POSITION: Noxious Weed Specialist/ Technician

EMPLOYMENT TYPE: Seasonal (6 month performance period)

HOURLY WAGE: $13.00- $16.00 an hour (depending on education and experience)

LOCATION: La Grande, Oregon

DURATION: April-October 2017

APPLICATION DEADLINE: April 10, 2017

INTRODUCTION

The Tri-County Cooperative Weed Management Area (CWMA) manages noxious weeds projects across nearly 5.1 million acres of land encompassing, Union, Baker, and Wallowa Counties in Northeastern Oregon. Approximately 47% of the CWMA is federal ownership (USFS and BLM), and the remaining is composed of tribal, state, and private ownership.Terrain ranges from high alpine peaks and lake basins, mixed conifer forests, steep canyonlands, sagebrush steppe, and productive agricultural lands. A seasonal weed technician will have the opportunity to travel across all types of terrain treating noxious weeds in our Tri-County region. This job has high physical demands, but the scenery is always rewarding.

JOB DESCRIPTION

(Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following examples)

  1. Identify target weed species in all types of habitat including forest, riparian, and rangeland.
  1. Responsible for operating, repairing, and maintaining various types of equipment and tools, including backpack sprayers and ATV mounted spray tanks, water tanks, trailers, hand tools, pumps, personal protective equipment, and power tools.
  1. Safe and proper application of herbicides to treat noxious weeds with ATV, UTV, truck, backpack, stock mounted sprayers, and watercraft. This also includes the ability to calibrate the equipment. All herbicide applications will be in accordance with state and federal laws.
  1. Assist with the collection and recording of data, including daily herbicide application records, entering and/or updating weed points into a Garmin GPS.
  1. Survey, inventory, and map noxious weed infestations using a Garmin GPS. Surveys may be done on foot, boat, horseback, ATV, or aerially (fixed wing and rotary).
  1. Distribute biological control agents for control of noxious weeds.
  1. Maintain mapping information, treatment records, and monitoring data using programs such as ArcGIS and Microsoft Office programs.
  1. Assist in the development of educational and outreach materials for landowners and residents about weed control and the importance of the programs to the community.
  1. Work directly with partners, landowners, and public via phone, e-mail, individual consultation, and letters. Assist with answering phone calls and providing advice for weed control management.

REQUIREMENTS

  • Knowledge of chemicals and biological controls used in weed management; plant species and soil types; federal and state statutes that govern noxious weed control activities; data collection and research techniques; geographic information systems (GIS) software and mapping techniques; natural resource management.
  • Ability to operate ATV, UTV, backpack sprayer, Garmin GPS, and manual transmission truck with trailer.
  • Must be in good physical condition: ability to carry a backpack weighing approximately 40 pounds for an 8-10-hour shift in steep canyons and uneven ground.
  • Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form; evaluate effectiveness of controls; establish and maintain records, reports and statistical data.
  • Ability to handle hazardous chemicals safely in accordance with label laws.
  • Must be able to work in inclement weather
  • Must hold a valid driver’s license
  • Must obtain a valid Oregon Public Pesticide Applicator License as well as an Oregon ATV Safety Card within two months of hire.

EDUCATION

Bachelor’s degree in natural resources management, rangeland ecology, agriculture, botany, or related field; OR experience in noxious weed control, rangeland management, forestry, or related natural resource field. At the time of appointment, must possess a valid Oregon driver’s license.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in the office and in the field. Fieldwork involves frequently lifting up to 50 pounds, pushing, pulling, standing and walking in all types of terrain, and working with hazardous chemicals. Work is performed in an environment that involves everyday risks or discomforts and sometimes adverse weather conditions requiring safety precautions. A considerable amount of driving is required. New hire will be expected to do overnight trips with various partners to accomplish weed control measures.

TO APPLY:

Please submit the following via mail or email:

1.Resume including 3 references.

2.Brief written summary of verifiable accomplishments applicable to position.

Deadline for submissions is April 10, 2017. Applications must be received, or postmarked, by April 10th to be considered. Please contact the Director below for any questions regarding the application process.

Samantha Bernards: Tri-County CWMA Director

10507 N. McAlister RD Suite 5

La Grande OR, 97850

Phone: (541) 624-5353email:

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