Sr. Weed And Pest Technician

General Statement of Duties

Performs working level semi-skilled and skilled duties to assist with the County weed and gopher control program.

Classification Summary

The primary function of an employee in this class is to perform pest control, herbicide and pesticide applications, cleanup, and maintenance of vehicles and spraying equipment. The work is performed under the direct supervision of the Weed and Pest Superintendent. The principal duties of this class are performed outdoors and may include working in adverse weather conditions and hazards involving the use of spraying equipment and hazardous chemicals.

Examples of Work (Illustrative Only)

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Surveys County in search of noxious weeds and gophers, including plotting and mapping problem sites and communicating with landowners regarding regulations pertaining to weed and gopher control;

• Reviews chemical labels and safety data sheets (SDS) and calculates chemical application concentrations and rates per acre and mixes chemicals based on correct proportions for the job;

• Operates motor vehicle with spraying equipment to perform safe application of herbicides and pesticides after assessing environmental and other conditions effecting the job;

• Assists with recording services to property owners noting extent of spraying operation, fees to be charged, and prepares and submits daily reports to Superintendent;

• Maintains, calibrates, and performs basic repairs on motorized, mechanical and application equipment;

• Conducts weed treatment and experimental control including collecting specimens of weeds for identification and study and maintaining weed identification records;

• Assists with training and supervision of seasonal applicators;

• Performs all work duties and activities in accordance with County policies, procedures, and safety practices;

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Applicable regulations and policies regarding safe work practices, including application of herbicides and pesticides;

• EPA guidelines and regulations;

• County geography;

• Customer service skills;

• Safe operation of basic power and hand tools;

• Basic maintenance procedures of motor vehicle;

• Safe and correct operation of a four-wheel drive vehicle.

Ability to:

• Work cooperatively and constructively with County employees and members of the public to provide public service of the highest quality and quantity;

• Follow written and oral instructions;

• Communicate effectively with members of the community and County employees regarding sensitive situations;

• Operate a motor vehicle, including four-wheel drive trucks;

• Operate, adjust, and monitor spraying equipment;

• Maintain spraying records, logs, and documentation;

• Operate general shop hand and power tools;

• Read and interpret road maps;

• Perform basic mathematical computations in determining percentages for chemical concentrations;

• Work in a potentially hazardous environment;

• Maintain an Idaho Professional Applicators license through recertification;

Acceptable Experience and Training

• High school diploma or GED equivalency is required and knowledge of agriculture is preferred;

• Two (2) years related work experience performing herbicide and/or pesticide application is preferred;

• Equivalent combination of experience and training may be considered.

Special Qualifications

• Idaho driver's license;

• First Aid and CPR certification may be required;

• Idaho Professional Applicators License (Laws and Safety, and Agricultural Herbicides);

• Must successfully complete a background investigation.

Essential Physical Abilities

• Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to discern verbal instructions and communicate effectively in person;

• Sufficient visual acuity, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to comprehend written work instructions, labels, and package instructions;

• Sufficient manual dexterity, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to operate a variety of applicator equipment, power and hand tools, adjust equipment, and operate a motor vehicle;

• Sufficient strength to lift objects in excess of 50 pounds;

• Sufficient body mobility, agility, and flexibility to perform maintenance and applicator operations and perform strenuous activities for extended periods of time in varied weather conditions.

Disclaimer:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the primary job responsibilities satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being assigned to this job. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of individuals in the job. This job description is not an employment agreement and/or an expressed or implied employment contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.

Canyon County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions related to recruitment and selection are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.