Weed Control Technician (Seasonal)

The Weed Control Program works under a cooperative agreement between the Maryland Department of Agriculture and Frederick County and is responsible for the control of the weeds listed by the Maryland Noxious Weed Law.  With the spray program noxious weeds are controlled on State and County roads, school properties, various parks, private properties and other government properties. 

POSITION DETAILS:

Non-exempt; part-time, temporary position thru October 2024; approximately 40 hours per week; Monday – Friday; 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.; no-benefits

 This position is responsible for traveling with and working with the Weed Control Coordinator in the application of herbicides in the Weed Control Program spray service for Frederick County.  Supervision is received from the Coordinator, through the Maryland Department of Agriculture - Weed Control Section.

• Visit farms and other properties, as assigned, to apply herbicides
• Assist with maintaining accurate inventory and safe storage of herbicides and other materials assigned to the program
• Apply herbicides to right of ways on county and state roads
• Keep daily records of spraying done, hours worked, mileage and maintenance of equipment on paper and electronically
• Perform general upkeep of vehicle and equipment (fuel, water, oil, etc.) and report any problems that require special repair
• Perform other related duties as required

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  Any single position may not be assigned all duties listed above, nor do the examples cover all duties that may be assigned. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  Any single position may not be assigned all duties listed above, nor do the examples cover all duties that may be assigned. 

• Minimum age 18 years
• Possession of a valid automobile operator's license

KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES:

• Ability to maintain County Authorized Driver privileges
• Accurate math and (English) reading comprehension skills including the ability to read and understand chemical use and warning labels and follow specified application instructions
• Strong and effective spoken and written (English) communication skills including the ability to prepare necessary forms and reports, and to explain weed control regulations to others
• Ability to effectively organize work, determine priorities and complete assigned duties, independently or in a team, with minimal supervision
• Ability to learn the safe use and maintenance of pumps, motors and spray equipment and to effectively apply these procedures
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and the general public

PREFERENCE MAY BE GIVEN FOR:

• Practical farm experience
• Pesticide spraying experience
• MD State Pesticide Applicator's license (private or commercial) issued by MD State Department of Agriculture
• Familiarity with MD State Noxious Weed Control Law

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS / WORKING CONDITIONS:

• While working in this position, the employee is required to frequently walk, perform repetitive motions,  drive and lift up to 20 pounds; occasionally climb, reach; and rarely stoop, crawl, lift over 50 pounds, and push and pull up to and over 40 pounds 
• While working in this position, the employee is required to frequently work outdoors, work near chemicals/fumes, and is required to wear protective equipment; occasionally walk on uneven ground, and work in dirty/dusty/noisy environments; and rarely work in hot temperatures above 100 degrees and work near machinery

• Available for varied working hours as needed

EXAMINATION PROCESS (may include):

1) An evaluation of training and experience
2) One or more interviews

This description reflects management's assignment of essential duties; it does not proscribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. 

Salary : $16