Job Description

Posting number: 03060

Department: Weed, Pest & Mosquito Abatement

Job classification: Field Technician I - WPM

Posting type: Open

Categories: Community Services, Environmental Services, Facility Management, Agriculture, Parks and Recreation, Miscellaneous, Land Use, Natural Resources, Grounds & Landscaping

Ada County is a great place to work! We have more than 2100 employees dedicated to enhancing our community’s quality of life. Our Operations team is growing, and this is an excellent opportunity to be a part of taking this team to the next level.

We offer a competitive Total Rewards package that increases your base salary by approximately 40%, including:

• Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Generous vacation and sick leave starting on day one
• 11 paid holidays annually
• Participation in one of the nation’s best state retirement systems, with 11.96% employer contribution
• 457(b) deferred compensation plan with up to 3% county match, plus a 401(k)
• Paid parental leave, life insurance, and robust wellness programs
• Ongoing training opportunities and career pathing

Ada County Weed, Pest and Mosquito Abatement is an agency that houses three separate and distinct departments. Ada County Noxious Weed Control is supported through the General Fund, and provides noxious weed control services throughout Ada County

Learn more about Ada County Weed, Pest & Mosquito by visiting their website. Ada County Weed, Pest & Mosquito

POSITION GENERAL SUMMARY:
Operates equipment to apply pesticides or implements surveillance for assigned department; responsible for the maintenance of all equipment; licensed to provide professional advice regarding the identification, control, and management of targeted pests. The Field Technician will be cross trained and may be assigned duties in other departments.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:
Performs varied moderately complex work under general supervision according to pre-defined guidelines.

Examples of duties

• Identifies targeted pests;
• Completes work orders by mixing, applying and recording pesticide applications in accordance with work orders and applicable laws;
• Reviews chemical labels and safety data sheet (SDS) for each product in use before application;
• Operates application or surveillance equipment;
• Reads and navigates by paper and digital maps;
• Mixes and applies pesticides;
• Uses mobile and hand-held computers and Global Positioning System (GPS) units;
• Performs routine maintenance of equipment;
• Properly disposes of empty pesticide containers and rinsate materials;
• Maintains appearance and cleanliness of work area;
• Uses and maintains all personal protection equipment recommended by product label, SDS and department policy;
• Fabricates and rebuilds equipment.
  

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS:

• May assist in collection, monitoring and distribution of biological control agents;
• May assist in special projects as assigned;
• May assist with training of other employees;
• Performs other related functions as required.

Qualifications

• Must be able to obtain a Professional Applicators license within one month of hire (review specific department requirements);
• Knowledge of business mathematics;
• Skill in the safe operation of equipment;
• Ability to work and communicate effectively with the general public and coworkers, in person and over the phone;
• Ability to understand and follow complex verbal and written instructions and read and understand herbicide SDS sheets and labels;
• Ability to use a personal computer and mobile field computer;
• Ability to understand GPS technology for daily use of digital navigation equipment;
• Ability to use GPS equipment for mapping, surveillance and/or pesticide applications;
• Ability to maintain cooperative working relationship with other employees;
• Ability to work in the field independently and with peers and public.
  
  

Weed Department

• Must be licensed in Law and Safety and Agricultural Herbicide within one month of hire;
• Ability to recognize and identify weeds on the State Noxious Weed List;
• Ability to calibrate herbicide spray equipment;
• Ability to perform math calculations for mixing herbicides;
  
  

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• May be cross-trained to perform functions for other departments;
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license;
• Ability to obtain an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) certification before use of ATV equipment;
• This position has been designated safety sensitive and therefore the incumbent is subject to random drug testing.

Supplemental information

• The nature of the work will require the employee to be in the field for long periods of time under various weather conditions;
• The work may require moving, transporting, and using pesticides;
• Must be available to work different shifts as needed;
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.;
• Must work with hazardous materials, heavy equipment and occasionally must negotiate fences, hazardous steep terrain with rough, rocky or wet surfaces;
• At times the employee may be exposed to dogs, farm animals, snakes and biting and stinging insects.

DISCLAIMER:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential functions satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being assigned to this job. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of individuals in the job. This job description is not an employment agreement and/or an expressed or implied employment contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice. Ada County provides Veteran's Preference for all County jobs except for those deemed "key positions" in accordance with Title 65, Chapter 5 of Idaho Code.