Highway Foreman - Weed Control

Frederick County Government; Frederick (MD); On-site; USD 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a skilled supervisor for roadside vegetation management and weed control. This full-time position involves planning and overseeing maintenance work, ensuring safety compliance, and directly supervising a dedicated crew. The role is crucial for maintaining public infrastructure and responding to community needs. If you are passionate about making a difference in your community and have a strong background in environmental management, this opportunity is perfect for you. Join a team that values diversity and inclusion while contributing to essential public services.

Benefits

Full Benefits

On-call for Emergency Situations

Training and Certification Opportunities

Qualifications

• 5+ years in roadside vegetation management or weed control.
• Supervisory experience in a team environment.
• Valid Maryland Commercial Class B driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Supervise roadside vegetation management and weed control activities.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and manage emergency responses.
• Train and evaluate crew members on job duties.

Skills

Roadside Vegetation Coordination

Weed Control

Supervision

Safety Compliance

Communication Skills

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Tools

Cartegraph

Construction Equipment

Job description

THIS POSITION IS BEING RECRUITED AS A COUNTY WIDE OPPORTUNITY. ONLY CURRENT REGULAR AND PROBATIONARY EMPLOYEES OFREDERICK COUNTY GOVERNMENTARE ELIGIBLE FOR CONSIDERATION. QUESTIONS REGARDING YOUR ELIGIBILITY OR HOW THIS EMPLOYMENT CHANGE MAY AFFECT YOUR COMPENSATION, PLEASE CONTACT [e-mail]

Non-exempt (compensatory and/or overtime eligible); full-time; 40 hours per week; Monday – Friday 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.; full-benefits

This supervisory and skilled-trades position is responsible for planning and assigning roadside vegetation coordination, weed control, and maintenance work of highway projects and associated structures. The position coordinates the spraying on County and State roads, government and private properties. This position may also oversee the cutting and trimming of trees and brush along County roadways and could perform various maintenance and construction tasks. This position is the first responder to emergency situations, as well as to resolve the majority of citizen concerns, complaints and/or requests. Supervision is given to staff. Supervision is received from the Department Head.

Frederick County Government values the principles of diversity and inclusion, and strives to ensure equal opportunities for its workforce, applicants and community members. If you are a person who wants to make a difference, give back to your community, and be a voice for change, apply to Frederick County Government today.

• Direct, supervise and evaluate the work performance of assigned crew members
• Perform bridge construction work; perform road construction and maintenance work (e.g. patch roads, pull and clean shoulder areas, grade and surface dirt roads, clean drains, maintain stormwater structures, etc.)
• Supervise/inspect private contractors working on roadway projects
• Obtain all necessary permits for projects
• Train new employees in all phases of job duties; handle personnel issues within the crew
• Inspect job sites before start to address safety issues and determine materials needed, order materials
• Correct safety issues; enforce appropriate safety rules and accident prevention procedures
• Promptly respond to citizen inquiries and complaints regarding highway activities (in person, by telephone, mail or email, or using Cartegraph)
• Maintain current list of roadways in need of upgrade or repair
• Assess and schedule needed work, including, brush cutting, tree trimming, mowing, headwall repair, ditch cleaning and all other assorted roadway maintenance issues
• Establish and maintain safe work zones; correct safety issues; enforce appropriate safety rules and accident prevention procedures; promptly report and document (including pictures) information pertaining to any accident, incident and/or injury
• Work with other offices within DPW and other Divisions to achieve a common goal
• Prepare and maintain manual and computerized reports and forms (e.g. timesheets, Cartegraph asset management system)
• Supervise snow removal operations, giving direction to Technician's, Worker's, Inspector's and private contractors
• Contact Miss Utility to locate underground utilities prior to excavation as needed
• Perform basic maintenance, minor repairs and adjustments on equipment and vehicles
• Install signage to comply with the latest edition of the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices
• Perform other related duties as required

SPECIFIC JOB DUTIES FOR WEED CONTROL:

