Montana Jobs

HILL COUNTYPOSITION DESCRIPTIONPOSITION: Weed and Mosquito ApplicatorDEPARTMENT: Weed and Mosquito DistrictACCOUNTABLE TO: Field SupervisorSUMMARY OF WORK: Performs labor and technical duties in noxious weed and mosquito control efforts. This is a seasonal position. Operates and maintains pesticide application equipment on a daily basis. May be responsible for minor equipment, building and ground maintenance.JOB CHARACTERISTICS:Nature of Work: This position performs semi-skilled labor duties in the operation and maintenance of spraying equipment. Employees work with pesticides, which if applied incorrectly could harm employees, the environment, and the public. Must be aware of public safety in the use of chemicals and with equipment on highways. Hazards include driving difficult terrain, occasional encounters with ticks, stinging insects, poisonous snakes, poisonous plants, and working with chemicals requiring adherence to safety practices and procedures. Position works outdoors, early morning and late evening hours, and may require strenuous physical activity. Applicant must be able to tolerate heat and mosquitoes. Position requires diplomacy in dealing with the public.Personal Contacts: Frequent contact with landowners and the general public in performance of duties and to provide information. Coordinates duties with other department employees as position usually works as part of a team.Supervision Received: Daily instructions, assignment of project, and inspection of fieldwork from the Field Supervisor. Direct supervision of tasks occurs infrequently.Essential Functions: Position requires ability to communicate verbally and in writing; apply rules and regulations; exercise sound judgment; calibrate equipment; repair and do light maintenance of equipment; walk long distances on uneven ground while carrying equipment; climb over fences; read and understand maps; mix and apply chemicals; lift heavy containers weighing up to 100 pounds; use hand tools; visually inspect sites; maintain detailed records; operate equipment; operate a pick-up truck.AREAS OF JOB ACCOUNTABILITY AND PERFORMANCE:An applicator is responsible for all assigned equipment. Locates and documents pest infestations; places flags in infested areas; mixes pesticides from concentrated liquid; operates spray truck, two-way radio, hand and vehicle mounted sprayers; sprays noxious weeds within county being careful not to damage other plants and being aware of wind conditions; applies insecticides within the Mosquito District; documents and files daily progress reports.oNotifies field supervisor of problems or deficiencies encountered.oCleans trucks, containers, and chemical storage areas.oPerforms other related duties as required.JOB REQUIREMENTS:Knowledge: This position requires a basic knowledge of principles and practices of pest control including chemicals, equipment, local plants and noxious weeds, county roads and property, and Weed and Mosquito District policies. Safety and pesticide knowledge is required.Skills: This position requires skills in identifying and spraying weeds, identifying mosquito larval stages, map reading and making significant mathematical computations.Abilities: This position requires the ability to: drive a one ton truck with clutch; learn to identify noxious weeds; work independently; follow safety procedures; be aware of changing weather/wind conditions; work outdoors in heat; walk long distances while carrying heavy equipment; operate specialized equipment; exercise sound judgment; communicate effectively orally and in writing; follow verbal and written instructions; establish effective working relationships with fellow employees, supervisors and the public. Must be able to physically walk on inclines up to eight hours per day.EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:The above knowledge, skills, and abilities are typically acquired through a combination of education and experience equivalent to:--A high school diploma.--Additional classes or experience with agriculture and chemicals preferred.--Must possess a valid driver’s license.ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENT:--Applicant must be 18 years or older to apply.--All applicants must study three manuals:1. Basic Pesticide Training Manual2. Mosquito Abatement Training Manual3. Weed Training ManualThe Montana Department of Agriculture will administer the test and all applicants must pass with an 80% or better score on the Basic Pesticide test, Weed test, and Mosquito Abatement test. (Check for date of test). Following successful completion of the Department of Agriculture tests, the Weed District will give a weed ID test, map test, and a pesticide label test which must be successfully passed with score as determined by District.JOB PERFORMANCE STANDARDS:Evaluation of this position will be based primarily upon performance of the preceding requirements and duties. Examples of job performance criteria include, but are not limited to, the following:oPerforms assigned duties.oCompetently performs spray duties.oFollows safety procedures in dealing with chemicals and equipmentoProperly cleans and maintains equipment.oDemonstrates sound judgment in making decisions.oMaintains accurate records of areas sprayed and surveyed.oAttends training sessions as required.oPrepares and submits accurate and timely reports.oDeals tactfully and courteously with the public.oObserves work hours.oDemonstrates punctuality.oEstablishes and maintains effective working relationships with fellow employees, supervisors, and the public.

Montana Jobs