Noxious Weed Specialist I

The salary range for this positionis $4446.00 - $5914.00 monthly.

Thurston County Public Works is recruiting for a Noxious Weed Specialist Ito join our dynamic energetic and innovative team. The successful candidate enjoys engaging with the public and delivering technical information in a way that is easily understood and can work collaboratively and independently managing complex projects and assignments. This position is responsible for participating in large noxious weed management projects and will work both in an office setting and in the field.

Essential functions may include but are not limited to the following:

• Identify landowners using government records mapping systems and/or contact with neighbors. Communicate with landowners offering recommendations and promote overall weed control program. Track and monitor contacts and outcomes in County database.
• Report possible enforcement actions pursuant to State Noxious Weed Control Law (RCW 17.10) and the Thurston County Noxious Weed Control Boards rules and regulations.
• Treat noxious weed infestations applying the principles of integrated pest management (IPM).
• Work on noxious weed control projects in remote locations such as lakes rivers and private properties requiring travel on foot and watercraft.
• Collect enter and interpret data associated with noxious weed infestations and herbicide applications.
• Prepare and present noxious weed educational information at public events.

To view the full job classification click here: Noxious Weed Specialist I

Essential Personnel:This position is considered to be an essential worker and may be required to work during non-business hours or closures in order to meet operational requirements and needs.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work Environment Work is conducted both in an office environment and various field locations throughout the tasks require typing/keyboard skills phone usage reading speaking and listening reaching and bending. Lifting and carrying of materials equipment or other items weighing up to 40 lbs. may be required on an occasional basis. Project work may require travel through remote locations on foot or watercraft.
• Schedule - Monday Friday 8:00-4:30 alternative schedules are allowed if approved.
• Travel Requirements - Occasional travel may be required to attend meetings or trainings and to perform field work.
• Customer Interactions - Daily interactions via phone in-person and video with Thurston County staff and the public.

WHO WE ARE:

TheThurston County Public Works Departmentlocated in Olympia Washington is a national award-winning agency in delivering quality projects to our community. Our mission is to provide excellent public services in all areas of our business. We actively help our staff develop and grow professionally we bring together resources across divisions to achieve organizational goals we are always ready to respond to community needs and we are an American Public Works Association accredited agency consistently meeting industry best practices benchmarks.

Our Core Values:

• Accountability - We take responsibility for our actions and the resulting outcomes.
• Customer Service - We provide our customers with the highest level of service and quality.
• Innovation - We strive to continuously improve processes performance and results.
• Safety - We demonstrate an uncompromising commitment to safety.
• Teamwork- We work together toward achieving a common recognized end.

Mission - To provide excellent public services in all areas of our business.

Vision - The premier public works organization accountable and transparent in all services we provide to our community.

Thurston County values the diversity of the people it hires and to us means fostering a workplace in which individual differences are recognized appreciated and responded to in ways that fully develop and utilize each persons talents and are dedicated to recruiting and developing a talented workforce from various cultures lifestyles backgrounds and perspectives who are committed to our vision and core values.Thurston County Racial Equity and Inclusion Webpage.

WHAT WE OFFER OUR EMPLOYEES:

• Work-Life Balance: We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals lifestyle.
• PlanFor Your Future: As a member of our team you will enjoy great employee benefits including a retirement plan pre-tax savings accounts as well as comprehensive health care and dental/vision care for you and your family. Please visitThurston County Employee Benefit Plansfor more information.
• Paid Leave: Full-time regular employees earn paid vacation in addition to paidholidays.
• Robust Training Program:Employees are encouraged to attend County paid training to help them further their career learn new skill sets and stay on top of emerging trends in our industry. We also encourage our staff to participate in professional organizations and attend conferences.
• Flexible Work Schedules:Some of the options that employees may take advantage of include alternative or compressed schedules and/or remote working.
• Deferred Compensation:The County offers 3 voluntary deferred compensation plans for employees who would like to set aside additional deferred tax dollars into a retirement savings plan.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA):Employees can take advantage of Section 125 flexible spending accounts for out-of-pocket health care and daycare expenses with pre-tax dollars.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness:This is a federal program that allows full-time public service employees who have made qualifying payments for certain loans to get their student loans repaid.Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Why youll love it here:Thurston County is located between Seattle and Portland in Western Washingtons South Puget Sound Region. Perched in between the mountains and the ocean the area boasts the perfect blend of year-round outdoor activities including boating hiking skiing and more. The region is also home to the state capitol city of Olympia known for its many restaurants microbreweries coffee shops farmers markets kids activities history and art events. Discover more about life in Thurston County at.

Message to potential applicants:We understandthat some potential applicants are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the functions or skills listed in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job and we understand that may be someone who will learn some of these skills on the job. If you are interested in this position and meet the minimum qualifications we encourage you to go ahead and apply! Feel free to think about how you will bring your own set of skills to the role and tell us about the potential that you hold.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associates degree in Environmental Science Ecology Agriculture or other closely related field. Professional level environmental experience may be substituted for educational requirement on a year for year basis.
• One (1) year of environmental program experience.
• Ability to utilize a personal computer with applicable software associated with the position.
• Current Washington State Drivers License.
• Current Washington State Pesticide Consultant/Operator license with aquatic right-of-way and agricultural endorsements within six months of hire.

DESIRED SKILLS:

• Knowledge of botany and plant identification skills.
• Understanding of County vegetation management policy and Noxious Weed Control Program.
• Understanding of State Noxious Weed Law Federal and State pesticide laws and applicable regulations.
• Ability to communicate effectively both in writing and orally at all levels within the organization.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of individuals and groups including customers in high stress situations.
• Demonstrated knowledge and efficiency with GPS/GIS ACCESS databases and other Microsoft Office software programs and applications.
• Ability to work both collaboratively and independently.

OTHER RELATED RECRUITMENT INFORMATION:

Questions about this recruitment Please contact Mike Murphy Noxious Weed Program Manager at or @

This position is:

• Represented by a Union
• Eligible for overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
• Eligible for benefits

Items required for consideration:

• Application
• Resume
• Letter of Interest

Learn more about Thurston County at:Thurston County

Please note: Information in this announcement is subject to change without notice at any time during the length of the job advertisement.

THURSTON COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Thurston County is committed to provide equal opportunity to all persons seeking or having access to its employment services and activities which is free from restriction based on race sex marital status color creed or religion national origin age sexual orientation including gender expression or identity pregnancy status as an honorably discharged veteran or military status genetic information or the presence of any sensory mental or physical disability unless based upon bona fide occupational qualifications. Applicants with disabilities who need accommodation with the application or selection process should contact Thurston Countys Human Resources at . Those who are deaf deaf-blind hard of hearing or speech impaired may use the statewide relay system to reach Thurston County offices and departments to conduct their business telephonically. Relay users can simply dial 7-1-1 (or 1-) to connect with Washington Relay.