Okanogan County Noxious
Weed Control Board
Position Description

TITLE: SEASONAL FIELD TECHNICIAN
Revised 1/30/19

SUMMARY
This individual assists the Noxious Weed Control Manager (Manager) and Field Supervisor
in all phases of Okanogan County’s weed control program, including performing
regulatory compliance and providing office support. The Field Technician is required to
survey private and state lands as indicated for the presence or absence of noxious weeds.
This individual is responsible for his/her own record keeping, photos, posting information,
and landowner contacts. This position requires working both outdoors to perform work
and inspections, and in the office to keep the proper records as required by Policies and
Procedures and RCW 17.10.

SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITIES
All work is performed as outlined by the Manager and Field Supervisor and in accordance
with Washington State Weed Law RCW 17.10, and Okanogan County Policies and
Procedures. This individual will act as Washington State Department of Agriculture
(WSDA) licensed pesticide consultant/operator offering specialized information regarding
safe and legal use of herbicides, hand pulling, noxious weeds, biological control and
overall Integrated Weed Management (IWM) principals. Individual needs to know how to
trace legal ownership of land and be able to find information on the Okanogan County
Assessors’ system. This individual must be able to communicate effectively with
landowners to convey RCW requirements and provide control options using current
scientific data and best management practices.

TYPICAL DUTIES

• Administer requirements of RCW 17.10 and WAC 16-750 following outlined work

plan developed by Manager/Field Supervisor, including enforcement actions as
directed

• Maintain daily account of activities, including communications with landowners,

utilizing log books provided by Okanogan County Noxious Weed Control Board
(OCNWCB) to assist in potential hearings resulting from enforcement actions

• Provide IWM suggestions and guidance

• Assist landowners in developing noxious weed control plans that are suitable for

individual needs

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• Conduct field surveys of property, prepare maps, understand directions, identify

dangerous obstacles, power lines, sensitive crops, water resources and other
potential issues pertaining to herbicide treatments

• Identify noxious weeds in all stages of life cycles

• Assist in organizing re-certification classes provided to the public

• Perform work utilizing GIS/GPS mapping system to record noxious weed

infestation locations, and provide maps to landowners

• Maintain frequent contact with county residents to address noxious weed

concerns and provide appropriate educational noxious weed materials to a wide
range of peoples, providing technical assistance as needed

• Develop and provide weekly radio reports for education to area residents and

visitors

• Communicate noxious weed information to schools at 6th grade camps and other

educational events

• Outline work duties for Field Assistants and daily work duties for the Hand-Pull

Crew

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Ability to understand Washington State Weed Laws and ensure compliance on

private/state land, with enforcement actions as outlined in RCW 17.10, including
issuing notices of non-compliance and taking regulatory actions as necessary

• Washington State Department of Agriculture Pesticide Consultants/Operator

license with an Ag Weed endorsement (Or the ability to acquire this license, and
endorsement, within 45 days of employment)

• A valid Washington State Drivers’ License

• A reliable vehicle of their own (the vehicle will be required to travel off of paved

roads)

• Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions

• Must be able to put in long hours, in extreme heat, during the field season
  

Desired

• Knowledge of GIS/GPS data collection

• Ability to effectively communicate noxious weed control responsibilities to

landowners to achieve regulatory compliance

• Requires full knowledge of policy and procedures

• Experience working with Microsoft Office programs

• A general familiar with Okanogan County maps and aerial photos

• Ability to develop and update educational materials

• WSDA Public Consultants/Operator license with Turf and Ornamental, ROW and

Aquatic endorsements

• Training in facilitation and de-escalation of potentially dangerous situations.

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ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Ability to perform work as required by Washington State Law RCW 17.10 (including
enforcement actions)
Ability to establish, develop, and maintain effective working relationships
Ability to interact with hostile/non-compliant landowners to achieve positive solutions
Ability to give IWM recommendations, including legal use of herbicides
Ability to conduct inspections of property, prepare maps, know directions, and identify
dangerous obstacles, for control actions
Ability to identify noxious/other weeds
Ability to remain calm, diplomatic and firm in stressful situations
Ability to work independently and manage time efficiently
Ability to perform manual labor, including assist in herbicide applications
Ability to conduct noxious weed surveys on foot over difficult terrain
Ability to work outdoors for extended periods in extreme weather
Ability to effectively communicate with landowners regarding responsibilities
Ability to follow written and oral instructions
Ability to take records, pictures, and provide necessary reports as required

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND ENVIRONMENT
Duties for this position will be performed both in the field and in an office environment.
Duties may include extensive physical activities, exposure to hazardous substances,
exposure to physically injurious conditions, and contact with irate or non-compliant
landowners.

This position requires working and driving in all types of weather and temperature
conditions, on various types of surfaces including rough terrain. Ability to bend, stand,
maintain balance, climb hills, kneel, stoop, crouch, reach, push, pull, twist, grip with
fingers and hands, shovel, dig, lift and carry garbage bags full of weeds are all required
for this position. Working in remote areas, exposure to direct sunlight, plants,
poisonous weeds and plants, dust, pollens, insect stings and bites, herbicide fumes and
mixes, working around rivers, and exposure to wildlife are all required for this position.

This position requires this individual to work under very stressful situations for
prolonged periods of time and this individual must have the ability to recognize and
react to potentially hazardous situations.

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