Who May Apply: Any Qualified Applicant
Employment Status: Casual – 40 hrs. per week
Salary Range: $21.43-$28.80/hr.
Posting Opens: Open Until Filled

POSITION SUMMARY
Under close supervision, acts as a team member to develop and implement the County’s noxious weed control-management program for the Lewis County Noxious Weed Control Board. Respond to information requests and noxious weed reports/complaints from residents and landowners. Provide information to the public about noxious weed control projects. Conduct field surveys to identify, document and map noxious weed infestations. This is a temporary position with projected staffing dates of May through October.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.
• Conduct field surveys to identify, document, and map noxious weed infestations, utilizing GIS & other software.
• Maintain and file complete and accurate records of information for field activities, utilizing Microsoft Office suite & other required software.
• Assist and participate in weed control activities, primarily being the application of chemical herbicides in variable field settings, but also including physical removal and other methods as necessary.
• Respond to information requests and noxious weed reports/complaints from residents and landowners.
• Provide information to the public about noxious weed control projects.
• Assist with managing weed program outreach display materials
• Assist with outreach activities and educational events.
• Assist with other duties as assigned, including responding to requests by email and phone.
• Work with municipal and public agency staff, as well as contractors to achieve control of noxious weeds on public lands.
• Support weed management efforts by working with volunteer and landowner groups.
• Perform job duties in compliance with laws, rules, regulations, and other standards.
• Represent the County to the public, as well as private organizations and schools on weed reduction issues.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Work is performed in a standard office environment as well as outdoors at off-site field environments with exposure to inclement weather, safety hazards, power tools, other equipment, and chemical herbicides; work involves moderate physical demands and must possess strength sufficient to lift and move items weighing up to fifty (50) pounds.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS
High School Graduate or GED Certificate and a minimum of one year’s college credit in plant biology, natural sciences, natural resource management, weed identification, and/or related field.

A valid Driver’s License is required. Must obtain a WA State Pesticide Applicator’s License and the necessary endorsements within 60 days of hire.
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

Knowledge of:
• Lewis County policies and procedures.
• Washington State Noxious Weed Control Law and other local, state and federal laws and regulations that relate to noxious weed control activities in Lewis County.
• Integrated pest management and weed control methods, including impacts from invasive plants.
• Field equipment, including safe operation and field maintenance of equipment such as hand tools, brush cutters, backpacks, and power sprayers.
• Ecological or agricultural theory, systems, and practices.

Skills in:
• Maintaining accurate records & data entry.
• Operating a personal computer utilizing standard and specialized software.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with co-workers.
• Communicating effectively and following verbal and written instructions.
• Effective communication with private landowners and other members of the public, as well as related conflict de-escalation techniques.
• Working independently and as part of a team with diverse backgrounds, and coordinating with others to facilitate teamwork and program objectives.
• Maintaining safety while working with potentially hazardous chemicals.
• Navigating forested backroads and operating four-wheel-drive vehicles in suboptimal conditions.
• Identifying noxious weeds, native plants, and common ornamental plants in Washington State.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
The following items are REQUIRED for your application to be considered complete and for you to be considered for this recruitment. Note: ALL sections of the application must be complete. “See resume” is not acceptable.

  • Lewis County Employment Application
  • Authorization to Release Information
  • Cover Letter
  • Resume

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
► High School Graduate or GED Certificate and one year’s college credits toward Associate’s Degree program in Bio Science, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field, or current student in same course work, or one year’s work experience in environmental science and natural resources field.
► A valid Driver’s License is required.
► Specific technical training and certifications in pesticide application from the Washington State Department of Agriculture may be required.

WHO MAY APPLY
This recruitment is open to any qualified applicant who meets the minimum qualifications and can perform the essential functions, with or without accommodations, and possesses the knowledge, skills and abilities as identified in the job description.

HOW TO APPLY
Application materials and job description are available online at https://jobs.lewiscountywa.gov/. Application packets may be requested by calling 360-740-1408.

All application materials must be received in the Weed or Human Resource Department.