Weed & Pest Management Lead Technician

mesacounty; United States; On-site; USD 31,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Mesa County is seeking a Lead Technician to support the Noxious Weed Management program. The role involves field work supervising seasonal staff, applying herbicides, and maintaining mapping data with ArcGIS tools.

Duties include coordinating with partners, educating the public, and ensuring compliance with regulations. The position requires a degree in Environmental Science or related field with weed treatment experience, or equivalent supervisory experience.

Qualifications

• Degree in Environmental Science or closely related field and 18 months of field experience with noxious weeds.
• Alternatively 18 months weed treatment experience plus 1 year of supervisory experience.
• Understanding of chemical handling and back-office recordkeeping.

Responsibilities

• Assist in development, implementation, and management of the noxious weed program and rights of way.
• Identify weed species, determine management plans, and apply treatments per regulations.
• Select, prepare and apply herbicides to infestations and rights of way; maintain records.
• Supervise seasonal staff; participate in field work and safety trainings.
• Maintain mapping data using ArcGIS tools and enter data for reports and grants.
• Engage in community outreach and educate landowners and the public.

Skills

Herbicide application

GIS mapping

Supervisory experience

Data entry & reporting

Education

Environmental Science degree

Noxious weed treatment experience

Tools

ESRI ArcGIS

ArcGIS Online

ESRI Collector

Job description

$22.29 - $25.07

_____________________________________________________________

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 flexible 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

• 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 M