Weed and Pest Technician - Canyon County

This is a full time, temporary position. Starting hourly wage is $18.00 to 20.00 per hour.

General Statement of Duties

Performs entry level semi-skilled and skilled duties to assist with the County weed and gopher control program; performs related work as required.

Classification Summary

The primary function of an employee in this class is to perform herbicide and pesticide applications, cleanup, and basic maintenance of vehicles and spraying equipment. The work is performed under the direct supervision of the Lead Weed and Gopher Control Applicator. The principal duties of this class are performed outdoors and may include working in adverse weather conditions and hazards involving the use of spraying equipment, hazardous chemicals, and gopher traps.

Examples of Work (Illustrative Only)

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assists to survey County in search of noxious weeds and gophers, including plotting and mapping problem sites, and communicating with landowners regarding regulations pertaining to weed and gopher control;
• Calculates chemical application concentrations and rates per acre and mixes chemicals based on correct proportions for the job;
• Operates spraying equipment to perform safe application of herbicides and pesticides after assessing environmental and other conditions affecting the job;
• Assists with recording services to property owners noting extent of spraying operation, fees to be charged, and prepares and submits daily reports to Superintendent;
• Maintains and performs basic repairs on motorized, mechanical, and application equipment;
• Conducts weed treatment and experimental control including collecting specimens of weeds for identification and study and maintaining weed identification records;
• Performs all work duties and activities in accordance with County policies, procedures, and safety practices.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• Extensive travel time throughout the County;
• Performs other related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Applicable regulations and policies regarding safe work practices, including application of herbicides and pesticides;
• County geography;
• Safe operation of basic power and hand tools;
• Basic maintenance procedures on a motor vehicle;
• Safe and correct operation of a four-wheel drive vehicle.

Ability to:

• Follow written and oral instructions;
• Operate a motor vehicle, including four-wheel drive trucks;
• Operate, adjust, and monitor spraying equipment;
• Maintain spraying records, logs, and documentation;
• Operate general shop hand and power tools;
• Read and interpret road maps;
• Perform basic mathematical computations in determining percentages for chemical concentrations;
• Work in a potentially hazardous environment;
• Obtain an Idaho Professional Applicators license;
• Communicate effectively with the public and other employees including in sensitive situations.

Acceptable Experience and Training

• High school diploma or GED equivalency is required and some knowledge of agriculture is preferred; or
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the knowledge and abilities necessary to perform the work;
• Must successfully complete a background investigation.

Special Qualifications

• Idaho driver’s license;
• First Aid and CPR certification may be required;
• Idaho Professional Applicators License.

Essential Physical Abilities

• Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to discern verbal instructions and communicate effectively in person;
• Sufficient visual acuity, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to comprehend written work instructions;
• Sufficient manual dexterity, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to operate a variety of applicator equipment, power and hand tools, make adjustments to equipment, and drive a motor vehicle;
• Sufficient strength to lift objects in excess of 50 pounds;
• Sufficient body mobility, agility, and flexibility to perform maintenance and applicator operations and perform strenuous activities for extended periods of time in varied weather conditions.

EOE Statement

Canyon County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions related to recruitment and selection are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.