POSTION CLOSES: August 27, 2012STARTING SALARY: 45,000-52,000 (Depending on qualifications)
LOCATION: Baker City, Oregon
INTRODUCTION
The Director is responsible for all aspects of the efficient and effective implementation of the Tri-County Cooperative Weed Management Area’s (Tri-County) mission, goals and objectives. The director coordinates weed and vegetation management programs for Tri-County and administers the planning, organizing, directing and evaluating of programs to control and eradicate noxious weeds in cooperation with Baker, Union, and Wallowa Counties and other partners.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES (include but are not limited to)
- Works directly with the Executive Committee to understand, communicate and implement the mission of the Tri-County. Interprets and implements Tri-County’s mission, goals and objectives independently on a daily basis. Promotes the Tri-Counties mission, goals and objectives in the three Counties.
- Recruits, hires and supervises the necessary staff (permanent, temporary and contracted help) needed to effectively implement the mission, goals and objectives of Tri-County.
- Coordinates with agencies, cooperators, weed boards and landowners in implementing weed control programs; interprets Tri-County policy and procedures.
- Develop noxious weed control programs. Develop, implement, monitor and evaluate short and long-term plans for eradication, containment and control of noxious weeds. Inventory and map target areas.
- Prepare and maintain a variety of records, statistical and financial reports, statements and information. Assemble that data for regular and recurring reports communicating the work and impact of the program to the Executive Committee and all stakeholders.
- Educate landowners, news media, local organizations and the public in noxious weed identification, prevention and early detection, proper selection and application of chemicals. Answer questions and complaints concerning vegetation and noxious weed programs.
- Prepare budget and monitor fiscal record keeping. Design grant applications and solicit other funding to support programs. Encourage cost sharing with cooperators.
- Serve as coordinator for a variety of weed control projects such as aerial spraying contracts and the distribution and monitoring of biological control agents for control of noxious weeds.
- Serve as contracting officer. Order materials and supplies.
- Ensure compliance to safety policies and procedures regarding the use of herbicides and equipment.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY REQUIRED BY THIS POSITION
Knowledge of: Integrated Pest Management principles and tools including chemical, biological, mechanical, and cultural means of weed management; thorough knowledge of plant species and soil types; thorough knowledge of federal and state statutes that govern noxious weed control activities; considerable knowledge of principles and practices of program management techniques in areas of budgeting, fiscal monitoring, organizational skills, data collection and research techniques; considerable knowledge of geographic information systems (GIS) software and mapping techniques; considerable knowledge of natural resource management.
Skill in: Interpersonal communication that fosters long term productive working relationships with a wide variety of stakeholders; application of herbicides for noxious weed control in a variety of settings; management and monitoring biological control agents; application of restoration seedings for degraded areas; use of technology related to GIS/GPS mapping and database design.
Ability to: Communicate effectively in both oral and written form; evaluate effectiveness of controls; establish and maintain records, reports and statistical data; make decisions independently in accordance with established policies and procedures, establish new policies when applicable; use initiative and judgment in completing tasks and responsibilities; adjust to priority changes; remain calm and use good judgment during confrontational or high pressure situations; meet and deal effectively with coworkers, advisory boards, regulatory agencies, community organizations, contractors, chemical company vendors, news media, landowners and the public to exchange information, explain program objectives, coordinate activities and give advice.
Education, experience and training: Bachelor’s degree in natural resources, agriculture, botany, or related field with course work in weed control and some experience in program management OR four years progressively responsible experience in herbicide application which includes program management experience OR a satisfactory equivalent combination of experience and training. At the time of appointment, must possess a valid Oregon driver’s license.
Necessary special requirements: Within six months of employment, must obtain Oregon Pesticide Applicator license, Public Applicator’s License.
SUPERVISORY CONTROLS OF THIS POSITION
The director works under the direction of the Tri-County CWMA Executive Committee. Day to day work is performed independently but the Director keeps the executive committee regularly and adequately informed of activities. The employee receives general guidance regarding the scope and approach to projects or assignments, but procedures and problem resolution are left to the employee’s discretion and interpretation. Employee is self-motivated and estimates and manages time efficiently. Work is reviewed periodically to ensure determinations and decisions are made in compliance to agency policy and procedures. The Executive committee annually evaluates the Directors performance.
GUIDELINES
Work is performed within established policy and procedures; federal, state and county rules, regulations and ordinances; Tri-County mission and goals; weed identification reference material, chemical reference materials and herbicide labels. Employee uses independent judgment in interpreting and applying guidelines.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work is performed in the office and in the field. Field work takes place in a wide variety of terrain and settings including rugged back country locations and sometimes requires travel water (i.e. small boats or rafts). Work involves frequently lifting up to 50 pounds, pushing, pulling, standing and walking in all types of terrain, and working with hazardous chemicals. Work is performed in an environment which involves everyday risks or discomforts and sometimes adverse weather conditions requiring safety precautions. A considerable amount of driving is required.
BENEFITS:
Insurance Policy includes medical, vision, and dental. Retirement benefits are coordinated through the Oregon Public Employee Retirement System.
TO APPLY:
Please Submit:
- Resume including 2-3 references.
- Brief written summary of verifiable accomplishments applicable to position.
Deadline for submissions is AUGUST 27, 2012. Information can be sent via mail or e-mail:
Union County Public Works Dept.
P.O. Box 1103
La Grande, Or.
97850
Questions regarding the job can be directed to:
Mark Porter, (Tri-County Executive Committee Chairman) at 541-398-0154 or mark@wallowaresources.org.
Interviews will be scheduled the first week of September.