HomeMy WebLinkAboutWSU Extension - Noxious Weed Control AssistantJEFFERSON COUNTY
Job Description
Job Title: Noxious Weed Control Assistant
Department: Jefferson County Extension
Reports To: WSU - Jefferson County Extension Director and JCNWCB
FLSA Exempt: No
UNION:
BBP:
Salary Level:
Location:
Approved By:
Approved Date:
UFCW
Yes
Grade 20
WSU Extension Office
Human Resources Manager
January 2021
SUMMARY:
Delivers and presents effective education and information dissemination programs to the public
regarding the prevention of noxious weed invasions and removal. Education may include, when
necessary, the safe and responsible use of herbicides to assure that the health of humans and the
environment are safeguarded. Understands the legal authority and requirements of the program,
and interacts with relevant county, state, and federal and private agencies and entities in the conduct
of the program.
Conducts consultations and inspections with land -owners to identify weeds and offer vegetation
management recommendations and education on general weed control. Physically removes and
disposes of unwanted vegetation and noxious weeds.
Works under the lead of the Noxious Weed Control Coordinator and follows the overall direction of
the Jefferson County Noxious Weed Control Board.
Scope of Responsibility:
The person filling this position is normally expected to operate from specific as well as general
guidelines and procedures. Work situations are diverse, from in -office to fieldwork. The position
requires the application of an array of educational and community outreach techniques and skills to
foster widespread understanding of noxious weed control. General supervision is provided by the
Jefferson County Noxious Weed Control Board and the WSU Jefferson County Extension Director.
Essential Functions
• Develop a thorough knowledge of the ecology and physiology of noxious weeds in Jefferson
County.
• Maintain a thorough knowledge about methods of controlling noxious weeds in Jefferson
County, including biological, chemical, mechanical and other sound land management
practices that minimize the establishment and spread of noxious weeds.
• Assist in implementing a sound overall noxious weed control program, including working
with local non-profit organizations as assigned.
• Provide general and technical education to the public and landowners about noxious weed
control through seminars, speaking engagements, and other means as appropriate.
■ Assist in administering the State Noxious Weed Control Law (RCW 17.10) by working with
landowners to achieve voluntary weed control compliance. This includes, when necessary,
assisting in enforcement procedures as allowed by law to achieve compliance.
• Respond to inquiries and complaints about noxious weeds within Jefferson County.
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■ Conduct consultations or inspections with public agencies, owners of recreational grounds and
private property owners to identify weeds and offer vegetation management recommendations
and education on general weed control. Consultations and inspections may require walking in
forested, agricultural and unpaved areas.
• Physically remove and dispose of unwanted vegetation and noxious weeds.
• Assist in recruiting, training, and coordinating the efforts of volunteers, Noxious Weed
Control Board members and employees who assist with noxious weed identification,
surveying, mapping, and control in Jefferson County.
■ Assist in maintaining the necessary reports and other paperwork needed by the Board, the
Board of County Commissioners, and County Road Department.
■ Other similar duties, as assigned.
ADDITIONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Include the following:
• In the absence of the Noxious Weed Control Coordinator, may coordinate the Jefferson
County Noxious Weed Control Board meetings and public hearings.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: None.
COMPETENCY: To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate competency
in the following:
• Project Management - manages project team activities.
• Technical Skills - pursues training and development opportunities; strives to continuously
build knowledge and skills; shares expertise with others.
■ Customer Service - manages difficult or emotional customer situations; responds promptly
to customer needs; responds to requests for service and assistance; meets commitments.
• Interpersonal Skills - maintains confidentiality; listens to others; keeps emotions under
control; remains open to other's ideas.
• Oral Communication - speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations;
listens and gets clarification; responds well to questions; participates in meetings; displays
competence in public speaking.
• Written Communication - writes clearly and informatively; edits work for spelling and
grammar; able to read and interpret written information including legal documents, laws,
legislative bills.
■ Teamwork - balances team and individual responsibilities; exhibits objectivity and openness
to others views; contributes to building a positive team spirit.
• Diversity - demonstrates knowledge of EEO policy; shows respect and sensitivity for
cultural differences; promotes a harassment -free environment.
• Ethics - treats people with respect; keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; works
with integrity and ethically; upholds organizational values.
• Organizational Support - follows policies and procedures; completes administrative tasks
correctly and on time; supports organization's goals and values; supports affirmative action
and respects diversity.
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• Professionalism - approaches others in a tactful manner; reacts well under pressure; treats
others with respect; accepts responsibility for own actions; follows through on
commitments.
■ Qualit - demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; monitors own work to ensure quality.
• Quantity - meets productivity standards; completes work in timely manner; works quickly.
• Safety and Security - observes safety and security procedures; reports potentially unsafe
conditions; uses equipment and materials properly.
• Adaptability - adapts to changes in the work environment; able to deal with frequent change,
delays, or unexpected events.
■ Attendance/Punctuality - is consistently at work and on time; ensures work responsibilities
are covered when absent; arrives at meetings and appointments on time.
• Dependability. - follows instructions and responds to management direction; keeps
commitments; completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.
• Initiative - asks for and offers help when needed.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully an individual must be able to
perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the
knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable
individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
Associates degree in environmental science, environmental studies, natural resource
management or related field is required. Bachelor's degree in environmental studies,
environmental science, natural resource management or related field preferred. One year of
related work experience, such as in the horticultural field, landscaping, or agriculture, can
substitute for a degree.
LANGUAGE SKILLS
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common professional and technical journals,
evaluations, etc. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers,
regulatory agencies, or members of the business community. Ability to effectively present
information to public groups, and boards and committees.
MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as area, circumference, and volume. Ability to
apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
REASONING ABILITY
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or
diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
COMPUTER SKILLS
To perform this job successfully an individual should have knowledge of internet software,
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Excel spreadsheet software and word processing software. Experience with GIS is
desirable.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:
• Possess a valid Washington State Drivers' License.
• Ability to maintain current Defensive Driving certification.
• Ability to maintain current CPR and First Aid certifications.
• Must possess, or obtain within 90 days after hiring, and keep valid, a Washington State
Public Pesticide Operator/Public Pest Control Consultant license for both land and aquatic
application of pesticides.
OTHER KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
• Knowledge of RCW 17.10
• Understanding of the legal authority and requirements of the program.
• Ability to schedule meetings for the public and the Noxious Weed Control Board
• Adequate working knowledge of the Noxious Weeds of Jefferson County, and methods of
control.
• Effective oral and written communication skills including the ability to speak effectively
and persuasively in a variety of settings and to diverse audiences.
• Good record -keeping skills.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee
to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be
made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The
employee is required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or
controls; reach with hands and arms, and to climb or balance. The employee is required to be able
to walk three miles on uneven ground. The employee must be able to lift and/or move up to 35
pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and the
ability to adjust focus. In addition, there may be situations where the incumbent will need to pull
weeds him or herself, and dispose of those weeds appropriately.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee
encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may
be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The noise level in the office or field work environment is usually moderate.
Some fieldwork will occur on roadsides, or in open space, agricultural, forested, wetland, shoreline,
or riverine environments, in potentially adverse weather conditions (wet, cold, or hot), and on
uneven ground.
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This job description floes not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and
employee, and is subject to change as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job
change.