• Plan, organize, assign and supervise work associated with roadside vegetation management, herbicide application, invasive weed control and general highway maintenance and projects to include brush cutting, snow removal, etc.
• Oversee and perform herbicide application to control invasive weeds and vegetation growth along roadways, bridges, and other public infrastructure
• Prepare and maintain detailed and accurate records of invoicing, inventory, completed spray applications, employee hours worked, equipment mileage, and maintenance activities
• Conduct property inspections to ensure adherence to the Maryland Noxious Weed Control Law and thoroughly investigate all received complaints to address and resolve compliance issues
• Inspect, identify, and document weed infestations, recommending appropriate control measures
• Contact farmers and landowners to address noxious weed infestations, offering tailored recommendations and solutions while providing outreach and educational resources to promote effective management practices; visit farms and other private properties to apply herbicides
• Prepare comprehensive written reports and professional correspondence detailing inspections, investigations, and oversight activities
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations regarding pesticide and herbicide application
• Maintain accurate records of chemical applications, treatments, and weed control activities
• Ensure proper calibration and maintenance of herbicide application equipment

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Any single position may not be assigned all duties listed above, nor do the examples cover all duties that may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The qualifications/requirements, knowledge/skills/abilities and physical requirements or working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• High school graduation, or the equivalent
• Minimum 5 years of work experience in roadside vegetation coordination/management or weed control, which must include at least 3 years work experience operating equipment used in weed control
• Minimum 2 years of related experiencesupervising or direct thework of others in a team environment
• Possession of a valid Maryland Commercial class B driver's license with air brake endorsement (or an equivalent license, E restriction is acceptable)

• Possession of a current Maryland Pesticide Applicator Certification

• Possession of a current Erosion and Sediment Control Certification issued by Maryland State Department of the Environment, or ability to obtain this certification at the first scheduled class after hire
• Successful completion of OHSA Outreach Training Program 30-hour construction industry training, or ability to obtain within 3 months of hire

KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES:

• Ability to maintain County Authorized Driver privileges
• Ability to pass a Maryland state-approved traffic flagging course when assigned
• Ability to obtain and maintain Frederick County Forklift training certification
• Ability to successfully complete continuing education/training courses as needed in relation to safety issues, new equipment, regulations, etc.
• Considerable knowledge of tools, materials and equipment used in highway or bridge construction, or tree trimming and brush cutting
• Considerable knowledge of traffic and safety hazards related to this type of work, and appropriate safety precautions
• Considerable knowledge of State and local laws and regulations relating to roadside vegetation management, highway construction and maintenance
• Comprehensive knowledge of all duties of the positions supervised, with ability to effectively train, coach, supervise and direct the work of others
• Ability to accurately read and interpret chemical labels, safety data sheets, applications guidelines and highway job specifications
• Ability to effectively prepare and maintain detailed manual and computerized records (including word processing and spreadsheets)
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and the general public
• Strong and effective spoken and written (English) communication skills

PREFERENCE MAY BE GIVEN FOR:

• Additional education in agronomy or horticulture
• Work experience or training in Cartegraph
• Current certification in CPR and First Aid
• Current MD Roadside Tree Care certification
• Possession of Traffic Control Supervisor certification
• Possession of tanker endorsement (N endorsement)
• Additional management training courses or certifications

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS / WORKING CONDITIONS:

• While working in this position, the employee is required to constantly perform repetitive motions and drive; frequently sit, walk, and reach; occasionally climb, stoop, crawl, lift up to 20 pounds, push up to 40 pounds; and rarely lift between 20 - 50 pounds, lift over 50 pounds, push over 40 pounds, and pull up to and over 40 pounds.
• While working in this position, the employee is required to frequently work indoors and outdoors, walk on uneven ground, work in hot temperatures above 100 degrees and cold temperatures below 32 degrees, is exposed to dirt, dust, and noise; works near machinery and is required to wear protective equipment;

• Available on-call for snow removal, critical maintenance or emergency situations
• This position is considered “essential” in accordance with Personnel Rules, Section 4.5 Essential Employees
• Required certifications must be maintained throughout employment
• This position is subject to random drug testing with marijuana

EXAMINATION PROCESS (may include):

1. An evaluation of training and experience
2. One or more interviews
3. A pre-employment DOT physical examination and drug test with marijuana