Thurston County Public Works is recruiting for a Noxious Weed Specialist II to join our dynamic, energetic, and innovative team. The successful candidate enjoys engaging with the public and delivering technical information in a way that is easily understood and can work collaboratively and independently, managing complex projects and assignments. This position is responsible for participating and leading large noxious weed management projects and will work both in an office setting and in the field.
 
 Essential functions may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Survey county and identify noxious weed infestations.
• Notify landowners and provide technical education, consultation, weed identification, and vegetation management recommendations.
• Identify landowners using government records, mapping systems and/or contact with neighbors.
• Coordinate and oversee volunteers and/or contractors performing weed control activities.
• Report possible enforcement actions pursuant to State Noxious Weed Control Law (RCW 17.10), and the Thurston County Noxious Weed Control Board’s rules and regulations.
• Treat weed infestations using manual and chemical methods.
• Collect, enter, and interpret data associated with weed infestations and herbicide applications.

• Accountability – We take responsibility for our actions and the resulting outcomes.
• Customer Service – We provide our customers with the highest level of service and quality.
• Innovation – We strive to continuously improve processes, performance, and results.
• Safety – We demonstrate an uncompromising commitment to safety.
• Teamwork – We work together toward achieving a common recognized end.  

• Work-Life Balance: We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individual’s lifestyle. 
• Plan For Your Future: As a member of our team, you will enjoy great employee benefits, including a retirement plan, pre-tax savings accounts, as well as comprehensive health care and dental/vision care for you and your family. Please visit Benefits 2024 Thurston County Employee Benefit Plans website for more information.  
• Paid Leave: Full-time regular employees earn a minimum of 12 paid vacation days per year in addition to 11 paid holidays. 
• Robust Training Program: Employees are encouraged to attend County paid training to help them further their career, learn new skill sets, and stay on top of emerging trends in our industry. We also encourage our staff to participate in professional organizations and attend conferences.  
• Flexible Work Schedules:  Some of the options that employees may take advantage of include alternative or compressed schedules and/or remote working.
• Deferred Compensation: The County offers 3 voluntary deferred compensation plans for employees who would like to set aside additional deferred tax dollars into a retirement savings plan. 
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Employees can take advantage of Section 125 flexible spending accounts for out-of-pocket health care and daycare expenses with pre-tax dollars.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness: This is a federal program that allows full-time public service employees who have made 120 qualifying payments for certain loans, to get their student loans repaid. Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Ecology, Agriculture or other closely related field. Professional level environmental experience may be substituted for up to two years of educational requirement.
• Four (4) years of environmental program experience including budget management, grant writing and grant administration. Must include one (1) year of supervisory experience.   
• Ability to utilize a personal computer with applicable software associated with the position.
• Current Washington State Driver’s License.
• Current Washington State Pesticide Consultant/Operator license with aquatic, right-of-way, and agricultural endorsements, within six months of hire.

• Ability to work both collaboratively and independently.
• Knowledge of botany and plant identification skills.
• Understanding of County vegetation management policy and Noxious Weed Control Program.
• Understanding of State Noxious Weed Law, Federal and State pesticide laws, and applicable regulations.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally with all levels within the organization.
• Ability to deliver technical information in a way that is easily understood.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of individuals and groups including customers in high stress situations.
• Demonstrated knowledge and efficiency with GPS/GIS, ACCESS databases and other Microsoft Office software programs and applications.

Questions about this recruitment?
The contact person for this recruitment is Tim Wilson, Water Resources Division Manager, 360-786-5831.
  
 This position is:

• Represented by a Union
• Eligible for overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
• Eligible for benefits

• Application
• Resume
• Letter of Interest
• Supplemental Questions