include verification of education.

 

It is general policy of the County that new employees should be hired at the lower steps of the applicable range and advance through the range at the normal progression.

First review of candidates will be May 4th. This recruitment may close at any time on or after the first review date with no additional notice.

Examples of Duties

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

• Conducts inspections of weed infestations to eradicate noxious weeds and ensure compliance with State regulations.
• Prepares reports of weed infestations as identified through inspections.
• Records results of inspections using mobile ArcGIS software applications.
• Interfaces with other counties, cities, the state and federal agencies to inform and assist them when infestations are found in their jurisdictions.
• Applies herbicides using spray equipment and operates various equipment such as shovels, machetes, global positioning systems, and personal watercraft.
• Provides information and education through public speaking and development of written materials to citizens about controlling noxious weeds.
• Periodically survey waterways to detect early infestations of invasive aquatic weeds.
• Develops a library of multi-media training aids.
• Research and documents facts and information for grant applications.
• Assists in the guidance, training, and direction of a group of seasonal employees or volunteers.
• Aids the Lead Weed Management Field Inspector and the office staff to enhance productivity and administration of the Program.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Salary Grade

Local 17 Engineers.9

Salary Range

$33.26 - $44.90- per hour

Close Date

Open Until Filled

Recruiter

Rori Jones

Email:

Rori.Jones@clark.wa.gov

Equal Opportunity Employer

Clark County is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing equal opportunity in employment, access, and delivery of all county services. Clark County’s Equal Employment Opportunity Plan is available at http://www.clark.wa.gov/human-resources/documents.

Employee Benefits and additional compensation

Clark County provides regular full-time and part-time employees with a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, vision and dental insurance, paid leave, flexible spending accounts, life insurance and long-term disability, retirement, and deferred compensation.  Some types of employees in some positions and bargaining units might have different benefits and additional compensation.  More specific benefit information for the different bargaining units can be found at https://clark.wa.gov/human-resources/employee-benefits. Also please refer to the specific bargaining unit contract for additional compensation at https://clark.wa.gov/human-resources/documents.

Retirement Information

All Clark County employees must participate in a WASHINGTON STATE RETIREMENT SYSTEM PLAN (PERS, PSERS or LEOFF).Employee contributions begin the first day of work. Current contribution rates vary by plan but could range from 5% to 15% of gross pay, depending on the plan choice. 
 

For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site here: http://www.drs.wa.gov/

If you are in need of ADA/Section 504 assistance for accommodations, please contact Human Resources at (564) 397-2456; Relay (800) 833-6388.