Job Summary 
This position serves as a Noxious Weed Specialist for the Grays Harbor Noxious Weed Control Board. This is a grant funded full-time position from January 2023 through June 2025, with extension subject to available funding. The Grays Harbor Noxious Weed Control Board is a local unit of government that operates within the Washington State University Extension office, located at 34 Elma McCleary Rd., Elma WA 98541. The Noxious Weed Board is governed by a board of locally appointed community members, representing five districts of the county. 

The Noxious Weed Specialist works with residents and land managers to assess, evaluate, plan, implement, and monitor practices to minimize the impact of invasive weeds on the economic, ecological, and social resources of our region. 

The Noxious Weed Specialist position provides technical assistance and project management to the Noxious Weed Program by supporting weed management, outreach, data management, and associated administrative tasks. The Noxious Weed Specialist must have a strong familiarity with invasive plants and their management, strong project management skills; data collection and management; the ability to work independently and as part of a team; and the ability to clearly communicate with Noxious Weed Board staff and project partners both verbally and in writing.

Essential Duties 
• Project development and management: Develop weed control projects throughout Grays Harbor County. Tasks will involve identifying and evaluating project sites, developing a management plan, implementing restoration efforts, coordinating with partners and contractors, documenting project activities, and monitoring results and outcomes. 
• Implementation of weed control activities: Implement a variety of weed control practices throughout Grays Harbor County. This will include implementation of weed control efforts using Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices including coordinating restoration contractors. Implementation of weed control activities may require working alone in rugged and undeveloped sites in remote locations. 
• Invasive plant surveys: Conduct invasive plant surveys throughout Grays Harbor County to evaluate and document infestations and their extent. The Noxious Weed Specialist must have familiarity with invasive and native plants. Surveys include recording information associated with priority species including size, location, percent cover, and distribution. 
• Public outreach and landowner assistance: Provide landowner education and outreach. Tasks will include one-on-one interactions with landowners, helping with the development of outreach materials, attending and participating in outreach events, teaching workshops, meeting with community groups and organizations, presenting information to the public, responding to public inquiries, and contacting landowners to coordinate weed control efforts. Administrative 
• Maintain positive working relationships: Responsible for maintaining a positive working relationship with partners, customers, coworkers, board directors, and other officials by being responsive and respectful with people having a diverse range of needs and cultural backgrounds. 
• Data management: Collect and manage data associated with invasive plant observations, site information, landowner interactions, and treatments. Tasks will include collecting data, analyzing data, ensuring data quality. Provide trainings and guidance to contractors and partners on the proper use of our mobile data platform. The Noxious Weed Specialist must have a working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, ESRI ArcGIS, and ESRI ArcGIS Online to assist with contractor assignment and data collection in the field. 
• Project reporting, documentation, & writing: Provide documentation and report writing in support of all Noxious Weed program activities. This includes documenting weed control activities and methods employed, preparing project summaries and reports, and providing regular and Board of Directors. 
• Grants and Contracting: Assist the Noxious Weed Program Manager in preparing grant proposals and contracts as needed to complete work. Specific tasks may include drafting grant proposals, developing project scopes, and reviewing grants, contracts, and agreements.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 
• Knowledge of the ecology and biology of native and invasive plant communities in western Washington. 
• Knowledge of conservation practices applicable to natural resource conservation on rural and urban properties. 
• Knowledge of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) control methods including but not limited to the use of manual, mechanical, cultural, and chemical control practices, as well as the safe and responsible operation of associated weed control equipment, herbicides, sprayers, and personal protection equipment (PPE); 
• Skill using computers and field-based technology for correspondence, data entry, data analysis and management using Microsoft Office Suite. 
• Skill using computers and field-based technology for GIS/GPS mapping, data collection, and management. 
• Skill in communicating and writing. 
• Skill in project management and coordination. 
• Ability to work collaboratively with partners. 
• Skill in grant and project reporting 
• Ability to work independently and as a part of a team. 
• Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle during daylight hours, after dark, and during inclement weather. 

REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, CERTIFICATIONS, AND QUALIFICATIONS 
• A Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, environmental science, weed science, natural resource management, or related science, and three years of comparable experience working for a natural resource organization, agency, or business; or five years of comparable experience working for a natural resource organization, agency, or business. 
• Experience working with on-the-ground implementation of conservation practices associated with invasive species/native plant ecology and management. • Experience collecting field data and maintaining field notes. 
• Must have a current Public Pesticide Applicator’s license or secure a license within three months of hire date. 
• Sufficient mobility and ability, with or without reasonable accommodations, to perform the physical functions of the job, both in the office and in the field.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL ABILITIES AND WORKING CONDITIONS 
• Work is performed in both an office environment and in the field. Office work involves significant time sitting at a computer station, keyboarding, standing at a table, and using typical office equipment. Physical requirements include adequate vision and sufficient manual dexterity to operate a computer, and the ability to sit for long periods, to stand, and to lift up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation. 
• Field work requires handling, mixing, and spraying herbicides and other chemicals that may be hazardous if mishandled. The ability to read and follow label requirements, and to safely handle herbicides and other chemicals in a variety of field conditions is essential. 
• Field work includes working in and around rugged locations such as rivers, streams, and ponds, properties with dense vegetation or woodlands, and other areas with steep, slippery, muddy, or rocky, or other hazardous terrains. The ability to walk and carry weight up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation on rough terrain and to work and drive in a variety of weather conditions is essential. 

The statements contained herein reflect general details describing the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skills typically required, and the scope of responsibility. They are not an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload. 

GRAYS HARBOR COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER