Weed Control Technician

Job Summary:  Helps Weed Control Coordinator and Weed Control Lead Technician identify and assess noxious and/or invasive weed infestations and initiate weed control and management practices when requested by farmers, residents and governmental agencies.

Essential Functions

Functions listed are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

Weed Control Technician will be able, or be trained, to:

• Be a Registered Employee (required) regarding Maryland Pesticide Regulations
• Identify noxious and invasive weeds and non-target plants
• Determine which herbicides to use to treat specific weeds or weed populations
• Understand and follow applicable laws, including the Maryland Noxious Weed Law, Maryland Pesticide Regulations and Maryland traffic laws
• Safely mix and apply herbicides to appropriate targets in accordance with applicable requirements and regulations
• Operate 4-wheeled vehicle and spray equipment; perform minor equipment maintenance
• Utilize electronic tablet technology with software provided by the Maryland State Highway Administration for mapping/tracking of noxious and invasive weed control activities; and utilize other technologies for recordkeeping, billing, and reporting requirements in compliance with program requirements and Maryland law
• Perform other duties as required

NOTE:  Working in this position will fulfill the experience requirement for becoming a certified Maryland Pest Control Applicator.

Supervision: The position reports to the Weed Control Coordinator. Position does not supervise staff.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The employee is expected to perform or possess the following:

• • Must be at least 18 years old and possess a Class C Maryland Driver’s License, or equivalent, with a satisfactory driving record
  • Constant focus on safety
  • Attention to Detail: Is alert in a high-risk environment; follows detailed procedures and ensures accuracy; carefully monitors gauges, instruments or processes; concentrates on routine work details; analyzes current procedures for possible improvements; notifies supervisor of problems in a timely manner
  • Flexibility: Adapts well to changing priorities, deadlines and directions
  • Organization: Ability to maintain accurate records and provide reports
  • • Responsiveness: Responds to requests in a timely and thorough manner; does what is necessary to ensure duties are completed
    • Communication: Ability to communicate in a calm and clear manner
    • Mechanical Skill: Ability to work with equipment safely

Education and Experience:

• • • Requires a high school diploma or G.E.D.
    • Preferred but not required:
      • Familiarity with agriculture, or plant or environmental science
      • Possession of Maryland Department of Agriculture Pesticide Applicator’s Certificate
      • Knowledge of Maryland State Noxious Weed Law and Maryland Pesticide Regulations
    • Or equivalent technical training, education or experience

Physical and Environmental Conditions:

Work is conducted in a variety of outdoor settings that can expose the employee to non-optimal temperature and air conditions. The position routinely requires stooping and bending; lifting of items, such as equipment and containers; long periods of walking on uneven terrain and/or standing or sitting for long periods.

There are routine discomforts from exposure to moderate heat, cold, moisture, unpleasant air conditions, biting insects and poisonous/irritant plants.  Work requires constant and special safety precautions, e.g., working near traffic, working around moving parts of sprayer equipment and working with irritant chemicals.  Work may require employees to use protective clothing or gear such as masks, boots, goggles, gloves, or shields; may require working in adverse weather conditions. 

The above job description is not intended as, nor should it be construed as, exhaustive of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job. 

This and all County positions are subject to transfer, based on need.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.

Salary : $17 - $27