Land Stewardship Compliance and Education Specialist

The Land Stewardship Compliance and Education Specialist interfaces with the public to ensure that invasive plant species are managed to promote healthy ecosystems. The main focus of this role is to protect agriculture, human health, and native ecosystems through the detection, enforcement, and Education of noxious weeds and required management on private land.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Receives direct supervision from the Weed and Pest Supervisor.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

None

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

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

• Perform a variety of work in the Weed and Pest Department.
• Receive and respond to citizen complaints and reports from other agencies and departments on alleged violations of noxious weed ordinances.
• Interview complainant and witnesses; conduct investigations and provide recommendations for resolution.
• Conduct field investigations; inspect properties for violations; attempt to make contact at the residence or business on order to resolve violation; issue and post warning notices, notices of violation, corrective notices, orders to comply, and related documentation for code violation.
• Assist the Weed and Pest Supervisor in preparing evidence in support of legal actions by the County; testify at hearings in court proceedings, as required.
• Prepare a variety of written reports, memos, and correspondence related to enforcement activities.
• Assist landowners in the generation of management plans and provide educational material.
• Generate educational material for the Weed and Pest Department.
• Engage with community volunteers on mechanical or biological control projects.

OTHER DUTIES

Performs other duties as assigned and required, such as:

• Field work
• Managing invasive plant populations on public or private property
• Map infestations

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities may be qualifying.

• Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.
• Preferred: a degree in Natural Resource Management, Botany, Rangeland Management, Agriculture, GIS or a related field.

• None required. Training will be provided by supervisor.
• Preferred: two years of experience as a seasonal technician in a resource management field.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Colorado Driver's License.
• Additional licenses such as a Colorado Department of Agriculture Certified Operator license may be pursued.

Must be at least 18 years of age.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of:

• Scope and application of laws and regulations pertaining to herbicide handling and application.
• Plant lifecycle and physiology.
• Natural areas, native plant species, and other ecological conditions.
• The Colorado Noxious Weed Act and the Archuleta County Noxious Weed Ordinance

Ability To:

• Identify various plant species at various stages of growth.
• Operate spray equipment and agricultural equipment in a safe and skillful manner and perform routine repairs and maintenance.
• Measure and prepare pesticides and maintain pesticides safety standards.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.
• Understand and follow written and verbal instructions.
• Complete concurrent projects in a timely manner.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other County employees, representatives of other agencies and organizations, and members of the community.
• Compete Colorado Department of Agriculture education requirements for pesticide application.
• Proficient computer skills.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successful perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to read and understand written documents, maps, herbicide labels, and related materials as required for the performance of the job. Requires frequent use of both hands and manual dexterity to operate hand and power tools, vehicles, and equipment. Requires frequent pulling/pushing, reaching, bending/stooping, kneeling, squatting, and twisting to utilize tools, inspect weed and pest sites, perform maintenance, negotiate around equipment, and prepare and apply chemicals. Requires ability to walk over and navigate all types of terrain carrying a sprayer pack weighing 40 pounds.
• Requires sufficient hearing and speech ability to communicate verbally in response to inquiries, complaints, and to speak to individuals or groups in an informational or instructional situation.
• Requires ability to frequently lift and carry supplies and equipment up to 50 pounds.
• Incumbent is occasionally required to work outside normal work hours in the performance of duties.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND CONDITIONS

• Work is conducted in both indoor and outdoor environments. Incumbent experiences frequent exposure to all types of weather conditions, fumes, chemicals, dust, and solvents.
• Frequently required to travel to other County office locations or work sites.