Noxious Weed Aide (Seasonal)

Job Description

***NOTE*** To be considered for this position, please apply at the Skagit County Job Opportunity site:

http://agency.governmentjobs.com/skagitwa/default.cfm

Summary

Assist the Skagit County Noxious Weed Board in controlling invasive Knotweed and Spartina species that threaten our riparian and shoreline habitats. This position is responsible for controlling these invasive species using Integrated Pest Management Strategies including the use of herbicide. This position will also gain experience collecting and handling data.

This is a seasonal position anticipated to work, with flexibility on start and end dates, from May through September 2023 – approximately 35 to 40 hours per week, contingent upon grant funding. 6:30 am to 5:00 pm, Monday- Thursday depending on crew availability, travel, tides, weather, and project location. May be required to work Friday as needed. May be required to travel long distances to participate in Multi-jurisdictional cooperative efforts.

– Salary upon hire is step 1 through 2 ($20.05 to $20.74 per hour) for a Noxious Weed Aide, dependent upon qualifications.

Essential Functions:

Looks for, controls, and eradicates noxious weeds throughout Skagit County, from Alger to Conway, from Anacortes to Newhalem.

Building and developing experience with collecting GPS data on noxious weeds utilizing iForm and ESRI Fieldmaps applications.

Works in a variety of environments including logging roads, forest properties, streams, and marshes. Travels the Skagit River and its tributaries by boat and on foot for noxious weed control.

Applies necessary herbicides and surfactants, as directed and according to Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Strategies.

Performs manual noxious weed removal (Hand pulling, Brush cutting, Mowing)

Primarily controls Knotweed spp. and Spartina spp. in aquatic environments.

Maintains weed management equipment including boats, trailers, vehicles, a variety of application tools including electric backpack sprayers, and brush cutters.

Attends meetings, as required, by the Noxious Weed Coordinator.

Attends regular safety classes.

Some data handling required.

SUPERVISORY:
None.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:

Performs related duties as assigned. Related duties as required are duties that may not be specifically listed in the Position Description but are within the general occupational series and responsibility level typically associated with the employee’s classification of work.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or G.E.D.
• Related experience preferred.
• Environmental or Agricultural studies/enthusiasts preferred.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted which provides the skills, knowledge, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

REQUIRES KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Plant materials
• Noxious weeds
• Herbicides

REQUIRES THE ABILITY TO:

• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Lift and carry up to 50 pounds.

LICENSES and/or CERTIFICATIONS:

• Possess a valid Washington State driver’s license at time of hire and throughout employment.
• Pesticide Applicators License preferred but not required
• Willing to obtain pesticide applicators license

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Work is performed both in office and outdoor environments at various sites within Skagit County. Adverse weather conditions are common. Physical effort is required to lift equipment, chemical backpacks, weed whacker machinery, etc. weighing in excess of 50 lbs. Requires ability to walk through variety of outdoor terrains in varying weather conditions. Travel will be in County vehicle and/or boat.

HAZARDS:

May involve working in boats (airboat, amphibious), ATVs, on roadsides, slippery and/or muddy conditions. May be exposed to insects, chemicals, and adverse weather conditions.

Supplemental Information:

Skagit County, as an equal employment opportunity employer, encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply. It is the policy of Skagit County to follow all federal and state laws to ensure non-discrimination in its employment practices.

American with Disabilities Act (ADA) Notice: Individuals, who need an ADA accommodation to complete the application, test or interview process, please call: (360) 416-1380.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential functions of this position, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload. Changes to the position description may be made at the discretion of the employer.