Integrated Pest Management Technician

Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo; Fort McMurray; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional municipality in Fort McMurray is seeking an Integrated Pest Management Technician to manage pest programming and educate the public. Ideal candidates will possess strong knowledge in pest management and have an Alberta Pesticide Applicators Certificate. The role requires fieldwork and offers the opportunity to develop pest control strategies in various conditions.

Qualifications

• Three years of relevant IPM experience, including one year of related field experience.
• An Alberta Pesticide Applicators Certificate is required.

Responsibilities

• Develops and implements pest management programs.
• Monitors pest populations and provides technical advice.
• Researches methods for pest control.

Skills

Knowledge of specific insects and diseases

Pest management theory and techniques

Communication skills

Education

Diploma or degree in Environmental Studies or related discipline

Job description

Overview

General Description

Under general supervision, the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Technician is responsible for delivering pest management programming throughout the Municipality. This involves identifying pests, establishing thresholds, and subsequently monitoring pest threshold damage levels and implementing specific control measures. In addition to pest management programming, the technician educates the public in the fields of pest management and other environmental issues as required.

Responsibilities

• Develops and assists in the implementation of a pest management program at all designated sites and locations throughout the Municipality.
• Acts as the technical resource and advises field staff on acceptable plant damage threshold levels and subsequently monitors population dynamics for conformity to those standards, making appropriate decisions on control.
• Informs and provides information to Bylaw Services to assist them in issuing weed control notices.
• Assists in developing proposals for long-term pest strategies and policies.
• Writes reports and prepares and submits permit applications as required by provincial government bodies.
• Provides technical advice and education. Assists parks programs, other municipal departments, external organizations and schools, and the general public on matters related to pest management programming.
• Performs field sampling and positive identification of pests and physiological abnormalities upon which appropriate treatment recommendations are based.
• Prepares cost estimates for proposals and programs.
• Provides oversight and technical guidance during spraying, and also assists field personnel with spraying.
• Completes an annual inventory of pesticides and monitors the effectiveness of the inventory control system; ensures that Material Safety Data Sheets and product information is constantly updated and available to staff.
• Researches newer and safer methods of pest control and distributes information obtained to field personnel.
• Leads and delegates seasonal students and/or coop students (up to five staff) involved in the pest and weed control program during spring / summer operations.
• Supports Parks programs and Winter Operations as operationally required.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of specific insects, diseases, invertebrates, vertebrates, and weeds and other unwanted plants, including life cycle and biology which are likely to affect vegetation in forest, parks and the urban environment.
• Thorough knowledge of pest management theory, practice, and techniques.
• Knowledge and familiarity with current literature, trends and developments in pest control technology.
• Working knowledge of materials, methods, equipment, best cultural practices and tools involved in pest management situations.
• Ability to plan, develop and implement municipal-wide pest management programs.
• Ability to identify specific problems and determine effective solutions within policy and fiscal constraints. Prioritization of needs may be necessary.
• Ability to prepare written reports.
• Ability to conduct field and technical research.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other staff members, governmental contacts, and the general public.
• Ability to estimate time and material requirements and costs related to program proposals.
• Must be able to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.

Education And Experience

• Diploma or degree in Environmental Studies or Natural Resources Management, or a related discipline is required.
• Three (3) years of relevant IPM experience. Experience to include one (1) year of related field and research experience.
• An Alberta Pesticide Applicators Certificate including landscape designation is required.
• Experience in Natural Resources enforcement under Provincial Acts and Municipal Bylaws is an asset.

Other Requirements

• Ability to provide a Criminal Record Check for review and acceptance.
• A valid Class five (5) Operator’s Licence is required as incumbent will be required to operate a personal or municipal vehicle for business use on a regular basis.
• Must be willing to work outside in all conditions.
• Immunizations are strongly recommended for work in unsanitary conditions.
• Must be medically and physically able to perform all duties of the position on an ongoing basis.
• May be required to work shift work or overtime that includes weekends.
• Must be willing to travel and stay overnight for work in rural and remote areas for periods lasting up to one (1) week at a time.

Safety

As an employee of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, the incumbent is responsible for understanding and actively participating in the RMWB’s health and safety management system, and complying with all policies, practices, and procedures. All employees must take reasonable care to protect the health and safety of themselves and others, as well as immediately report any concerns, near misses, incidents, and hazardous conditions to their supervisor.

How to Apply

To apply: Please visit our website at jobs.rmwb.ca

Current employees must apply through the internal careers site.

We appreciate the interest of all applicants; however, only those individuals selected for interviews will be contacted. Late applications will not be accepted.