Leads, oversees and participates in the work of staff responsible for the identification and management of weed infestations, infestation management and performing a variety of duties involved in the implementation of a community forestry program on County owned Property, in parks and along trails and some roadways; participates in open space restoration and management, and providing staff assistance to the Parks Open Space Supervisor.
- Locate and identify weed infested areas; map and monitor progress of treated areas. Develop strategy for long-term integrated noxious weed/ invasive species eradication program.
- Monitor and evaluate populations of noxious weeds/invasive species and make recommendations for management/suppression, using the most appropriate integrated pest management methods.
- Identify county, state, and federal requirements and regulations of various weed control management techniques, including all requirements relevant to pesticide storage, mixing, application, and disposal.
- Apply EPA restricted and non-restricted herbicides to county open spaces, roadsides, and private lands requiring enforcement procedures; control noxious weeds; determine type and amount of pesticides to be applied according to label. Gather information required by State and Federal agencies; maintain daily records of treated areas; prepare necessary records.
- Operate all Open Space Division vehicles including one-ton vehicles, ATV's, lift trucks, chippers and trailers; assist in the calibration of herbicide application vehicles; perform minor maintenance.
- Assist in the production of maps of unincorporated Adams County for infestation of noxious weeds included on the State Noxious Weed List.
- Participate in the field activities of a team of urban forestry specialists and trainees, regular and seasonal laborers and equipment operators.
- Performs or assists in the planting, maintenance, and removal of trees, shrubs, flowers, and turf.
- Maintain knowledge and comply with all rules and regulations set by State and Federal agencies; report changes in rules and regulations to supervisory staff.
- Identify, control, and contain noxious weeds using integrated management techniques where feasible at parks, on trails, and on open space lands.
- Accurately records work progress and updates mapping activities of the County's tree inventory using field computers.
- Assist the Open Space Supervisor in organizing vegetation management education functions.
- Supervise, train, and evaluate weed control and forestry seasonal employees and volunteers in the performance of their tasks and responsibilities.
- Assist with responses to hazardous materials spills and pesticide contamination events.
- Conduct and/or participate in tree surveys and mapping exercises.
- Plant, prune and maintain trees in accordance with International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) standards.
- Assist Open Space Supervisor in performing site visits for land owners in un-incorporated Adams County; assist in developing integrated weed management plans for private land owners.
- Assist park maintenance crews in construction and park maintenance projects, including the use of hand and power tools and the operation of heavy equipment.
- Perform other related duties and responsibilities as required.
- Knowledge of rules, regulations, and laws related to weed control, pest control and community forestry.
- Knowledge of principles and practices used in the application of pesticides to control weeds and other designated pests.
- Knowledge of principles of record keeping and report preparation in accordance with the Colorado Pesticide Applicator's Act.
- Knowledge of pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
- Knowledge of operational hazards and standard safety practices necessary in the area of assigned work.
- Ability to operate, calibrate, repair, and care for the full range of mechanical and chemical parks equipment.
- Ability to lead, organize, and review the work of assigned staff.
- Accurately determine amount of pesticide to be applied (measurement of liquids, ratios).
- Ability to identify noxious weeds, locations, and extent of infestations in Adams County; interpret, navigate, and map infestations effectively using topographical maps and Geographical Information Systems (GIS).
- Ability to successfully meet continuing education requirements to maintain pesticide applicator certification by the Colorado Department of Agriculture and/or International Society of Arboriculture.
- Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing with staff and landowners.
- Ability to establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted during work.
- Knowledge of lead supervision and training, record keeping, and reporting.
- Knowledge of pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
- Knowledge of basic budgeting principles and practices.
- Lead, organize, and review the work of maintenance staff and handle conflict in an appropriate manner.
- Knowledge of forestry principles, practices and their application.
- Ability to interpret diagrams, plans, and blueprints.
- Operate basic office equipment including a personal computer and related software.
- Education and Training: High school diploma or GED equivalent, supplemented by training in forestry, turf and grounds maintenance, chemical application and equipment operation.
- Experience: Three (3) years of increasingly responsible experience in landscape maintenance, urban forest management and/or herbicide application.
- License or Certificate:
- Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Colorado driver's license; CDL.
- Candidates must possess a valid Colorado Commercial Driver's License Class B at the time of interview or within 6 months of employment.
- Candidates selected for interviews will need to provide a current copy of their motor vehicle record. Adams County is required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations to conduct pre-employment drug screens, background checks and motor vehicle record checks.
- Successful candidates must pass all of the above, including a DOT physical and a criminal background check.
- Possession of a State of Colorado Department of Agriculture Public Applicators License.
- Desirable Forestry Licenses and Certifications:
- International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist certification
- International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Tree Risk Assessment Qualification.
- Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) Certified Tree care Safety Professional (CTSP).
- Essential duties require the following physical abilities:
- The employee frequently is required to sit, stand, walk, kneel, crouch, squat, stoop, reach, crawl, twist, climb, and lift an/or move 100 pounds.
- Exposure to noise, outdoors, electrical hazards, dust, chemicals and mechanical hazards.
- Work Environment:
- This position requires frequent exposure to all types of weather conditions.
- This position requires exposure to noise, outdoors, confined work spaces, electrical hazards, vibrations, chemicals, dust and mechanical hazards
- Special Requirements:
- Availability for on-call and stand-by call.
- This position requires shift work, on-call and nights/weekend shift work.
- Ability to respond during an emergency or during extreme weather events including wind, rain, snow or ice.
- Assist in the preparation and operation of the Adams County Fair and other special events as assigned.