Pesticide Specialist

Found in: Talent US C2 - 2 weeks ago

Goleta, United States County of Santa Barbara Full time
Description

We are accepting applications to fill one () full -time Pesticide Specialist  vacancy in the Water Resources  Division of the Public Works Department  in  Santa Barbara.

DEFINITION:  Under general supervision, stores, handles mixes and applies pesticides 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, and for controlling rodent and insect problems 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:  to days per year depending on length of public employment. Holidays:  days per year.  Sick Leave: 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 . or the Benefits Tab on the job bulletin for more information on County benefits.  In addition, applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for:

Retirement reciprocity Time and service credit towards an advanced vacation accrual rate We are also accepting applications to establish employment lists for  future Full-Time, Part-Time, Civil Service Rule *  and  Extra-Help Pesticide Specialist vacancies at All Locations.

*NOTE : Positions vacated as a result of a leave of absence (Civil Service Rule ) and the duration of the appointment shall be subject to the return of the individual who is on leave. A person who is appointed to a position under Civil Service Rule may be able to transition into a regular position in the classification without re-application or re-testing, depending on the performance of the appointee and the needs of the department. * BENEFITS:  The position is eligible for Full-Time benefits. Examples of Duties . Stores, handles, mixes, and applies pesticides in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations; identifies and chemically treats primary and secondary noxious weeds; controls rodent and insect pest populations to ensure safety of department employees; drives trucks to transport pesticides and spray equipment to site; uses manual and computer-controlled spray rigs and tanker trailers; cleans, services, maintains, and does minor repair work on spray rigs and vehicles; schedules appropriate herbicide applications for flood control, right-of-way, open space, mitigation sites, and park areas and monitors effectiveness of treatment; performs diagnostic checks of computerized spray rigs; calibrates spray equipment to ensure accuracy of concentration; explains to the public, when requested, the type of pesticide being applied and the reasons for pesticide applications. . Purchases ancillary supplies and materials as needed; ensures adequate supply of pesticides is available for applications; keeps monthly pesticide records of material used.. Prepares pesticide use forms, safety training worksheets, and storage site inspection records as required; obtains necessary permits from the Agricultural Commissioner's Office.. May lead work crews on an occasional basis; may train other pesticide applicators in safety methods and proper handling of pesticides; and may participate in other public works operations when performance of pesticide duties is inappropriate, or during emergencies.. Contains and cleans up minor pesticide spills in accordance with hazardous materials/waste handling requirements.. Attends continuing education courses to maintain Qualified Applicator's Certificate. Employment Standards 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 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, ) 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.Appointees to this classification will be subject to mandatory testing for drugs prior to beginning work. Once on the job, incumbents will be subject to mandatory testing for drugs and/or alcohol on a random, reasonable suspicion, post-accident, return-to-duty, and follow-up basis. 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.