Noxious Weed Control Specialist I - Field Assistant (TLT)
King County
Pioneer Square, WA
Full-time
Farming / Fishing / Forestry
Posted on March 4, 2023
Salary
$30.33 - $38.45 Hourly
Location
Seattle - Regional area, WA
Job Type
Term Limited Temporary, Full Time, 40 hrs/wk
Department
DNRP-Natural Resources & Parks
Job Number
2023CR18182
Division
WLRD -Water & Land Resources
Closing
3/19/2023 11:59 PM Pacific
Summary
Why This is A Great Opportunity: This is a great opportunity for someone who loves working outdoors improving the health of natural areas. In this position, they will build practical experience in invasive plant ecology while contributing to projects that help people and ecosystems across the county.
We are looking for motivated, resourceful, diligent, and field-savvy team players to carry out noxious weed control work. The ideal candidates will learn to use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies to control noxious weeds in a variety of ecosystems. The persons will work closely with the Noxious Weed Specialists and private landowners to control noxious weeds across King County.
Why It's A Great Team: The Noxious Weed Control Program works throughout King County to prevent and reduce the economic, environmental, and social impacts of noxious weeds in King County, Washington. Our focus is to provide education and technical assistance to landowners and public agencies to help everyone find the best control options for noxious weeds on each site and to reduce the overall impact of noxious weeds throughout the county.
Major Work Projects:
Cedar Knotweed Project Area Expansion - Under supervision of project lead, help coordinate and organize knotweed treatment and outreach on the Cedar River in former Forterra project area
Skykomish Knotweed Project Field Lead - Under supervision of project lead, help coordinate and organize knotweed treatment and outreach for the Skykomish knotweed project
Seattle Garlic Mustard - Under supervision of project lead, help coordinate and organize treatment for garlic mustard (class A weed and State priority) in Golden Gardens, Kiwanis Ravine, and Molendorph ravine.
Position Challenges: The person in this position will be responsible for planning and logistics of field work, which requires good collaboration skills, time management, and flexibility. The work can vary by the day and the season, and a grasp of the big picture as well as the details can help meet challenges.
What does a successful employee look like in 3 months, 6 months, 12 months?
In three months, the successful employee will be familiar with teamwork structures and resources available and will manage the field calendar with guidance. At six months the person will evaluate field work done to date and be able to make recommendations for future work. At 12 months they will be managing their own schedule and assigning tasks to the team as needed.
Position Growth Opportunities: This role will build field leadership and project management skills on the job. Numerous training and certification opportunities exist depending on interest and specialization in areas such as invasive plant management, botany, restoration ecology, equity and social justice, outreach, data management, and much more.
Who Is Eligible: This position is open to all qualified applicants.
Telecommuting Requirement
The work associated with this position will be performed predominantly by teleworking, complemented with onsite work and meetings as needed. Employees will have access to shared workspaces at various King County facilities. Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.
Employees will be provided with a County issued laptop and must maintain a workspace with an internet connection (access may be supplemented in some situations) where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours. Please note that when an employee conducts work that is likely to bring them in contact with another individual, safety precautions are required, including the wearing of masks in some situations . King County is doing its part to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and remains committed to reducing our carbon footprint.
King County has a robust collection of tools and resources to support working remotely. The individual selected for this opportunity will be joining an innovative and progressive team that is redefining how we work as we transition to the department's hybrid environment.
Work Location: King Street Center, 201 S. Jackson Street, Seattle, WA 98104
Work Schedule: This position is covered under the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and is overtime eligible. This full-time position works a 40-hour work week.
Job Duties
Core Work Duties:
Minimum Qualifications:
Application and Selection Process: Application materials will be screened for clarity, completeness including online application, cover letter and resume, and responsiveness to the list of qualifications, skills, and abilities. The most competitive candidates may be invited to participate in one or more panel interviews. Applications without the following required materials may not be considered for this position.
For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact:
Calvin Rivers Senior Human Resource Analyst
crivers@kingcounty.gov
206-263-1986
Commitment to Equity and Social Justice:
As the only jurisdiction in the world named after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., one of the most
influential civil rights leaders in our nation's history, King County is a vibrant international community with residents that represent countries from around the world. It is a region with increasing diversity that cherishes the traditions of many cultures.
