Spray Technician

Grassland Basin Authority

Job Title: Spray Technician/Maintenance workerEmployment Classification: Full-Time /Non-ExemptStarting hourly rate: Based on experience

**JOB SUMMARY**:
**Definition**

Under general direction of Foreman, perform maintenance duties related to the control and management of invasive weeds, vegetation, and pests on lands and open water areas within theAuthority service area; to use herbicides, algaecides, and non-invasive methods to accomplish control and management activities; and to provide maintenance support of the Authority’s rights of way and properties, facilities, and systems. When not spraying, the position will perform duties associated with general maintenance and construction. Perform any other duties as assigned.

**General Maintenance/Construction** - Perform a variety of semi-skilled and skilled duties in the construction, repair, cleaning, and maintenance of canals, ditches, pipelines, pump line, and structures; and to perform other duties to ensure completion of assigned tasks.

**Supervision Received**

Receives general supervision from the Foreman

**Essential Job Functions**:

- Learn to identify weeds, mix chemicals, and adjust equipment according to type, nature and location of weed growth
- Calibrate, mix load, and transport herbicides and algaecides to assigned work area
- Collect and preserve raw water samples for examination by various regulatory agencies
- Perform manual work in the maintenance and repair of Authority’s facilities when not spraying. Including mow and clean canals/ditches to clear grass/weeds and other debris, other activities as assigned
- Keep and maintain logs and records of work performed and chemicals and supplies used
- Ensure that all chemical storage units are maintained in compliance with State regulations

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- Maintain work, time, and materials record related to job functions and equipment
- Perform any other duties as assigned, including but not limited to heavy manual labor and shovel work.

**Qualifications, Knowledge of**:

- California rules, regulations, and procedures
- Principles of weed and pest control
- Learn the safe use of pest control chemicals for protection of employees, the public, the environment and adjacent crops, and protective equipment practices where applicable
- Learn the materials, tools, equipment, and procedures commonly used in field control of weeds, vegetation, and pests
- Basic mathematical calculations

**Skills and Ability to**:

- Learn to perform maintenance duties in the control and management of invasive weeds, vegetation, and pests within service area lands and open water areas, using herbicides, algaecides, and non-invasive methods
- Read and properly interpret labels and other written materials including chemical labels
- Learn Authority’s water conveyance systems, distribution routes, and access points and spillways
- Learn to identify vegetation types and related eradication or control methods and appropriate seasonal timing of methods to control plant growth
- Learn pertinent Federal, State, local and Authority regulations related to use of herbicides and pesticides
- Obey safe work practices, procedures, and regulations including wearing protective equipment and safety devices
- Operate equipment in a safe and careful manner including mowers, trucks, sprayers, pickups, and similar light automotive equipment
- Maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work

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- Understand and carry out verbal and written instructions
- Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
- Work independently and cooperatively with others; perform heavy manual work including: lifting and carrying items weighing 75 lbs. each up and down canal bank slopes

**Education and Experience**

High School graduation or tested equivalent.

One (1) year of vegetation control experience, including use of herbicides and pesticides is desired but not required.

**License and Certification**

**Work Environment**

**Working Hours**

The regular work week shall consist of forty (40) hours, eight (8) hours a day, five (5) days a week.It is understood this position may require working hours not normally considered business hours, including weekends, holidays and after hours, to meet the needs of the state and federal governments, other agencies, as well as the emergency needs of the Authority. It is the responsibility of the employee for this position to work a 40-hour work week, to avoid overtime and if overtime is needed, to obtain approval from the Foreman or General Manager in advance.

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Pay: $20.00 - $27.00 per hour

**Benefits**:

- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance

Schedule:

- 8 hour shift
- Holidays
- Weekends as needed

**Experience**:

- Maintenance: 2 years (preferr