<\/p>\n
Nature & Purpose of the Position<\/p>\n
Pierce Conservation District\u2019s Invasive Plant Program is seeking up to five seasonal full-time Invasive Plant Technicians. Technicians will primarily or exclusively assist the program by implementing the control of invasive knotweed plants in the field during the summer of 2020. Their work will constitute one of the largest and most established riparian knotweed control programs in the region. The primary responsibility of the Invasive Plant Technician will be to operate as part of a crew treating known patches of knotweed along the Upper Nisqually River and along South Prairie\/Wilkeson Creeks, primarily through herbicide applications.<\/p>\n
The ideal candidate will enjoy working exclusively outside, perform well on a team, be familiar with native and non-native plant identification, and have a demonstrated interest in conservation ecology. Successful technicians will be thorough, able to quickly learn and adhere to protocols, have attention to detail, practice good communication, and adapt well to changing circumstances.<\/p>\n
About the Pierce Conservation District<\/p>\n
Pierce Conservation District is government that works. We work strategically and passionately to conserve and restore the natural resources of Pierce County. Our work improves both rural and urban communities to benefit the health and well-being of our citizens. We work in five core program areas: Farm Assistance, Water Quality Improvement, Habitat Restoration, Urban Agriculture, and Environmental Education. The District works for clean water, healthy soil, salmon recovery and local food access for all. When you join the Pierce Conservation District, you join a team of talented and committed people who are mission-driven and care deeply about improving our environment and our community.<\/p>\n
Primary Job Responsibilities<\/p>\n
The Invasive Plant Technician reports to the Invasive Plant Program Manager, and is responsible for the following:<\/p>\n
Learn, and practice daily, appropriate pesticide handling and application techniques and protocols (primarily foliar spray applications and associated tasks)
\nUse appropriate protocol to treat known knotweed stands using herbicide along the Upper Nisqually River and its tributaries, South Prairie\/Wilkeson Creeks and their tributaries, and other project sites as needed
\nAssist with the daily completion of project and herbicide application records
\nSearch thoroughly for knotweed infestations within the project area
\nUse digital handheld maps (ArcGIS Collector) to navigate in-field as well as to map and survey knotweed stands and other features
\nPrepare and maintain project equipment and supplies
\nCommunicate effectively with the crew lead and\/or Program Manager regarding site conditions, progress, and challenges
\nIdentify and prepare restoration planting sites formerly infested by knotweed
\nOccasionally assist with miscellaneous administrative, clerical, and\/or outreach facets of the project
\nQualifications<\/p>\n
We\u2019re seeking candidates who possess the following:<\/p>\n
Ability to work efficiently, systematically, and positively as part of a crew; as well as independently
\nKnowledge and experience in environmental studies and Puget Sound plant species identification (native and non-native)
\nInterest in, and commitment to, salmon restoration, natural resource enhancement, and\/or environmental education
\nAbility to hike up to several miles per day in streams or over uneven terrain with a 24+ lb. backpack sprayer
\nWillingness to work near fast-moving water with exposure to insects and other environmental hazards
\nAbility to work safely outside in remote locations
\nAbility to work outside in inclement and\/or hot weather (while wearing personal protective equipment)
\nAbility to provide appropriate field gear for self (i.e. durable clothing, rubber boots, etc.)
\nAbility to maintain accurate records regarding project sites, application details, timekeeping, and authorized expenses
\nService-oriented attitude and constructive problem-solving skills
\nStrong oral and written communication skills
\nDesired Skills<\/p>\n
A WSDA Public Operator\u2019s pesticide license with an Aquatics Pest Control endorsement, or the ability to quickly obtain one
\nExperience with noxious weed identification, ecology, and management
\nExperience with herbicide practices and protocols
\nWorking knowledge of GPS units and GIS programs
\nValid driver\u2019s license, insurance, and ability to operate a 4-wheel drive vehicle
\nPhysical Requirements and Working Conditions<\/p>\n
This is a full-time seasonal position, with a fixed term of July 6 \u2013 September 17. Technicians will work 40 hours\/week, Monday \u2013 Thursday, 7:00 a.m. \u2013 5:30 p.m.<\/p>\n
Technicians will report to one of three work sites each day, per the schedule below:<\/p>\n
July 6: Pierce Conservation District office, Puyallup
\nJuly 7 – August 20: Ashford
\nAugust 24 – September 17: South Prairie<\/p>\n
Work takes place almost exclusively outdoors, in or near forested or rural streams, on a variety of private and public lands (some of which are quite remote). The technician may be exposed to typical hazards encountered at such work sites.<\/p>\n
The technician must be physically capable of carrying a 24+ lb backpack through sometimes densely vegetated and\/or uneven terrain, walking up to several miles per day.<\/p>\n
Licenses, Certificates & Other Requirements<\/p>\n
Valid Washington State driver’s license at time of appointment with maintenance thereafter
\nPreferred: WSDA Public Operator\u2019s pesticide license with Aquatics endorsement
\nCompensation & Benefits<\/p>\n
The compensation for this position is $19-$26\/hour, depending on experience. There are no medical or other benefits. Holidays will be observed without pay. One hour of paid sick leave is accrued per each 40 hours worked (RCW 49.46.210). Families First Coronavirus Response Act Employee Paid Leave laws will be observed.<\/p>\n
Personal Protective Equipment will be provided. Hip waders and\/or chest waders will be provided for the duration of the employment term.<\/p>\n
Our Coronavirus Response<\/p>\n
Pierce Conservation District is committed to the health and safety of our employees and our community. We are currently adapting our methods to prioritize this and to maintain compliance with governmental coronavirus protection guidelines while completing a high level of valuable resource conservation work. We are optimistic that these positions will be in compliance with internal standards and government regulations at the time; and we are dedicated to modifying conditions within our control to offer and maintain them. Despite this, the availability and conditions of these positions may be subject to change in response to circumstances outside of our control.<\/p>\n
To Apply<\/p>\n
Pierce Conservation District is an equal opportunity employer – we make an effort to recruit people of color and individuals from diverse backgrounds for open positions.<\/p>\n
Follow the \u201cApply Now\u201d link and fill out the form, attaching both a cover letter and resume complete with three (3) professional references.<\/p>\n
APPLY NOW<\/p>\n
Applications open until: 11:30 p.m. on June 8, 2020.
\nPosition Start Date: July 6th, 2020<\/p>\n
Contact Information<\/p>\n
Kate Terpstra (she\/her)
\nInvasive Plant Program Manager
\nKateT@PierceCD.org<\/p>\n
PO Box 1057 I 308 W Stewart Ave I Puyallup, WA 98371<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":23918,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mi_skip_tracking":false,"_s2mail":"yes"},"categories":[14,15],"tags":[19,13,27,8,9,20],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.evergreen.edu\/mesweekly\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32910"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.evergreen.edu\/mesweekly\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.evergreen.edu\/mesweekly\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.evergreen.edu\/mesweekly\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.evergreen.edu\/mesweekly\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=32910"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/sites.evergreen.edu\/mesweekly\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32910\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.evergreen.edu\/mesweekly\/wp-json\/"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.evergreen.edu\/mesweekly\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=32910"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.evergreen.edu\/mesweekly\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=32910"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.evergreen.edu\/mesweekly\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=32910"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}