
Job Information
Hill County (FT) Weed/Mosquito Coordinator in Havre, Montana
Position: WEED/MOSQUITO COORDINATOR Department: Weed and Mosquito DistrictAccountable To: Hill County Commissioners; Weed/Mosquito BoardSummary of Work: This position is responsible for the development, implementation and administration of Hill County noxious weed management program in compliance with 7-22-21 MCA. This is an active, hands-on position and performs chemical application to noxious weeds. This work includes identification of noxious weeds and application of herbicides. The Coordinator must also manage the mosquito control program. This job includes evening and nighttime hours for the adulticide program and managing and training the mosquito abatement crews. Early spring will be training and managing the larvicide program. The Coordinator will oversee the Hill County drone program. The noxious weed district covers all of Hill County and the Mosquito District covers a designated area in and around Havre. Job Duties and Requirements: •Ability to be punctual to work and for appointments, dress in a presentable manner and present self as a professional.•Purchase herbicides, equipment, and other materials under the direction of the Weed Board to meet objectives of the Weed Management Plan, within the limitations of available funds.•Ensure proper equipment maintenance and conducts lights repairs.•Develop special weed management areas within the County and assist interested parties in writing grant proposals to Montana Noxious Weed Trust Fund program; these Grants can be cooperative, educational or research.•Implement weed inventory and monitoring programs to determine the effectiveness of the county weed management plan.•Coordinate weed management activities between private, county, state and federal land managers.•Develop and ensure compliance with contracts/agreements between the County Weed District, state and federal entities, and private companies for management of noxious weeds.•Notify landowners of weed infested areas on their property, and assist landowners with development, implementation, and monitoring results of weed management plans.•Develop and implement prevention programs including weed seed free hay certification; revegetation; public education on new invading weed species; inspections of county and state gravel pits and stock piles; vigilant monitoring of roadsides, railroad rights-of-way and other areas highly susceptible to newly invading weed species including subdivisions.•Keep accurate records of materials used and work performed.•Supervise the spraying operations of contractor’s and or seasonal labor.•Attend meetings and educational workshops.•Interpret aerial photographs and topographic maps.•Maintain a professional image with the public.Administrative Duties:•Perform administrative duties that include hiring and supervision of employees.•Issue work directives, prepare employee work schedules, and establish deadlines to ensure completion of projects.•Provide and or ensure training of employees on pesticide safety, application techniques, hazards, environmental impact of pesticides, state and federal regulations, and general weed management activities.•Review daily reports from employees on work conducted and ensure completion of reports.•Prepare budget for yearly operation including personnel, equipment and supplies.•Maintain updated files on Noxious Weed Trust Fund projects and submit reports to the Montana Department of Agriculture twice per year.•Maintain current information on weed management including safety data sheets (SDS), biological, cultural control options and weed identification.•Meet with the Weed/Mosquito Board quarterly, or as needed to efficiently manage the weed control program.Physical Demands and Working Conditions:•Normally required to stand, sit for long periods of time.•Frequently required to lift and move up to 50 pounds.•Regularly the employee works near moving or mechanical parts, with fumes or airborne particles; with chemicals in outdoor weather conditions and with vibration.•Occasionally works in extremely hot outdoor conditions with risk of heat exposure.•The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate and the employee may be exposed to hazardous fumes or products.•Commonly works in rough uneven terrain•Frequently works outside in range areas where there are snakes.•Always required to wear proper personal protective equipment as required on label that may include but is not limited to: boots, long pants, long sleeve shirts, gloves, safety glasses, helmets, etc.Knowledge/Skills: •The ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.•Working knowledge of plant identification, biology, and ecology with emphasis on noxious weeds.•Knowledge of weed management methods including herbicides, biological methods, and cultural methods.•Must be able to interpret aerial photographs and topographic maps.•Working knowledge of computers, including word processing, and GIS and GPS systems.•Possess understanding of Montana Weed Laws and Pesticide regulations.•Working knowledge of sprayer equipment operation and calibration; be able to perform light maintenance of equipment.•Possess organizational and leadership skills.•Know how to read and interpret pesticide labels.Education and Experience: The above knowledge, skills, and abilities are typically acquired through a combination of education and experience equivalent to: •High School Diploma or Equivalent•Two Years’ experience in weed management activities including application of integrated weed control tools (biological, cultural, and chemical methods.)•Must have or be able to obtain a Governmental Pesticide Applicator’s License, Pesticide Dealer License, and possess a valid Montana Driver’s License, and should become trained as a Noxious Weed Seed Free Forage agent/inspector.•Additional classes in agriculture, plant biology, herbicide safety and handling, and related fields preferred.•Experience in public speaking.•Experience in employee supervision.The specific statements shown in each section of this description are not intended to be all inclusive. They represent typical elements and criteria considered necessary to perform the job successfully. Other duties may be needed or assigned.