Rush Skeleton Project Assistant in PLAINS, Montana

Job Title: Rush Skeleton Project Assistant Grade: 7 FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Exempt
Department: Weed Department Reports to: Rush Skeleton Grant Coordinator
Work Unit Overview: Full time Position, Seasonal. The Weed District in the County implements an effective noxious weed management program for the protection of open space and natural and agricultural resources of the County.
Job Summary: Performs administrative and technical duties required for the coordination of the Sanders County Rush Skeletonweed Program (RSW). Thus employee will be responsible for Grant recordkeeping, reporting and the proper application of pesticides in accordance with federal, state and county laws.
Essential Functions (Major Duties or Responsibilities): These duties are the essential functions and are not all-inclusive of all duties that the incumbent performs.
– Support Rush Skeletonweed Grant Coordinator by assisting in recommendations for specific treatment plans for land owners and provides follow-up support, recommendations and education. Responsible for monitoring RSW Plans with owners and will report non-compliance to the Weed Supervisor for follow-up actions. Responsible for accurate records pertaining to the purchasing and selling of herbicides. Grant preparation.
– Maps infestations of weeds in the weed district, contacts responsible parties where weed control is necessary; maintains daily chemical use log; documents completed application projects. Use tablet and mapping technology to support capture of data.
– Drives, maintains and operates weed control equipment; ensures that equipment, machines and buildings are maintained in operating order; Calibrates all spraying equipment.
– Dispenses chemicals to weed crew; monitors the mixing and spraying of chemicals. Submits reports to federal, state and county agencies as needed; assists Weed Board in implementing County weed management plan. Assists individual landowners with weed management.
– Sprays County and contracted state road right-of-ways and County properties as instructed.
– Greets the public in a friendly manner in person or on the telephone. Demonstrates strong inter-personal skills with a focus on customer service that promotes the Weed Department and the RSW program in positive and promotional manner. Attends County and/or Grant meetings as assigned. Conducts educational classes as needed.
Non-Essential Functions:
– Compile and submit activity reports, equipment logs, inspection reports, and other records to provide accurate, complete, and timely information.
– Perform other duties as assigned including but not limited to managing special projects, attending meetings and conferences, providing backup for other staff, participating in training, etc.
Physical Demands and Working Conditions: The demands and conditions described here are representative of those the employee must meet to perform the essential functions of the job.
– Frequently required to stand, sit, write, read and use hands to handle or feel objects.
– Occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Infrequently, the employee must lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
– Frequently works near moving or mechanical parts; with fumes or airborne particles; in outdoor weather conditions and with vibration. The employee occasionally works in extremely hot outdoor conditions with risk of electrical shock.
– The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate and the employee may be exposed to hazardous fumes or products.
– Supervision Exercised: List jobs reporting to the subject position and level of supervisory authority.
– This position does not supervise any county employees.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
– This job requires knowledge of basic math in order to make computations; knowledge of the weeds and crops grown in Montana and the appropriate herbicides that manage undesired vegetation; knowledge of 2 and 4 wheel drive vehicles used for delivery of chemicals; and knowledge of small engines and how to operate and maintain them.
– This job requires skill in the calibration and safe operation of application and spraying equipment; driving a standard/manual transmission; the operation of a computer; map reading; and customer service.
– This job requires the ability to mix the correct herbicide and determine proper conditions for application of the herbicides; to monitor and maintain safety protocols; to work and communicate effectively in person and via phone or two-way radio; to read, understand and follow instructions and MSDS sheets and labels; and to read and understand maps. This job also requires the ability to
– recognize and identify noxious and undesirable vegetation and distinguish between agricultural crops; able to operate hand power tools, chainsaws, four wheelers and other related equipment.
Education and Experience:
– This job requires education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school or GED and one (1) year experience with chemicals including pesticides/herbicides. Equivalencies include course work in agriculture or related field, certification as a licensed pesticide applicator and one (1) year of experience in weed management operations, preferred.
– Must be able to understand GPS, the use of computers, tablets and related software for proper mapping.
Health and Safety Responsibility:
– The safety and health responsibilities described herein are representative of those an employee will be responsible/accountable for while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
– Carry out work in a manner so as not to create a health and safety hazard to yourself or others; suggest ways to eliminating hazards.
– Assist in the reduction and controlling of accidents and illness producing conditions in work area by routinely conducting a visual inspection of the work area to identify unsafe work conditions and report time immediately to department supervisor.
– Advise co-workers when he/ she is participating in an unsafe work practice. Report any unsafe work practices immediately to supervisor.
– Report any incidents, near misses, injuries, or illnesses to immediate supervisor.
– Use the correct tools and equipment for the job includes use of required safety equipment and protective clothing.
– Develop a personal concern for health and safety — for yourself and for others, particularly new employees.
– Read, understand, and comply with workplace health and safety policy, safe work practices and procedures.
– Co-operate with health and safety committee members and representatives.
– Should an injury occur during the course of the workday, report to your Supervisor and complete written Report of First Injury by the end of the work shift on the day injury occurs. Failure to complete and submit Report of First Injury that occurs during a work shift may result in progressive discipline being initiated.