Location: Olympia,WA, USA
The salary range for this position is $5,405 - $7,189 monthly.
Thurston County Public Works is recruiting for a Noxious Weeds Specialist II to join our dynamic, energetic, and innovative Water Resources team. The successful candidate enjoys engaging with the public and delivering technical information in a way that is easily understood and can work collaboratively and independently, managing complex projects and assignments. This position is responsible for participating in, and leading, large noxious weed management projects and will work both in an office setting and in the field.
Essential functions may include, but are not limited to, the following:
* Survey county properties and rights-of-way to 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.
* Report possible enforcement actions pursuant to State Noxious Weed Control Law (RCW 17.10), and the Thurston County Noxious Weed Control Board's rules and regulations.
* Treat weed infestations applying the principles of integrated pest management (IPM).
* Collect, enter, and interpret data associated with weed infestations and herbicide applications.
* Prepare and present noxious weed educational information at public events.
To view the full job classification, click here: Noxious Weed Specialist II
WORKING CONDITIONS:
* Work Environment - Work is conducted both in an office environment and various field locations throughout the county. May be required to work outside in extreme weather conditions and various types of terrain. Essential tasks require typing/keyboard skills, phone usage, reading, speaking and listening, reaching, and bending. Lifting and carrying of materials, equipment or other items weighing up to 40 lbs. may be required on an occasional basis. Certain tasks may require long periods of standing or sitting. Will be required to travel to various locations around the county. May be required to work evenings and weekends.
* Schedule - Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Workload demands may occasionally require work outside the assigned work hours.
* Travel Requirements - Occasional travel may be required to attend meetings or trainings.
* Customer Interactions - Daily interactions via phone, in-person, and video with Thurston County staff and the public.
WHO WE ARE:
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 excellent 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.
Mission - to provide excellent public services in all areas of our business.
Vision - The premier public works organization, accountable and transparent in all services we provide to our community.
Thurston County values the diversity of the people it hires and serves. Inclusion to us 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 individuals' 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 Thurston County Employee Benefit Plans for more information.
* Paid Leave: Full-time regular employees earn paid vacation in addition to paid holidays.
* 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 qualifying payments for certain loans, to get their student loans repaid. Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
Why you'll love it here: 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.
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.
QUALIFICATIONS:
* Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Ecology, Agriculture or other closely related field. Professional level environmental experience may be substituted for up to two years of educational requirement.
* Four (4) years of environmental program experience including budget management, grant writing and grant administration. Must include one (1) year of supervisory 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:
* Ability to work both collaboratively and independently.
* Knowledge of botany and plant identification skills.
* Understanding of County vegetation management policy and Noxious Weed Control Program.
* Understanding of State Noxious Weed Law, Federal and State pesticide laws, and applicable regulations.
* Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally with all levels within the organization.
* Ability to deliver technical information in a way that is easily understood.
* 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, ACCESS databases and other Microsoft Office software programs and applications.
OTHER RELATED RECRUITMENT INFORMATION:
Questions about this recruitment? Please contact Mike Murphy, Noxious Weed Program Manager, 360-###-#### or ...@co.thurston.wa.us
This position is:
* Represented by a Union
* Eligible for overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
* Eligible for benefits
Items required for consideration:
* Application
* Resume
* Letter of Interest
* Supplemental Questions
Learn more about Thurston County at: Thurston County
Please note: Information in this announcement is subject to change without notice at any time during the length of the job advertisement.
THURSTON COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Thurston County is committed to provide equal opportunity to all persons seeking or having access to its employment, services and activities, which is free from restriction based on race, sex, marital status, color, creed or religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, including gender expression or identity, pregnancy, status as an honorably discharged veteran or military status, genetic information, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, unless based upon bona fide occupational qualifications. Applicants with disabilities who need accommodation with the application or selection process should contact Thurston County's Human Resources, at (360) ###-####. Those who are deaf, deaf-blind, hard of hearing or speech impaired may use the statewide relay system to reach Thurston County offices and departments to conduct their business telephonically. Relay users can simply dial 7-1-1 (or 1-800-###-####) to connect with Washington Relay.