Noxious Weed Control Specialist I - $19.26 - $24.41 Hourly

NOXIOUS WEED CONTROL SPECIALIST I

Apply online at http://www.kingcounty.gov/jobs

King County is committed to equity and diversity in the workplace. In addition, the county is committed to recruiting and maintaining a quality workforce that shares our guiding principles: collaborative, service-oriented, results-focused, accountable, innovative, professional and fair and just.

OPENING DATE/TIME: 12/21/10 12:00 AM (GMT -8:00)
CLOSING DATE/TIME: 01/28/11 04:30 PM (GMT -8:00)
SALARY: $19.26 - $24.41 Hourly
LOCATION: King Street Center - 201 S Jackson St, Seattle
JOB TYPE: Career Service, Full Time, 40 hrs/week
DEPARTMENT: Department of Natural Resources & Parks - Water and Land Resources Division
JOB NUMBER: 2010MK01326

SUMMARY:
WHO MAY APPLY: Open to all qualified applicants

The King County Noxious Weed Control Program works to prevent and reduce the economic, environmental and social impacts of noxious weeds in King County. The program’s focus is to achieve voluntary control of noxious weeds through education and technical assistance to landowners. Where this fails, regulatory compliance procedures may be used.

The persons hired for these positions will work closely with the Noxious Weed Control Program Manager, other agencies and private landowners to develop and implement noxious weed control activities in a defined region of the county. The person will be responsible for the noxious weed control outputs in that region.

For more information about the Program, please see: http://www.kingcounty.gov/environment/animalsAndPlants/noxious-weeds.aspx

For questions regarding this position: michelle.kobuki@kingcounty.gov

WORK SCHEDULE: This position is based on a 40-hour workweek and is not exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is therefore overtime eligible. The workweek is normally 8:00a.m. - 5:00p.m. Monday through Friday. Attendance at meetings outside of normal working hours may be required.


Note:
These benefit eligible, seasonal Full Time Equivalent (FTE) positions work seasonally - approximately 7-8 months per year (typically March - November).

JOB DUTIES:

PRIMARY JOB DUTIES INCLUDE:

Conduct field surveys to identify, document and map noxious weed infestations.
Frequent contact with landowners, providing information and technical assistance in plant identification and control options
Communications with landowners to notify them of weed infestations, regulatory compliance requirements, and to provide educational and technical services regarding weed management.
Respond to requests for weed management information from citizens and landowners.
Maintain data in program databases (spatial and relational databases).
Prepare written reports, letters and enforcement notices.
Conduct and or gather research on the best methods for control or eradication of noxious weeds
Participate directly in weed control activities, including the physical removal of
Facilitates weed management efforts by working with volunteer and landowner groups
Coordinate noxious weed management projects involving a range of stakeholders
Conduct community outreach, public presentations training and educational events. Throughout the year, may serve at public events and fairs to answer questions about noxious weeds. Will also provide workshops and presentations throughout the year.

EXPERIENCE, QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS:

At least 2 years of college-level training in plant biology, natural sciences, natural resource management, weed identification and/or related field (experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis).
Ability to identify noxious weeds found in Washington. Knowledge of noxious weed taxonomy, biology, and impacts.
Familiarity with integrated pest management and weed control methods. Demonstrated field experience and expertise in managing noxious weed infestations and their impacts to natural resources (including the use of herbicides where appropriate).
Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate with the public on difficult, sensitive and technical issues, both verbally and in writing.
Knowledge of Washington State Noxious Weed Control Law and other relevant local, state and federal laws.
Experience in implementing regulatory compliance and enforcement procedures.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team, coordinating with others to facilitate teamwork.
Ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously under tight deadlines, prioritizing work and managing own time.
Proficiency with Microsoft Access databases, ArcGIS, Global Positioning Systems (GPS), and Microsoft Office applications

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT(S):
· A final offer of employment will be contingent upon successfully passing a pre-employment physical.
· Possession of a valid Washington State Driver's license prior to employment.
· Ability to conduct noxious weed surveys from a car, and on foot over terrain of varying difficulty, including steep areas and dense vegetation.
· Ability to control noxious weeds using Integrated Pest Management methods. Exposure to inclement weather conditions expected.
· Must be able to travel and work occasional evenings and weekends.
· Must be able to obtain a Washington State Public Pesticide Operator license within 30 days of hire.

For More Information Visit http://agency.governmentjobs.com/kingcounty/default.cfm?action=viewJob&jobID=283697&hit_count=yes