Job Information
Skagit County Noxious Weed Aide in Mount Vernon, Washington
Assist the Skagit County Noxious Weed Board in controlling invasive Knotweed and Spartina species that threaten our riparian and shoreline habitats. This position is responsible for controlling these invasive species using Integrated Pest Management Strategies including the use of herbicide. This position will also gain experience collecting and handling data.
*This is a seasonal position anticipated to work, with flexibility on start and end dates, from May through September 2023 -- approximately 35 to 40 hours per week, contingent upon grant funding. 6:30 am to 5:00 pm, Monday- Thursday depending on crew availability, travel, tides, weather, and project location. May be required to work Friday as needed. May be required to travel long distances to participate in Multi-jurisdictional cooperative efforts. *
Essential Functions:
Looks for, controls, and eradicates noxious weeds throughout Skagit County, from Alger to Conway, from Anacortes to Newhalem.
Building and developing experience with collecting GPS data on noxious weeds utilizing iForm and ESRI Fieldmaps applications.
Works in a variety of environments including logging roads, forest properties, streams, and marshes.Travels the Skagit River and its tributaries by boat and on foot for noxious weed control.
Applies necessary herbicides and surfactants, as directed and according to Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Strategies .
Preforms manual noxious weed removal (Hand pulling, Brush cutting, Mowing)
Primarily controls Knotweed spp. and Spartina spp. in aquatic environments.
Maintains weed management equipment including boats, trailers, vehicles, a variety of application tools including electric backpack sprayers, and brush cutters.
Attends meetings, as required, by the Noxious Weed Coordinator.
Attends regular safety classes.
Some data handling required.
OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:
Performs related duties as assigned. Related duties as required are duties that may not be specifically listed in the Position Description but are within the general occupational series and responsibility level typically associated with the employee's classification of work.
Minimum Qualifications:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical path to obtain the required qualifications would be:
- High school diploma or G.E.D.
- Related experience preferred.
Environmental or Agricultural studies/enthusiasts preferred.
*REQUIRES KNOWLEDGE OF: *
Plant materials
- Noxious weeds
- Herbicides
REQUIRES THE ABILITY TO:
- Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
Lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
LICENSES and/or CERTIFICATIONS:
Possess a valid Washington State driver's license at time of hire and throughout employment.
- Pesticide Applicators License preferred but not required
Willing to obtain pesticide applicators license
WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Work is performed both in office and outdoor environments at various sites within Skagit County. Adverse weather conditions are common.