Weed Control Maintenance Specialist

DESCRIPTION

Please note a 9% pay increase has been approved and will be effective on July 1, 2022.

**Applications are reviewed on a regular basis and hiring may occur early in the recruiting process. Individuals are encouraged to apply immediately. **

Responsible for performing skilled and semi-skilled tasks in the care and maintenance of residential and agricultural properties and roadway public right of ways as related to the County's weed control program and activities in compliance with County, State and Federal regulations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Performs weed abatement duties, including noxious weed treatment, using restricted-use pesticides, on residential and agricultural properties.
• Cuts and removes flammable grasses, weeds, brush, and related debris.
• Maintains Douglas County and Nevada State roadway public right of ways, cleaning surfaces and treating noxious weeds.
• Maintains landscaped areas; weeds and sprays pesticides trees, plants and shrubbery; plants trees, seedlings and shrubs.
• Inspects assigned areas; corrects and reports safety hazards; cleans and maintains storage rooms and shops.
• Mixes and applies herbicides, fungicides, and pesticides.
• Maps noxious weeds using handheld GPS equipment.
• Operates and maintains a variety of hand and power landscaping tools and equipment, including hand and riding mowers, tractors, spreaders, edgers, blowers, trimmers, chainsaws, rakes, shovels, hoes, brooms and other tools; operates trucks, trailers and tractors with attachments.
• Demonstrates safe operating practices and procedures, departmental safety regulations, OSHA regulations, and Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) guidelines for use of safety equipment, protective devices, herbicide/pesticide applications, special clothing etc.
• Observes safe work methods and uses safety equipment; secures worksites from safety hazards as necessary; attends safety meetings.
• Responds to questions and complaints from the public; informs public on rules and regulations.
• Maintains vehicles, equipment and supplies in proper condition.
• Observes safe working practices, including maintaining storage areas in a safe condition.
• Answers questions and provides standard information to the public.
• Maintains basic records of work performed.
• Contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of the unit's service to its customers by offering suggestions and directing or participating as an active member of a work team.
• Represents the County with dignity, integrity, and a spirit of cooperation in all relationships with staff and the public.

QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Education and Experience:
High School Diploma/GED; AND one (1) year of weed abatement or landscape maintenance experience; OR an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Required Knowledge and Skills
Knowledge of:

*
Methods and techniques of weed abatement including safe handling of chemicals, use of chemicals on specific weeds, and proper application processes.

• Methods, materials and equipment used in weed, pest and insect control and treating plant diseases.
• Weed control techniques of noxious weeds, invasive species, and native plants.
• Basic installation, maintenance and repair of irrigation systems.
• Use and minor maintenance of commonly used hand and power landscaping tools and equipment.
• Safe work methods and safety regulations pertaining to the work.
• Shop mathematics.
• Basic record keeping practices.

Skill in:

• Maintaining a variety of landscaped areas.
• Using and performing basic maintenance on various hand and power tools and equipment.
• Mixing, applying and handling pesticides and other chemicals.
• Operating, adjusting, and monitoring spraying equipment.
• Recognizing common plants, noxious weeds, and insect pests.
• Using initiative and independent judgment within established procedural guidelines.
• Safely using and maintaining equipment related to the work.
• Making accurate arithmetic calculations.
• Reading and interpreting standard plans, maps and instructions.
• Understanding and following oral and written directions.
• Preparing basic records and reports of work performed.
• Working without close supervision in standard work situations.
• Contributing effectively to the accomplishment of team or work unit goals, objectives and activities.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, AND REGISTRATIONS:

• Valid Driver's License.
• Nevada Government Applicator license within six (6) months of date of employment.
• OSHA 10 Certification within six (6) months of date of employment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Mobility to work in a typical shop or related maintenance setting, including operating typical trade equipment, hand and power tools and standard office equipment, and to drive a motor vehicle to various work sites; stamina to stand, walk and climb and to work in confined or awkward spaces for an extended period of time; strength to lift and maneuver materials and equipment weighing up to 100 pounds with proper equipment; vision to read printed materials; and hearing and speech to communicate in person or over a radio or telephone.

Work is subject to exposure to extreme weather conditions, hazardous chemicals, electrical currents, gases, dust, pests, weeds, and noxious odors.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Continued employment is contingent upon all required licenses and certificates being maintained in active status without suspension or revocation.
• Employment is contingent upon successful completion of background/screening.
• Douglas County participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each applicant's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. All candidates who are offered employment must complete Section 1 of the Form I-9 along with the required proof of their right to work in the United States and proof of their identity prior to starting employment. Please be prepared to provide required documentation as soon as possible after the job offer is made.

This job description indicates, in general, the nature and levels of work, knowledge, skills, abilities and other essential functions (as covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act) expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be asked to perform other duties as required.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $18.15 - $27.21 per hour