Weed Control Coordinator

Whatcom County; Bellingham (WA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage

12 paid holidays annually

Generous PTO (up to 330 hours)

Lifetime pension through PERS

Deferred compensation retirement

Job summary

Whatcom County Public Works Department, Natural Resources Division, seeks a Weed Control Coordinator to lead the Noxious Weed Management program and protect agriculture, waterways, and natural areas. You will coordinate efforts to prevent spread and manage invasive plants Countywide.

The role combines technical expertise with program leadership, public education, and enforcement, collaborating with the Noxious Weed Control Board and landowners.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in natural sciences, agriculture, horticulture, botany or related field with 4 years of weed management experience.
• At least 2 years in lead or supervisory roles within weed management.
• Alternatively an Associate’s degree with 5 years in weed management, including 2 years lead/supervisory.

Responsibilities

• Develops and leads the County’s Noxious Weed Management program goals and evaluation.
• Supervises staff and coordinates program work.
• Advises landowners and agencies on weed identification, prevention, and treatment.
• Directs public education and enforcement as needed.
• Oversees surveys, GIS mapping, and reporting.

Skills

Leadership

Staff supervision

Public education

Policy development

Education

Bachelor’s degree in natural sciences, agriculture, horticulture, botany or related field

Associate’s degree in natural sciences, agriculture, horticulture, botany or related field

Tools

GIS mapping

Job description

Whatcom County Public Works Department, Natural Resources Division is hiring a Weed Control Coordinator to lead the County’s Noxious Weed Management program. This position helps protect agricultural lands, waterways, and natural areas by coordinating efforts to prevent the spread and manage noxious weeds and invasive plants throughout Whatcom County.

This position combines technical expertise with program leadership, public education, and enforcement. Working closely with the members of the Whatcom County Noxious Weed Control Board, County departments, landowners, and partner agencies, this position develops practical weed management strategies and policies, and supports effective stewardship of public and private lands. The successful candidate will bring strong leadership, sound judgment, and the ability to explain technical information clearly and work respectfully with people who have differing perspectives.

Duties include

• Developing, managing, and evaluating the County’s Noxious Weed Management program, including short- and long-term goals.
• Supervising, training, and evaluating staff and coordinating program work.
• Advising County departments, private landowners, and other agencies on weed identification, prevention, and treatment.
• Supporting integrated vegetation management on County properties and roadsides.
• Directing public education and outreach and helping landowners improve weed management practices with a community stewardship focus toward natural resources.
• Serving as the Weed Board’s enforcement agent, including issuing violation notices and civil infractions and coordinating enforcement actions, ensuring compliance with Washington state’s noxious weed control laws.
• Overseeing surveys, monitoring, GIS mapping and records of invasive plant infestations.
• Preparing budgets, pursuing grant funding, monitoring contractor work, and maintaining required reports and records.
• Safely applies herbicides to treat noxious weeds in accordance with state and federal laws, and monitors treated sites for effectiveness.

For more information please review the job description.

Supervisor: Environmental Programs Manager

Hours of Work: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm or Monday - Thursday 7:00am - 5:30pm.

Salary Range: Unrepresented- Range 6, $34.89 - $50.66 per hour

Washington State law requires employers to disclose the full salary range for a position. The posted range represents the full range of pay for the position and does not necessarily represent the starting salary.

Starting salary is generally determined based on qualifications, relevant experience, internal equity, applicable collective bargaining requirements, and County compensation policies and approval requirements. Starting salaries are generally within the entry-to-midpoint portion of the posted range. Candidates whose qualifications and experience substantially exceed the requirements of the position may be considered for a higher starting rate, subject to applicable County approval requirements.

This position receives annual pay increases to the next step in the associated salary range (apx. 3.8%) subject to satisfactory performance, in addition to any negotiated Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA).

Requires a Bachelor’s degree in natural sciences, agriculture, horticulture, botany or a related field, AND 4 years of progressively responsible experience in Noxious Weed Management or a related field including at least 2 years of lead or supervisory experience; OR an Associate’s degree in natural sciences, agriculture, horticulture, botany or a related field AND 5 years of progressively responsible experience in Noxious Weed Management or a related field including at least 2 years of lead or supervisory experience.

At its sole discretion, Whatcom County may consider combinations of education, experience, certifications, and training in lieu of specifically required qualifications contained herein.

Distinguish yourself in public service and make a commitment to our future.

Whatcom County offers excellent benefits to employees, including:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage for employees AND their family
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and 12 paid holidays annually. Prior related public service considered for setting accrual rate. Accrue up to 330 hours of PTO annually. Cash-out up to 40 hours over 330 maximum annually.

Accrual Schedule

• 1st – 4th year: 18.00 hours, 5.4 Weeks
• 5th – 9th year: 21.33 hours, 6.4 Weeks
• 10th + year: 24.67 hours, 7.4 Weeks

• Lifetime pension through the Washington State Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS), with joint contributions required from the employee and the County
• Voluntary Deferred Compensation Retirement with County match
• $50,000 Life Insurance coverage for employees
• Voluntary Term Life Insurance and Personal Accident Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) available for health care and/or dependent care expenses
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Additional benefit information

Subject to satisfactory performance this position receives annual pay increases to the next step in the associated salary range (apx. 3.8%), in addition to any approved Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA).