Noxious Weed Control Coordinator

A county weed coordinator is responsible for administering the Washington State Weed Law, RCW 17.10. The coordinator also enacts, administers, and monitors the policy statements, operating procedures and decisions made by the Mason County Noxious Weed Control Board.Develops and implements an annual work plan with the Board and monitors progress toward goals as specified in the plan.
Manages activities associated with the operation of the program, including supervising any staff, the procurement and maintenance of equipment and furnishings.
Maintains records required by the Board, the County, the State and funding agencies. Submits grant applications, monitors grant expenditures and activities, and prepares necessary reports.
Develops and administers the annual budget for the Board.
Gathers information and develops plans necessary to obtain funding for the Noxious Weed Control program. Prepares correspondence, bids, grant proposals, reports, public notices, and other pertinent documents.
Conducts and records an ongoing county-wide Noxious Weed survey, which is displayed on maps, computer graphics and/or summarized in other report forms. Maintains a thorough knowledge of the ecology, physiology, and distribution of Noxious Weeds in Mason County.
Maintains a thorough knowledge of the ecology and physiology of Noxious Weeds in the county and methods of control utilizing Integrated Pest Management practices such as biological, herbicidal, mechanical, and cultural practices, with strong emphasis on safe responsible use of herbicides, to insure that the health of humans and the environment is safeguarded.
Develops strategies to protect endangered species & work within buffer zones and riparian areas.
Plans and coordinates the work of crews and contractors hired to eradicate weeds.
Responds to inquiries and complaints from county residents. Administer the State Weed Control Law (Chapter 17.10 RCW) by working with landowners to achieve Weed Control compliance. This may include enacting enforcement procedures.
Provides technical education/information to the general public through speaking engagements, the media, fair displays, distribution of educational brochures, and other methods.
Provides technical assistance and education to landowners and local agency staff.
Maintains a continuing liaison with the Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board, neighboring county weed boards, state and federal land management agencies, county departments, and private landowners in an effort to establish uniformity in Weed Control. Works with and plans Noxious Weed Control with all state and federal agencies that manage land.
Coordinates, attends, and participates in Board meetings, hearings, and other events as directed by the Board.
Routinely communicates with the Board about work activities.
Maintains an effective, beneficial representation of the county's Noxious Weed Control program.
Develops and maintains good working relationships and communication with:
Mason County Noxious Weed Control Board Members
Board of County Commissioners
Other County Department directors and supervisors
Washington State Department of Agriculture
WSU Extension
Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board and staff
Other county Weed Board coordinators and supervisors
State and Federal land management agencies
Mason County landowners
Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities
Knowledge of biological, herbicidal, mechanical, and cultural methods of controlling Noxious Weeds, including current pesticide uses, hazards and compatibility with ambient environment.
Knowledge of current state and federal Weed Control and pesticide laws and regulations.
Knowledge of agriculture, forestry and resource management concepts and issues.
Considerable knowledge of Botany.
Knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions and skill in promoting such.
Public presentation skills.
Computer literacy in word processing, data bases, presentation development and other applications.
Ability to work effectively with upper levels of management, elected officials and citizens.
Ability to identify Noxious Weeds in various stages of growth.
Ability to prepare accurate reports.
Ability to work independently and to complete daily activities according the work schedules.
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with county departments and employees, various agencies, and the general public.
Skill in diplomacy and persuasion!
Ability to plan and coordinate the work of others.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position as described above. Typical ways to demonstrate the knowledge and abilities include a natural resource related BS degree and/or several years' progressively responsible experience in agricultural related fields, horticulture, agronomy, biology, forestry, and botany or Weed Control.
Licenses/Certificates
Must possess a valid Washington State driver's license and proof of current automobile liability insurance.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Washington State Public Pesticide Consultant's License, a pesticide operator license, and any necessary endorsements within 60 days of employment.Employment Type: Full-Time