Job Announcement for up to 5
Invasive Plant Technicians
Pay rate:$19-26/hr
Full time: 40hrs (4×10) a week
Seasonal: July-September
About:
Pierce Conservation District is anon-regulatory division of state government that has been working with landowners to manage natural resources since 1949. This summer we will continue our 12+ year efforts in removing invasive knotweed plants from priority watersheds in order to restore critical riparian areas and salmon habitat.Technicians will assist one of the largest and most established knotweed control programs in the Puget Sound Region.
Duties:
The technicians will operate as a crew, under the direction of the Invasive Plant Program Manager, to treat invasive knotweed plants on South Prairie and Wilkeson Creeks, the Upper Nisqually River, and their tributaries.Treatments will occur primarily through aquatic-approved herbicide applications.Technicians maybe asked to assist with related tasks or control work in additional project areas. This position is almost exclusively field-based.Specific duties include the following:
•Learn, and practice daily, appropriate pesticide handling and application techniques and protocols (primarily foliar spray applications and associated tasks)
•Use appropriate protocol to treat known knotweed plants using herbicide along the Upper Nisqually River and its tributaries, South Prairie/Wilkeson Creeks and their tributaries, and other project sites as needed
•Assist with the daily completion of project and herbicide application records
•Search thoroughly for knotweed within the project area
•Use digital handheld maps (ArcGIS Collector) to navigate in-field as well as to map and survey knotweed
•Prepare and maintain project equipment and supplies
•Communicate effectively with the crew lead and/or Program Manager regarding site conditions, progress, and challenges
•Identify and prepare potential planting sites which were formerly infested by knotweed
•Occasionally assist with miscellaneous administrative, clerical, and/or outreach facets of the project

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:

Required Qualities:

•Ability to work efficiently,systematically,and positively as part of a crew; as well as independently

•Knowledge and experience in environmental studies and Puget Sound plant species identification (native and non-native)•Interest in and commitment to salmon restoration and/or natural resource enhancement

•Ability to hike up to several miles per day in streams and over uneven terrain carrying a 24+ lb. backpack sprayer•Willingness to work near fast-moving water with exposure to insects and other hazards•Ability to work outside safely in remote locations

•Ability to work outside in inclement and/or hot weather(while wearing personal protective equipment)•Ability to outfit self with appropriate field gear (i.e. durable clothing, rubber boots, etc.)

•Ability to maintain accurate records regarding project sites,herbicide application details,timekeeping, and authorized expenses•Service-oriented attitude and constructive problem-solving skills•Strong oral and written communication skills

Desired Qualities:

•Has a WSDA Public Operator’s pesticide license with an Aquatics Pest Control endorsement, or the ability to quickly obtain one

•Experience with noxious weed identification, ecology, and management•Experience with herbicide practices and protocols•Working knowledge of GPS units and GIS programs•Valid driver’s license, insurance, and ability to operate a 4-wheel drive vehicle

Salary and Schedule:

This is a full-time, seasonal position with a fixed term of July 6–September 17. Time commitment is 40 hours/week,Monday–Thursday, 7:00AM–5:30PM. Technicians will report to one of three work sites each day, per the schedule below:

•July 6: Pierce Conservation District office, Puyallup

•July 7-August 20: Ashford

•August 24-September 17: South Prairie

The compensation for this position is $19-26/hour, depending on experience. There are no medical or other benefits, and no paid holidays.Personal protective equipment provided. Hip waders, and/or chest waders will be provided.Eligible for paid leave through RCW 49.46.210 and the FFCRA. Employees are also eligible to request sick leave donations from other staff, if needed.

To Apply for this Position:

Applications will be accepted until positions are filled, with review beginning June1. Apply at https://www.piercecd.org/Jobs.

Contact Kate Terpstra, Invasive Plant Program Manager,with any questions: KateT@PierceCD.org