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SalarySummary of Duties
Thurston County Public Works is recruiting for a Noxious Weed Specialist Ito join our dynamic, energetic, and innovative team. The successful candidate identifies landowners by means of governmental records, mapping systems, and/or contact with neighbors and communicates with landowners, offering recommendations and promoting an overall weed control program.
As a successful member of our team, you excel in working both collaboratively and independently. While maintaining a substantial independent workload, you seek out opportunities to participate and/or lead larger Noxious Weed management projects. You enjoy working both in an office and field setting. You are an excellent communicator and enjoy engaging with the public and delivering technical information in a way that is easily understood. You are technically savvy and are proficient with the use of GIS/GPS, ACCESS databases and other Microsoft Office software.
Essential functions may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Survey county and identify Noxious Weed infestations.
- Notify landowners and provide technical education, consultation, weed identification, and vegetation management recommendations.
- Identify landowners using government records, mapping systems and/or contact with neighbors.
- Treat weed infestations using manual and chemical methods.
- Collect, enter, and interpret data associated with weed infestations and herbicide applications.
Message to potential applicants
We understand that 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.
The Thurston County Public Works Department, located in Olympia, Washington is a national award-winning agency in delivering quality projects to our community. Our mission is to provide quality 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.
Vision – The premier public works organization, accountable and transparent in all services we provide to our community.
Inclusion, Equity, and Diversity - Thurston County Public Works values the diversity of the people it hires and serves. To us, inclusion means fostering a workplace in which individual differences are recognized, appreciated, and responded to in ways that fully develop and utilize each person’s talents and strengths. We 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 individual’s lifestyle.
- Plan For 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 visit Benefits 2024 Thurston County Employee Benefit Plans website for more information.
- Paid Leave: Full-time regular employees earn a minimum of 12 paid vacation days per year in addition to 11 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 which allows full-time public service employees who have made 120 qualifying payments for certain loans, to get their student loans repaid. Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Thurston County is located between Seattle and Portland in Western Washington’s 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, farmer’s markets, kids’ activities, history, and art events. Discover more about life in Thurston County at Experienceolympia.com.
Qualifications
- Associate's 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 Driver's 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 the Thurston County Noxious Weeds 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 programs and applications.
Other Position Related Information
Questions about this recruitment?
The contact person for this recruitment is Tim Wilson, Water Resources Program Manager, 360-786-5831
This position is:
- Represented by a Union
- Eligible for overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
- Eligible for benefits
- Application
- Letter of Interest
- Resume
- Supplemental Questionnaire
