HomeMy WebLinkAboutWSU Extension Noxious Weed Control Field Inspector
JEFFERSON COUNTY
Job Description
Job Title: Noxious Weed Control Field Inspector
Department: Jefferson County Extension
Reports To: WSU - Jefferson County Extension Director and JCNWCB
FLSA Exempt: No
Union: No
Job Type: Seasonal, Part-time – 6-months
Salary: $19.00-$21.00 DOE, Work up to 69 hrs / month
SUMMARY:
The Field Inspector is responsible for identifying noxious weeds, collecting data, communicating with
landowners, prescribing control methods, handling and applying herbicides, documenting treatments,
attending educational events, participating in workshops and training courses, following the rules and
regulations set by the Jefferson County Noxious Weed Control Board and the Jefferson County Policy,
working with partner organizations and organizing educational and volunteer events.
Typical Duties
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.
Conduct field inspections and surveys for noxious weeds within the county boundaries as
assigned to assist with noxious weed control enforcement according to 17.10 RCW. Inspections
may require walking in forested, agricultural and unpaved areas.
Conduct consultations 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.
Keep accurate records of all property visits and surveys data.
Physically remove and dispose of unwanted vegetation and noxious weeds.
Provide general and technical education to the public and landowners about noxious weed control
through seminars, speaking engagements, and other means as appropriate.
Maintain the necessary reports and other paperwork needed by the Board, the Board of County
Commissioners, and County Road Department.
Keeps workplace, equipment, and vehicles in a clean and organized manner.
Able to occasionally adjust work hours if necessary due to the nature of the work and the
program’s needs.
In the absence of the Noxious Weed Control Coordinator, coordinates 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.
Professionalism - approaches others in a tactful manner; reacts well under pressure; treats others
with respect; accepts responsibility for own actions; follows through on commitments.
Quality - 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 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, 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.
Option to obtain a Washington State Public Pesticide Operator/Public Pest Control Consultant
license for both land and aquatic application of pesticides. Current license is desirable.
OTHER DESIREABLE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of RCW 17.10
GIS or similar mapping tools
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 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 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this
job include close vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
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 quiet to 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
This job description does 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.