We have a deep commitment to equity and social justice and advancing practices, strategies, and policies that promote fairness, justice, and opportunity for all - in our workplaces and our communities. With this commitment, King County has adopted a pro-equity agenda to advance regional change and ensure that residents from vulnerable communities are incorporated into our emergency planning and public outreach efforts. To learn more, please visit http://www.kingcounty.gov/equity .
Forbes recently named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.
Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.
Guided by our "True North" , we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles--we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.
King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer
No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.
To Apply
If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.
King County offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees' health and well-being. Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:
This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible King County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails. Also, in the event of any incorrect information in this document, applicable laws, policies, rules, CBAs, or official plan documents will prevail.
NOTE: Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position.Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.
For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting.
$30.33 - $38.45 Hourly
Location
Seattle - Regional area, WA
Job Type
Term Limited Temporary, Full Time, 40 hrs/wk
Department
DNRP-Natural Resources & Parks
Job Number
2023CR18182
Division
WLRD -Water & Land Resources
Closing
3/19/2023 11:59 PM Pacific
Summary
Why This is A Great Opportunity: This is a great opportunity for someone who loves working outdoors improving the health of natural areas. In this position, they will build practical experience in invasive plant ecology while contributing to projects that help people and ecosystems across the county.
We are looking for motivated, resourceful, diligent, and field-savvy team players to carry out noxious weed control work. The ideal candidates will learn to use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies to control noxious weeds in a variety of ecosystems. The persons will work closely with the Noxious Weed Specialists and private landowners to control noxious weeds across King County.
Why It's A Great Team: The Noxious Weed Control Program works throughout King County to prevent and reduce the economic, environmental, and social impacts of noxious weeds in King County, Washington. Our focus is to provide education and technical assistance to landowners and public agencies to help everyone find the best control options for noxious weeds on each site and to reduce the overall impact of noxious weeds throughout the county.
Major Work Projects:
Cedar Knotweed Project Area Expansion - Under supervision of project lead, help coordinate and organize knotweed treatment and outreach on the Cedar River in former Forterra project area
Skykomish Knotweed Project Field Lead - Under supervision of project lead, help coordinate and organize knotweed treatment and outreach for the Skykomish knotweed project
Seattle Garlic Mustard - Under supervision of project lead, help coordinate and organize treatment for garlic mustard (class A weed and State priority) in Golden Gardens, Kiwanis Ravine, and Molendorph ravine.
Position Challenges: The person in this position will be responsible for planning and logistics of field work, which requires good collaboration skills, time management, and flexibility. The work can vary by the day and the season, and a grasp of the big picture as well as the details can help meet challenges.
What does a successful employee look like in 3 months, 6 months, 12 months?
In three months, the successful employee will be familiar with teamwork structures and resources available and will manage the field calendar with guidance. At six months the person will evaluate field work done to date and be able to make recommendations for future work. At 12 months they will be managing their own schedule and assigning tasks to the team as needed.
Position Growth Opportunities: This role will build field leadership and project management skills on the job. Numerous training and certification opportunities exist depending on interest and specialization in areas such as invasive plant management, botany, restoration ecology, equity and social justice, outreach, data management, and much more.
Who Is Eligible: This position is open to all qualified applicants.
Telecommuting Requirement
The work associated with this position will be performed predominantly by teleworking, complemented with onsite work and meetings as needed. Employees will have access to shared workspaces at various King County facilities. Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.
Employees will be provided with a County issued laptop and must maintain a workspace with an internet connection (access may be supplemented in some situations) where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours. Please note that when an employee conducts work that is likely to bring them in contact with another individual, safety precautions are required, including the wearing of masks in some situations . King County is doing its part to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and remains committed to reducing our carbon footprint.
King County has a robust collection of tools and resources to support working remotely. The individual selected for this opportunity will be joining an innovative and progressive team that is redefining how we work as we transition to the department's hybrid environment.
Work Location: King Street Center, 201 S. Jackson Street, Seattle, WA 98104
Work Schedule: This position is covered under the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and is overtime eligible. This full-time position works a 40-hour work week.
Job Duties
Core Work Duties:
- Assist with implementation Noxious Weed Control Projects throughout King County. Conduct field surveys, mapping weed infestations using GPS/GIS equipment. Participate directly in weed control activities, including the use of herbicide, and physical removal. Carry out control of noxious weed infestations along river corridors and other locations. Hike on uneven terrain and work in inclement weather.
- Communications with landowners to notify them of weed infestations, and to provide educational and technical services regarding weed management. Respond to requests for weed management information from citizens and landowners.
