Herbicide Specialist

We are accepting applications to fill one (1) full-time Weed Abatement Specialist (Pesticide Specialist) vacancy in the Water Resources Division of the Public Works Department in Santa Maria and other Flood Control facilities as needed. DEFINITION: Under general supervision, stores, handles mixes and applies herbicides in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations; and performs related duties as required. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: This class is primarily responsible for eliminating or inhibiting the growth of unwanted vegetation in flood control channels, creeks, drainage ditches, culverts, rivers, access and public roads, and rights-of-way; and for performing other maintenance and duties as related to Public Works operations. BENEFITS OVERVIEW: Vacation: 12 to 25 days per year depending on length of public employment. Holidays: 13 days per year. Sick Leave: 12 days sick leave per year. Unlimited accumulation, one year of which can be converted to service credit upon retirement. Health Plan: Choice of medical and dental plans (with vision care). County contributes toward the employee's premium. On-Site Employee Health Clinics in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria: Provides ongoing and episodic services to eligible employees and their eligible dependents over age 15. In addition, applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for: Retirement reciprocity Time and service credit towards an advanced vacation accrual rate MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Possession of a valid California Qualified Applicator’s Certificate for pesticide application including the aquatic and right-of-way categories; AND possession of a valid California Class A license; AND One (1) year of responsible experience in horticultural pest, insect, rodent, weed abatement or turf disease control; OR, Experience performing duties equivalent to the class of Maintenance Worker I with Santa Barbara County, supplemented by additional training or coursework in pest, weed, and disease control; OR, A combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent to one of the employment standards listed above and that provides the required knowledge and abilities. ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS: Appointee must obtain Tanker endorsement during the probationary period. Driver's license and required endorsements must be kept valid throughout the term of employment. Knowledge of: modern methods, equipment, materials and safety measures used in pesticide applications; laws, regulations and basic principles of pesticide application; common pesticides used in right-of-way area applications; environmental conditions appropriate for pesticide applications; and basic math including addition, subtraction, multiplication and division to calibrate spray equipment and to estimate materials needed for pesticide applications. Ability to: identify primary and secondary weeds, insects and rodents in order to apply appropriate pesticides; operate manual and computer-controlled spray equipment; read and understand pesticide regulations; follow written and oral instructions; maintain records to prepare forms and worksheets on pesticide applications and safety; verbally communicate with members of the public the reasons for pesticide applications; maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and the public. APPLICATION AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE DEADLINE: August 26, 2024 by 5:00 PM PST; postmarks not accepted. Applications and job bulletins can be obtained 24 hours a day at: www.sbcountyjobs.com . Kim Clark, Public Works Human Resources Coordinator, kiclark@countyofsb.org #J-18808-Ljbffr