8653 - Vegetation Management Technician (Roads & Parks)

Jackson County Employment Opportunity.

Jackson County Roads is excited to announce a unique and challenging opportunity for a Vegetation Management Technician/Herbicide Applicator. This full-time position involves loading, mixing, and applying herbicides as part of an integrated vegetation management plan.

The ideal candidate will possess strong communication skills to engage with the public and build positive working relationships effectively. Experience in applying herbicides in public spaces is essential, along with the ability to determine the most effective herbicides for various situations and environments. Attention to detail and good recordkeeping skills are also important for this role.

Preference will be given to qualified candidates who currently hold a valid Pesticide Applicator license. Additionally, the candidate must obtain a Class "A" Commercial Oregon Driver's License within six months of the hire date.

If you are eager to use your knowledge of natural resource management and weed biology to enhance the County's roadside, we encourage you to apply!

First viewing of applications - 2 weeks after posting.

Jackson County strives to recruit, hire and retain the best employees!

• Pass a criminal background check prior to hire. 
• Submit an acceptable DMV certified court print prior to hire. click on the following link to review Jackson County's requirements for an acceptable driving record.  
• Pass a pre-employment drug screen, which includes screening for Marijuana. Click on the link to review Jackson County's Drug-Free Workplace Policy.
• This position is represented by union group SEIU.

I. Position Summary

Performs a variety of responsible duties involving the control of unwanted vegetation in targeted areas for reasons of visibility, drainage, road safety and aesthetics; and, suppresses the uncontrolled growth of brush and weeds along County road rights of way. Performs work within a framework of standard policies and procedures while exercises specialized knowledge of the biology and chemistry used to control the growth of vegetation and of safety requirements for working with and application of these control methods.

II. Examples of Essential Position Duties (The following duties represent some of the principal job duties; however, they are not all-inclusive. Other duties may be required or assigned.)

• Assesses treatment sites to determine plant and soil types and best treatment options. Assesses treatment sites for treatment efficacy, plant resistance, and overall outcome.
• Applies an integrated pest management approach to controlling unwanted vegetation by coordinating biological, chemical and cultural controls such as shouldering and mowing.
• May use GPS and laptop computer to map vegetation and document treatment sites.
• Measures, mixes, and loads pesticides into equipment according to the label. Applies pesticides in a safe and effective manner taking into account all risk and environmental factors in accordance with all State, Federal, and local regulations and label requirements.
• Operates, calibrates, and trouble shoots computerized injection system with ground speed sensor.
• Maintains detailed records in accordance with all State, Federal, and County requirements.
• Maintains application equipment including pre-trip inspection, minor repairs and maintenance.
• Maintains warehouse including unloading trucks, container disposal, inventory control, and clean-up.
• Responds to public inquiries concerning work activities and general department policies and procedures; responds to formal and informal complaints in regard to spraying activities.
• Maintains Safety Data Sheets, Labels, and NPDES 2300A permit as required.
• Manually removes vegetation using chainsaws, pruners, and string trimmers. Operates a variety of mowers including an articulated flail arm mower.
• Sets up work zones according to the MUTCD and controls traffic.
• May be assigned to perform other road maintenance tasks in other Roads divisions as operational needs arise.
• Adheres to regulatory requirements, collective bargaining agreements, County and departmental policies and procedures, required trainings, as well as safe work practices.
• Develops and maintains effective internal and external working relationships at all levels.
• Has regular and reliable attendance. Overtime may be required.

III. Minimum Requirements (Performance of the essential duties of this position includes the following requirements, physical demands and/or working conditions)

Education and Experience

• Two years of college level course work in the study of weed science, agronomy, horticulture, botany, organic or pesticide chemistry AND one year of work related experience; OR
• Any combination of education and experience which provides the applicant with the desired skills, knowledge, and ability required to perform the job.

License, Certificate or Other

Requires possession of a valid driver's license and an acceptable driving record. Possession of a valid, Oregon Class "A" Commercial Driver's License with tank endorsement within six months of hire and an acceptable driving record. Possession of a valid Oregon Department of Agriculture Pesticide Applicator license within six months of hire. Maintain the continuing education credits for the Public Pesticide Applicator license with all required endorsements.

IV. Other Requirements

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Requires knowledge of various plants and weeds and methods of identification; chemicals and safe methods for their use in controlling weeds and brush. Ability to demonstrate adequate proficiency in equipment operation; safely and effectively operate a tank truck, computerized pesticide sprayers and related equipment; acquire and maintain appropriate licensing and accreditation; use basic arithmetic to calibrate equipment ensuring proper mixes of chemicals, water, and the correct amounts needed to cover targeted areas; read and understand labels on chemical containers and a variety of manuals, forms and policy guidelines related to pesticide spraying requirements and standards; qualify for and maintain a commercial driver's license; schedule work; operate a computer, small hand and power tools used in the course of work; prepare clear and accurate records and reports; understand and carry out both oral and written directions; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; interpret and explain department policies and procedures as necessary.

Physical Demands (Performance of the essential duties of this position includes the following physical demands)

Requires the ability to frequently lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects up to 75 pounds and to stoop, crouch, climb and lift in performance of manual labor; operate a variety of tools, equipment and vehicles used in performance of daily tasks; ability to work around electrical currents and/or hazardous materials in a safe manner. Requires driving and the ability to operate a motor vehicle. Tasks involve ability to sit or stand for long periods.

Working Conditions (Performance of the essential duties of this position includes the following working conditions)

Incumbents are exposed to adverse weather, including extreme temperatures, rain, snow, sleet and hail. Incumbents are also exposed to dangerous or unpleasant conditions and substances, including noise, dust, heat, cold, chemicals, paint, traffic hazards, noxious plants and wildlife. May include exposure to disruptive people.

V. Additional Information

This classification description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties, knowledge, skills, abilities, or requirements, as any one position in this classification may be assigned some or all of these duties, in addition to other duties not explicitly listed here. The various duties, responsibilities and/or assignments of this position may be unevenly balanced and change from time to time based upon matters such as, but not limited to, variations in the shift, work demands, seasons, service levels and management's decisions on how to best allocate department resources. Any shift, emphasis or rebalancing of these assigned duties, responsibilities and/or assignments does not constitute a change in the job classification. The County shall schedule employees and determine FTE consistent with its determination as to efficiency of operations, financial advantages to the County, and/or effective service to the public.

JACKSON COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Jackson County is committed to being an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Our commitment includes providing a respectful working environment that is free from discrimination and harassment in the workplace. This commitment is made by Jackson County in accordance with applicable Federal, State and Local laws and regulations. Upon your request, Jackson County will consider all requests for reasonable accommodation during the recruitment and selection process. Because of the Immigration Reform Act of 1986, persons hired by the County must be able to present acceptable documents verifying identity and authorization to work in the United States. For a copy of Jackson County's Equal Employment Opportunity Plan, visit our web site at www.jacksoncountyor.gov or call 541-774-6036.