WeedWise Technician (Seasonal)

This position serves as a WeedWise Technician for the Clackamas Soil and Water Conservation District (District). This is an “at-will”, non-exempt, full-time, limited-duration, position subject to available funding and the General Employment Policies of the District.  

This WeedWise Technician works with residents and land managers to support the implementation and monitoring of conservation practices to minimize the impact of invasive weeds on the economic, ecological, and social resources of our region.  The WeedWise Technician position assists with weed management, outreach, data management, and associated tasks. 

The WeedWise Technician must have basic familiarity and a demonstrated interest in invasive plants and their management; data collection; the ability to work independently and as part of a team; and the ability to clearly communicate with District staff both verbally and in writing.  The person(s) in this position is an integral member of the District’s WeedWise Program. The WeedWise Technician is expected to provide technical expertise, exemplary service, and perform all aspects of their work in a professional manner.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

70% Technical

• Implementation of weed control activities: Implement a variety of weed control practices within the Mt Hood National Forest, and across Clackamas County.  This will include the implementation of weed control efforts as part of the Priority Weed Control program initiative. Tasks will include implementing weed control activities using Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices, including coordination with restoration contractors.   Implementation of weed control activities may require working in rugged and undeveloped sites in remote locations.
• Invasive plant surveys: Conduct invasive plant surveys within the Mt Hood National Forest and across Clackamas County to evaluate and document infestations and their extent.  The WeedWise Technician must have familiarity with invasive and native plants.  Surveys include recording information associated with priority species including size, location, percent cover, and distribution.
• Public outreach and land manager assistance: Participate in education and outreach associated with efforts implemented through the Priority Weed Control and Technical Assistance program initiatives.  Tasks will include one-on-one interactions with the public and land managers, participating in outreach events, and working with District staff and land managers to coordinate weed control efforts.
• WeedWise Program assistance: Provide general assistance to the WeedWise program and its staff. This may include a variety of general labor tasks encountered in farms, fields, and natural areas.

30% Administrative

• Maintain positive working relationships: Responsible for maintaining a positive working relationship with partners, customers, coworkers, board directors, and other officials by being responsive and respectful to people having a diverse range of needs and cultural backgrounds.
• Data management: Collect and manage data associated with invasive plant observations, site information, landowner interactions, and treatments.  Tasks will include collecting data, analyzing data, and ensuring data quality.  A working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, ESRI ArcGIS, and mobile data is desired to assist with data collection in the field.
• Project reporting, documentation, and writing: Provide documentation and support of WeedWise program activities.  This includes documenting weed control activities and methods employed, and regular summaries of activities.
• WeedWise Program assistance: Provide general assistance to the WeedWise program and its staff. This may include a variety of general tasks encountered in an office setting to support program activities.

SECONDARY DUTIES

• Other Duties: Perform all other tasks as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

The WeedWise Technician must have:

• Knowledge of the ecology and biology of native and invasive plant communities in western Oregon.
• Knowledge of conservation practices applicable to natural resource conservation on rural and urban properties.
• Knowledge of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) control methods including but not limited to the use of manual, mechanical, cultural, and chemical control practices, as well as the safe and responsible operation of associated weed control equipment, herbicides, sprayers, and personal protection equipment (PPE);
• Basic skills using computers and field-based technology for correspondence, data entry, data analysis, and management using Microsoft Office Suite.
• Basic skills using computers and field-based technology for GIS/GPS mapping, data collection, and management.
• Skill in communicating and writing.
• Ability to work collaboratively with partners.
• Ability to work independently and as a part of a team.
• Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle during daylight hours, after dark, and during inclement weather.

REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, CERTIFICATIONS, AND QUALIFICATIONS

• An Associate’s degree with specialized training in biology, ecology, environmental science, weed science, natural resource management, or a related science, and two (2) years of comparable experience working for a natural resource organization, agency, or business; or three (3) years of comparable experience working for a natural resource organization, agency, or business.
• Experience working with on-the-ground implementation of conservation practices associated with invasive species/native plant ecology and management.
• Experience collecting field data and maintaining field notes.
• Must have a current Public Pesticide Applicator’s License or secure a license within one month of the hire date.
• Sufficient mobility and ability, with or without reasonable accommodations, to perform the physical functions of the job, both in the office and in the field (see Working Conditions).

DESIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, CERTIFICATIONS, AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant field.
• Experience using ESRI ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, and Field Maps.
• Certification and/or experience using a chainsaw.
• Experience working in remote and rugged terrain.

PROJECT COMMITMENTS 

The WeedWise Technician is responsible for adhering to all time commitments obligated under the existing project, grants, awards, and agreements.  The current project commitments for this position include the implementation of noxious weed control in the Mt Hood National Forest.

• USFS: Stewardship Agreement – 520 hours per year