Nisqually Knotweed Project Technician- Pierce Conservation District

Application Process Closes: May 1, 2012

Introduction:

The Pierce Conservation District is seeking up to 4 Nisqually Knotweed Project Technicians to assist with the implementation of knotweed project tasks during the summer of 2012.  Pierce Conservation District is a non-regulatory division of state government that has been working with Pierce County landowners to help manage natural resources since 1949.  In 2012 Pierce Conservation district will continue to use state and federal grant money to map and treat knotweed along the Nisqually River and its tributaries.

Duties:

The primary responsibility of the Nisqually Knotweed Project Technician will be to treat known patches of knotweed along the upper reaches of the Nisqually River.  The Nisqually Knotweed Project Technicians will be under the direct supervision of the Knotweed Program Manager, who will set the direction of the project work.  This position will include both field and office work. 

Specific duties may include the following:

1. Using appropriate protocol, spray known knotweed stands along the Nisqually River.
2. Complete spray records daily.
3. Map knotweed stands within 100’/200’ along the Nisqually River using GPS units.
4. Assist with creating maps of knotweed locations.
5. Provide assistance with miscellaneous administrative, clerical, and outreach aspects of the project.
6. Prepare reports on activities and progress as directed by the Knotweed Program Manager.

Required Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

This position seeks an individual who has or is willing to get a WSDA Public Operator’s pesticide license with an Aquatics endorsement (http://agr.wa.gov/PestFert/LicensingEd/Licensing.aspx).

Other requirements include the following:

1. Strong oral and written communication skills.
2. Academic training and experience in water resources, environmental education and community service, environmental studies, and/or natural sciences.
3. Interest in and commitment to natural resource enhancement and environmental education.
4. Service oriented attitude and constructive problem solving skills.
5. Ability to work closely with others in a public office environment.

7. Ability to organize and plan own schedule of activities related to work goals set by the Knotweed Program Manager.

6. Ability to work outside in inclement and/or hot weather.
7. Ability to hike up to several miles per day over uneven terrain with a 24lb+ backpack sprayer.
8. Ability to maintain accurate records regarding time keeping and authorized expenses.
9. Willingness to work near fast moving water with some exposure to insects.
10. Valid driver’s license, insurance and ability to operate an automobile.
11. Ability to provide appropriate field gear for project.
12. Experience with spraying noxious weeds preferred.
13. Working knowledge of GPS units and GIS preferred.

Salary and Schedule:

This is a 3-month position to begin July 2 and end on September 28 of 2012.  Time commitment will be 40 hours/week, working 4 10-hour days.  Position may require some work on Saturdays or after regularly scheduled work hours.  The compensation rate for this position is $12/hour, where monthly timecards are turned in to receive payment.  The Nisqually Knotweed Project Technician must be qualified to be placed on the Pierce Conservation District’s insurance to use District vehicles.

To Apply for this Position:

Please send a resume’, two letters of recommendation and a cover letter (not to exceed one page, single spaced) describing the experience and skills you would bring to this position.  Send your resume’ to the address below.

Pierce Stream Team

5430 66^th Ave East

P.O. Box 1057

Puyallup, WA  98371

Attn: Nisqually Knotweed Project

For questions regarding this announcement, please contact Melissa Buckingham, Urban Conservation Program Coordinator, at (253) 845-2973, or melissab@piercecountycd.org.