Noxious Weed Specialist

This is an extra help position with the Mason County Noxious Weed Control Board. The Noxious Weed Specialist is responsible for identifying noxious weeds, collecting data, communicating with landowners, prescribing control methods, handling, and applying herbicides, documenting treatments, attending educational events, participating in workshops, and training courses, following the rules and regulations set by the Mason County Noxious Weed Control Board and Mason County Policy, working with partner organizations, and organizing educational and volunteer events. This position is based on a 20-40-hour workweek. Medical, dental, vision and life insurance are offered, and the employee is required to contribute to the WA State Retirement System.Essential Functions

• Under the direction of the coordinator, plan, organize and supervise the work of assigned field staff.
• Assist in training field staff to identify various plant species, research land ownership, use GPS equipment and GIS mapping systems and required record keeping methods.
• Identify landowners by means of governmental records, mapping systems, and/or contact with neighbors. Communicate with landowners, offering recommendations for noxious weed control. Track and monitor contacts and outcomes in County database.
• Represent the program at community events and answer questions and concerns from the public.
• Develop and maintain computer and GIS databases to track noxious weed infestation sites, correspondence and contact with property owners, and enforcement activity.
• Operate county vehicles to facilitate field inspections and transport of equipment, personnel, and materials to work sites.
• Participate directly in weed control activities, including the use of herbicide and physical removal.
• Utilize tools to carryout cutting, digging, and pulling of noxious weeds.
• Utilize pesticide application equipment to mix, load, and apply herbicides.
• Walk, hike, and work in various physically challenging and hazardous terrains and weather.
• Assist with writing technical and final reports.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, Ecology, Agriculture, or other closely related field.
• Ability to identify noxious weeds found in Washington. Knowledge of noxious weed taxonomy, biology, and impacts.
• Familiarity with integrated pest management and weed control methods. Demonstrated field experience in managing noxious weed infestations and their impacts on natural resources.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate with the public on difficult, sensitive, and technical issues, both verbally and in writing.
• Knowledge of Washington State Noxious Weed Control law and other relevant local, state, and federal laws.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, coordinating with others to facilitate teamwork.
• Ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously under tight deadlines, prioritizing work and managing own time.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Excel databases, ArcGIS, Global Positional Systems (GPS) and Microsoft applications.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Possession of a valid Washington State Driver’s license prior to employment.
• Ability to conduct noxious weed surveys from a car, and on foot over terrain of varying difficulty, including steep areas and dense vegetation.
• Ability to control noxious weeds using Integrated Pest Management methods. Exposure to inclement weather conditions expected.
• Must be able to work occasional evenings and weekends.
• Must possess, or obtain within 30 days from initial employment, a Washington State Pesticide Public Operators License and the necessary endorsements as required by law.

Working ConditionsEmployees are exposed to varying weather conditions, herbicides, traffic hazards and operating a vehicle along roadsides, with occasional lifting of objects weighing 25-50 pounds and walking over all types of terrain. Work is performed approximately 70% in the field and 30% in the office during the summer months. Significant driving is required.

The duties of the above position require traversing uneven terrain with limited accessibility, as well as walking, stooping, bending, crawling, reaching, pulling, and twisting. The ability to lift to 50 pounds is required.