WEED & PEST MANAGEMENT LEAD TECHNICIAN

Mesa County, CO; Grand Junction (CO); On-site; USD 52,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Retirement

Paid Sick and Vacation Leave

Life insurance

Long term disability

Job summary

Mesa County Noxious Weed and Pest Management seeks a Lead Technician to assist the Coordinator in development, implementation, administration and management of the Mesa County Noxious Weed Management program and rights of way management.

The Lead Technician will supervise seasonal employees, lead field work, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations while maintaining accurate mapping and reporting.

Qualifications

• Degree in related field of study (Environmental Science, Ecology, Natural Resource Management, Botany, or closely related field) and 18 months of noxious weed treatment field experience.
• OR 18 months of noxious weed treatment field experience and 1 year of supervisory experience.
• Ability to perform algebra and arithmetic, knowledge of proper and safe chemical handling, and an understanding of general concepts of biology, ecology, agriculture, and pest management.
• Ability to use Microsoft Office and Arc GIS software.
• Combination of education, training, and experience sufficient to perform the job.

Responsibilities

• Assist in development, implementation, and management of weed control programs and rights-of-way management.
• Identify noxious weed species and determine management plans in compliance with state and local regulations.
• Supervise seasonal employees and participate in field work and data collection for grants.
• Maintain and update mapping data using ESRI ARC Maps, ArcGIS Online, ESRI Collector, and EDDMapS West.

Skills

Algebra & arithmetic

Chemical handling safety

Biology & ecology

Pest management knowledge

Supervisory experience

Microsoft Office

Education

Environmental Science / Ecology / Natural Resource Management degree

Colorado Pesticide Applicator License (Certified Operator or Qualified Supervisor)

Colorado Driver's License

Tools

ArcGIS

Microsoft Office

Job description

Position is responsible for assisting the Coordinator with development, implementation, administration and management of the Mesa County Noxious Weed Management program and rights of way management. Position duties include utilizing integrated pest management methods to prioritize, treat, monitor and map state and county listed noxious weeds species, in full compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, including internal Mesa County policies. As well as monitor and apply appropriate control or eradiation practices for Noxious Weeds recognized within Mesa County in full compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, including internal Mesa County policies.

The Lead Technician advances the mission of Mesa County Noxious Weed and Pest Management through: assisting in implementation of weed management objectives for long-term improvement and sustainability of land health: maintaining strong working relationships with public and private partners and citizens; providing direction and education for partners and citizens; and maintaining a culture of service and stewardship. It is expected that the Lead Technician will act autonomously in the field, supervise and direct seasonal employees, lead and participate in field work, assist with completing required documentation and training are completed by all employees, participate in community education opportunities and assist in data collection and entry for grants to assist with seasonal employee and special project funding.

Properly identify noxious weed species, determine management plans and conduct appropriate treatment methods in compliance with the Colorado Noxious Weed Act (C.R.S. 35-5.5-101, et seq.). Select, prepare and apply herbicides to noxious weed infestations, right of way areas or Road and Bridge storage lots. Complete required documentation related to herbicide applications, record and conduct consistent mapping and monitoring efforts. Participate in community outreach and education projects. Supervise and train seasonal employees; ensure that safety of employees during the course of work is prioritized. Maintain and update mapping data through ESRI ARC Maps, ArcGIS Online, ESRI Collector, and EDDMapS West methodology, software, and apps. Assist in setting up and participate in river-floating trips for noxious weed management on the Colorado and Gunnison River corridors. Ensure records are accurate and up-to-date by conducting data entry and utilizing relevant computer programs such as Microsoft Office software and Google apps. Assist with project work and reports for grant documentation. Maintain Colorado Pesticide Applicator license as Certified Operator or Qualified Supervisor; attend workshops/conferences to obtain continuing education credits as needed. Assist in set-up and participate in various forms of public education events (i.e.: farmers market booths, field trips, volunteer activities, informational pamphlet creation) Assist in managing roadside right-of-way weed management objectives for regulated and nuisance weed species on County and state roadsides in coordination with the Mesa County and Colorado State Departments of Transportation. Advise and educate the public regarding right-of-way weed management and herbicide treatment, responds to complaints, concerns, and requests for alternative management strategies. Attend meetings and assist with setting an agenda and note taking. Maintain, inventory and service equipment (backpack sprayers, UTV sprayer, weed wacker, chainsaw, etc.) Conduct scouting and identification of noxious weeds on private properties. Engage and recruit landowners and citizens to participate in the Upper Grand Valley Pest Control District Advisory Committee and the Mesa County Weed Advisory Board. Oral and written communications in English must be clear and effective. Perform other related duties as assigned. March-November (timeline may be flex ble according to individual schedules), generally 40 hours per week; four, 10 hour days per week with most days working 7:00 a.m- 5:30. Daily hours will vary throughout the season to account for river trips, out-of-town site work and inclement weather events, however; weekly totals will not exceed 40 hours. December-February, Monday-Friday up to 40 hours a week. May experience reduced hours during winter.

Minimum Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education And Experience

Degree in related field of study (Environmental Science, Ecology, Natural Resource Management, Botany, or closely related field) and 18 months of noxious weed treatment field experience.

OR 18 months of noxious weed treatment field experience and 1 year of supervisory experience.

Ability to perform algebra and arithmetic, knowledge of proper and safe chemical handling, and an understanding of general concepts of biology, ecology, agriculture, and pest management.

Ability to use Microsoft Office and Arc GIS software.

OR Any combination of education, training, and experience which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities required for the job.

Ideal candidates are energetic, self-motivated, self-managed, take initiative, are willing and able to schedule, prioritize, and accomplish tasks with little supervision, and are able to communicate respectfully and effectively with co-workers and citizens with diverse opinions in order to develop and complete projects.

Licenses and Certifications

• State of Colorado Certified Operator or Qualified Supervisor Pesticide Applicator License (must be obtained within 60 days of hire)

Valid State of Colorado Driver's License at the time of hire.

Must be able to travel and work occasional evening and weekends.

Supplemental Information

Physical Requirements And Working Enviroment

The position requires walking, standing, stooping, sitting, squatting, bending and twisting at the waist, lifting up to 50 pounds, grasping, pinching, bending at the elbow, twisting at the wrist and shoulder.

Must have the ability to navigate terrain of varying difficulty, including steep slopes, rocky areas, forests, wetlands and riparian areas.

Must have the ability to walk for up to several miles outdoors in variable terrain and weather conditions, while carrying and operating a backpack sprayer.

The employee is frequently exposed to dirt, smoke, fumes, extreme heat and cold for long duration, traffic noise, and dust for sustained periods of time.

Exposure to inclement weather conditions is to be expected.

The employee is exposed to the possibility of insect stings, and unexpected encounters with domestic and wild animals including livestock, horses, dogs, skunks, snakes, birds, etc.

Equal Pay For Equal Work Act

**In compliance with the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act the following items can be used as a determining factor in the starting and ongoing wage of an employee working in this position:**

• A seniority system that rewards employees based on length of employment;
• A merit system that rewards employees for exceptional job performance;
• An incentive system that pays employees based on the quality of their work or the amount of work they perform, or;
• Education, training, or experience to the extent that they are reasonably related to the work in question.

**This position is eligible for the following Mesa County benefits: **

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Retirement
• Paid Sick and Vacation Leave
• Life insurance
• Long term disability