Noxious Weed Control Field Technician

Okanogan County Noxious
Weed Control Board
Position Description

TITLE: FIELD TECHNICIAN
Revised 1/30/19

SUMMARY
This individual assists the Noxious Weed Control Manager (Manager) and Field
Supervisor in all phases of Okanogan County’s weed control program, including
performing regulatory compliance and providing office support. The Field Technician is
required to survey private and state lands as indicated for the presence or absence of
noxious weeds. This individual is responsible for his/her own record keeping, photos,
posting information, and landowner contacts. This position requires working both
outdoors to perform work and inspections, and in the office to keep the proper records
as required by Policies and Procedures and RCW 17.10.

SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITIES
All work is performed as outlined by the Manager and Field Supervisor and in
accordance with Washington State Weed Law RCW 17.10, and Okanogan County
Policies and Procedures. This individual will act as Washington State Department of
Agriculture (WSDA) licensed pesticide consultant/operator offering specialized
information regarding safe and legal use of herbicides, hand pulling, noxious weeds,
biological control and overall Integrated Weed Management (IWM) principals.
Individual needs to know how to trace legal ownership of land and be able to find
information on the Okanogan County Assessors’ system. This individual must be able to
communicate effectively with landowners to convey RCW requirements and provide
control options using current scientific data and best management practices.

TYPICAL DUTIES

• Administer requirements of RCW 17.10 and WAC 16-750 following outlined

• Maintain daily account of activities, including communications with landowners,

• Provide IWM suggestions and guidance

• Assist landowners in developing noxious weed control plans that are suitable for

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• Conduct field surveys of property, prepare maps, understand directions, identify

• Identify noxious weeds in all stages of life cycles

• Assist in organizing re-certification classes provided to the public

• Perform work utilizing GIS/GPS mapping system to record noxious weed

• Maintain frequent contact with county residents to address noxious weed

• Develop and provide weekly radio reports for education to area residents and

• Communicate noxious weed information to schools at 6th grade camps and

• Outline work duties for Field Assistants and daily work duties for the Hand-Pull

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Ability to understand Washington State Weed Laws and ensure compliance on

• Washington State Department of Agriculture Pesticide Consultants/Operator

• A valid Washington State Drivers’ License

• A reliable vehicle of their own (the vehicle will be required to travel off of paved

• Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions

• Must be able to put in long hours, in extreme heat, during the field season
  

Desired

• Knowledge of GIS/GPS data collection

• Ability to effectively communicate noxious weed control responsibilities to

• Requires full knowledge of policy and procedures

• Experience working with Microsoft Office programs

• A general familiar with Okanogan County maps and aerial photos

• Ability to develop and update educational materials

• WSDA Public Consultants/Operator license with Turf and Ornamental, ROW and

• Training in facilitation and de-escalation of potentially dangerous situations.

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ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Ability to perform work as required by Washington State Law RCW 17.10 (including
enforcement actions)
Ability to establish, develop, and maintain effective working relationships
Ability to interact with hostile/non-compliant landowners to achieve positive solutions
Ability to give IWM recommendations, including legal use of herbicides
Ability to conduct inspections of property, prepare maps, know directions, and identify
dangerous obstacles, for control actions
Ability to identify noxious/other weeds
Ability to remain calm, diplomatic and firm in stressful situations
Ability to work independently and manage time efficiently
Ability to perform manual labor, including assist in herbicide applications
Ability to conduct noxious weed surveys on foot over difficult terrain
Ability to work outdoors for extended periods in extreme weather
Ability to effectively communicate with landowners regarding responsibilities
Ability to follow written and oral instructions
Ability to take records, pictures, and provide necessary reports as required

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND ENVIRONMENT
Duties for this position will be performed both in the field and in an office environment.
Duties may include extensive physical activities, exposure to hazardous substances,
exposure to physically injurious conditions, and contact with irate or non-compliant
landowners.

This position requires working and driving in all types of weather and temperature
conditions, on various types of surfaces including rough terrain. Ability to bend, stand,
maintain balance, climb hills, kneel, stoop, crouch, reach, push, pull, twist, grip with
fingers and hands, shovel, dig, lift and carry garbage bags full of weeds are all required
for this position. Working in remote areas, exposure to direct sunlight, plants,
poisonous weeds and plants, dust, pollens, insect stings and bites, herbicide fumes and
mixes, working around rivers, and exposure to wildlife are all required for this position.

This position requires this individual to work under very stressful situations for
prolonged periods of time and this individual must have the ability to recognize and
react to potentially hazardous situations.

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