Weed & Forestry Technician

Overall Job Objective

What Success Looks Like In This Job

Under direction, participates in the identification and management of weed infestations, as well as perform a variety of duties involved in the implementation of a community forestry program on County owned Property, in parks and along trails and some roadways; participates in an integrated pest management program and tree management program. The person in this position provides responsible assistance to the Parks Weed and Forestry Crew Leader.

Examples of Duties for Success

The following statements are illustrative of the duties and responsibilities of the job. Adams County retains the right to modify or change the duties and responsibilities of the job at any time.

• Locate and identify weed infested areas; map and monitor progress of treated areas.
• Monitor and evaluate populations of noxious weeds/invasive species and make recommendations for management/suppression, using the most appropriate integrated pest management methods.
• Identify county, state, and federal requirements and regulations of various weed control management techniques, including all requirements relevant to pesticide storage, mixing, application, and disposal.
• Apply EPA restricted and non-restricted herbicides to county open spaces, roadsides, and private lands requiring enforcement procedures; control noxious weeds; determine type and amount of pesticides to be applied according to label. Gather information required by State and Federal agencies; maintain daily records of treated areas; prepare necessary records.
• Operate Weed and Forestry Department vehicles including one-ton vehicles, ATV's, and pickup trucks, chippers and trailers; assist in the calibration of herbicide application vehicles; perform minor maintenance.
• Assist in the production of maps of unincorporated Adams County for infestation of noxious weeds included on the County Noxious Weed List.
• Participate in the field activities of a team of urban forestry specialists and trainees, regular and seasonal laborers and equipment operators.
• Performs or assists in the planting, maintenance, and removal of trees, shrubs, flowers, and turf.
• Maintain knowledge and comply with all rules and regulations set by State and Federal agencies; report changes in rules and regulations to supervisory staff.
• Identify, control, and contain noxious weeds using integrated management techniques where feasible at parks, on trails, and on open space lands.
• Participate in the mapping activities of the County's tree inventory using field computers
• Assist the Weed and Forestry Supervisor in organizing weed management education functions.
• Assist with responses to hazardous materials spills and pesticide contamination events.
• Participate in tree surveys.
• Plant, Prune and maintain trees in accordance with International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) standards.
• Assist park maintenance crews in construction and park maintenance projects, including the use of hand and power tools and the operation of heavy equipment.
• Perform other related duties and responsibilities as required.

Qualifications for Success

• Operations, services, and activities of a grounds, trails, and parks maintenance program.
• Rules, regulations, and laws related to weed control, pest control and forestry.
• Properties of pesticides and pesticide safety standards.
• Principles and practices used in the application of pesticides to control weeds and other designated pests.
• General knowledge of plant families and plant ecology.
• Principles of record keeping and report preparation in accordance with the Colorado Pesticide Applicator's Act.
• Safe driving principles and practices.
• Operational hazards and standard safety practices necessary in the area of assigned work.
• Mathematical principles.
• Operation, calibration, repair, and care of related equipment.
• Work independently with minimum supervision.
• Apply pesticides in accordance with Colorado Department of Agriculture guidelines.
• Produce accurate maps.
• Effectively communicate with landowners.
• Accurately determine amount of pesticide to be applied (measurement of liquids, ratios).
• Identify noxious weeds, locations, and extent of infestations in Adams County; interpret, navigate, and map infestations effectively using topographical maps and Geographical Information Systems.
• Successfully meet continuing education requirements to maintain pesticide applicator certification by the Colorado Department of Agriculture.
• Maintain accurate records.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
• Basic budgeting principles and practices.
• Chemical pesticides and herbicides and their use.
• County policies, procedures, and codes related to grounds maintenance.
• Operate and maintain the full range of mechanical and chemical parks equipment.
• Perform facility cleaning, maintenance, and repair work independently.
• Forestry principles, practices and their application.
• Recent developments, current literature, and sources of information regarding parks maintenance and construction.
• Understand and follow written and oral instructions.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Use and operate hand tools, mechanical equipment, and power tools and equipment.
• Computer Skills: Basic Microsoft Office skills.
• Handle conflict in an appropriate manner.
• Certified to perform basic first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and ability to properly operate an automated external defibrillator (AED).
• Operate basic office equipment including a personal computer and related software.

More Qualifications for Success

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities may be considered.

• Experience: Two (2) years of increasingly responsible experience in forestry, landscape maintenance, pesticide application and/or related field.
• Education and Training: High School Diploma or GED equivalent
• License or Certificate:
  • Certified Qualified Supervisor in the categories of Rangeland Weed Control, and Industrial/Right-of-Way Weed Control (additional categories are desirable but not required).
  • Possession of, or the ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid driver's license
  • Possession of, or ability to obtain certificates in first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and the operation of an automated external defibrillator (AED) within six (6) months of employment .
• Background Check: Must pass a criminal background check.

Essential duties require the following physical abilities :

• The employee frequently is required to sit, stand, walk, kneel, crouch, squat, stoop, reach, crawl, twist, climb, and lift an/or move 100 pounds.
• Exposure to noise, outdoors, electrical hazards, dust, chemicals and mechanical hazards.

Work Environment:

• This position requires frequent exposure to all types of weather conditions.
• This position requires exposure to noise, outdoors, confined work spaces, electrical hazards, vibrations, chemicals, dust and mechanical hazards

Special Requirements:

• Availability for on-call and stand-by call.
• This position requires shift work, on-call and nights/weekend shift work.
• Ability to respond during an emergency or during extreme weather events including wind, rain, snow or ice.
• Assist in the preparation and operation of the Adams County Fair and other special events as assigned.