- Enter, maintain, and interpret data in program databases (spatial and relational databases). Conduct and or gather research on the best methods for control or eradication of noxious weed.
- Development and implementation of a training program for entry level seasonal staff.
- Under supervision of project lead, coordinate and organize treatment and outreach for select weed species projects.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Minimum two seasons practical fieldwork experience in natural resource management or a related field.
- Experience performing multiple tasks, prioritizing work, and managing own time.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team, coordinating with others to facilitate teamwork.
- Willingness to communicate and learn from your team, problem solve and re-prioritize goals throughout the season.
- Flexibility in changing work conditions, daily assignments, and project leaders.
- Comfortable speaking with members of the public, in person or on the phone.
- Comfortable in and around moving and deep water; ability to safely manage yourself in and around moving and deep water.
- Experience operating and working with field maintenance of equipment such as hand tools, chainsaws, brush cutters, backpack and power sprayers.
- Experience applying herbicides to invasive plants in natural areas.
- Comfortable in and around moving and deep water; ability to safely manage yourself in and around moving and deep water.
- Ability to conduct noxious weed surveys from a car and on foot over terrain of varying difficulty, including steep areas and dense vegetation while carrying gear.
- Ability to carry a heavy backpack (up to 40lbs) in rough terrain for long periods during the day. Exposure to a variety of weather conditions expected.
- Must be able to obtain a Washington State Public Pesticide Operator license within 30 days of hire (can prepare for and obtain the license while on the job). License fees paid by employer.
- Valid Washington driver's license so that ability to obtain one prior to starting work if selected for these positions.
- A final offer of employment will be contingent upon successfully passing a pre-employment physical.
- Knowledge of noxious weed taxonomy, biology, and impacts
- Demonstrated field experience and in managing noxious weed infestations and their impacts to natural resources.
- Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate with the public on difficult, sensitive, and technical issues, both verbally and in writing.
- Knowledge of Washington State Noxious Weed Control Law and other relevant local, state, and federal laws.
- Experience with databases, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and applications handling large tabular and spatial data sets.
- The ideal candidate will be organized, adaptable, proactive, and have good attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
- Experience operating and working from a raft or kayak.
- Action Oriented: Taking on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm.
- Plans and Aligns: Planning and prioritizing work to meet commitments aligned with organizational goals.
- Collaborates: Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
- Demonstrates Self-Awareness: Using a combination of feedback and reflection to gain productive insight into personal strengths and weaknesses.
- Situation Adaptability: Adapting approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations.
Application and Selection Process: Application materials will be screened for clarity, completeness including online application, cover letter and resume, and responsiveness to the list of qualifications, skills, and abilities. The most competitive candidates may be invited to participate in one or more panel interviews. Applications without the following required materials may not be considered for this position.
- King County application
- Resume
- Cover Letter detailing your background and what you can bring to this position
- Response to supplemental questions
For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact:
Calvin Rivers Senior Human Resource Analyst
crivers@kingcounty.gov
206-263-1986
Commitment to Equity and Social Justice:
As the only jurisdiction in the world named after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., one of the most
influential civil rights leaders in our nation's history, King County is a vibrant international community with residents that represent countries from around the world. It is a region with increasing diversity that cherishes the traditions of many cultures.
We have a deep commitment to equity and social justice and advancing practices, strategies, and policies that promote fairness, justice, and opportunity for all - in our workplaces and our communities. With this commitment, King County has adopted a pro-equity agenda to advance regional change and ensure that residents from vulnerable communities are incorporated into our emergency planning and public outreach efforts. To learn more, please visit http://www.kingcounty.gov/equity .
Forbes recently named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.
Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.
Guided by our "True North" , we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles--we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.
King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer
No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.
To Apply
If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.
King County offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees' health and well-being. Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage: King County pays 100% of the premiums for eligible employees and family members
- Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents
- Retirement: King County employees are eligible to participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation plan
- Transportation program and ORCA transit pass
- 12paid holidays each year (plus 2 personal holidays)
- Generous vacation and paid sick leave
- Paid parental leave, family and medical leaves, and volunteer leave
- Flexible Spending Account
- Wellness programs
- Onsite gyms and activity centers
- Employee giving program
- Employee assistance programs
- Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position
- Training and career development programs
This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible King County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails. Also, in the event of any incorrect information in this document, applicable laws, policies, rules, CBAs, or official plan documents will prevail.
NOTE: Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position.Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.
For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting.