NOXIOUS WEED OPERATOR I- PUBLIC WORKS 25-1-4

TITLE: Noxious Weed Operator I                            
DEPARTMENT: Public Works                                
DIVISION: Noxious Weed
PAY LEVEL:  Level 9  $21.29-$23.04                                             
EXEMPT/NON-EXEMPT: N
SUPERVISOR: Noxious Weed Ops Mgr/Lead of Chemical & Brush         
SUPERVISES:  N/A
LOCATION: Leavenworth County Shop, 23690 187th Street, Leavenworth, KS 66048

 

RESIDENCY POLICY
Residency is defined as the place where one’s primary residence is located.  The boundaries for Leavenworth County employees incorporate adjacent counties to include: Wyandotte, Johnson, Douglas, Jefferson, and Atchison Counties in Kansas and Platte County, Missouri.  Certain departments within the County may have more stringent requirements for residency such as the Sheriff’s Department and Emergency Medical Services.  Any exception to this residency requirement must be specifically approved by the BOCC.  (Revised 04/21/05)

 

SCOPE
Responsible for vegetation maintenance within the right-of-way and spot application of chemical in the control of Noxious Weed Division of Leavenworth County.  Operates mowers, tractors, pickup trucks, back hoes, hand held spray devices, and vegetation management hand tools as needed.  Assists in the operation of the brush chipper and other heavy equipment for the purposes of roadside brush removal operations.  Performs typical daily duties alone under general supervision to include mowing right-of-way in the summer and snow removal operations in the winter.

 

PERCENTAGE OF TIME /ACCOUNTABILITIES

80% - Operates heavy equipment and vehicles to include loaders, tractors, backhoes, hand chemical sprayers, pickup trucks, mowers, power tools, trimmers, chain saws, etc. for the purposes of spot chemical distribution, vegetation control, and brush removal operations within the road right-of-way under direct to general supervision.

10% - Assists in the storage and distribution of chemicals under the control of the Noxious Weed Division.

10% - Performs snow and ice removal operations.

 

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS (*Required prior to employment)

  1. Skilled in the operations of motorized vehicles such as pickup trucks, mowers, tractor, and basic vegetation control hand tools such as hedge trimmers, chain saws, rakes, shovels, etc.*
  2. Knowledge of operations heavy equipment operations, spray equipment and their safety features and safety procedures and practices within the Noxious Weed Division.
  3. Knowledge of basic engine operations and equipment maintenance.*
  4. Knowledge of proper flagging/traffic control through work zones.
  5. Skilled in basic clerical skills in filling out forms and reading maps.*

 

HUMAN RELATIONS
Candidate will be capable of taking direction and discussing tasks with the crewman leader and operations manager.   Candidate is to be confident in communicating to relay specifics related to problems or complications that arise at the shop or in the field.  Candidate is to be capable to taking directions verbally over the phone or radio to address issues or communicate task completion and directions to next task as needed.  Candidate is to be observant in their duties to ensure the preservation of equipment and safety of fellow crew members.

 

ILLUSTRATIVE TASKS (This is not an inclusive list, other tasks/duties may be assigned.)

  1. Removes debris caused by storms, trims and removes brush during the winter months in preparation of vegetation, utilizes equipment under direct supervision for the purposes of vegetation removal and clearing of road right-of-way.
  2. Operates light and heavy equipment associated with the duties of vegetation control in the noxious weed division.
  3. Performs snow and ice management practices on an assigned route and as needed during the winter months. 
  4. Prepares right-of-way by removing debris prior to mowing and clearing road right-of-way to maintain vegetative growth and notes invasive species to the operations manager, lead, or master operator as assigned for inspection and eradication prescription. 
  5. Reports signage and post replacement needs to operations manager or lead as assigned. 
  6. Performs safety, basic walk around, and routine maintenance such as fluids, filters and greasing of equipment on a daily or scheduled basis to ensure proper working order.
  7. Operates the brush chipper in brush clearing equipment under direct supervision for clearing and vegetation control within right-of-way.
  1. Fills out forms / other minor clerical duties and answers phones as needed.
  2. Assists with summer efforts such as flagging, equipment operations, and other duties as assigned within the Department of Public Works.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Preferred candidates will have at least one year experience in heavy equipment operation but is not required.  Must possess a minimum of a Class A Unrestricted Commercial Driver’s License with all endorsements or ability to obtain the same within 3 months of hire.  Must meet all requirements outlined in Knowledge and Skills section marked with (*) prior to employment, and all requirements within 12 months of employment.  Must meet the physical demands of the job as outlined below and pass a physical capacity exam prior to employment. KDA Class 9A Commercial Applicators License (Noxious Weed) is required or ability to obtain within one year of hire. Individual will be given 3 opportunities within the one year of hire to obtain the Class 9A license. If after 3 failed attempts within that 12-month period of hire, you are subject to dismissal. KDA Category 6 ROW applicators certificate/licensing is required or ability to obtain within 18 months of hire. 

 

ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS
Work is performed around heavy construction equipment, chemical spray booms, mowers, and vegetation mulchers capable of causing death or dismemberment. Work is performed entirely outside with exposure to all elements and extreme weather conditions (i.e. insects, snakes, poison ivy, inclement weather conditions, etc).  Heavy lifting is required to perform some tasks.  Tasks related to snow removal operations which included physical exertion occurs in cold temperature extremes.

 

ADA/PHYSICAL DEMANDS

  • Vision - Must be adequate for driving trucks, operating equipment and for using miscellaneous handheld tools. Must be adequate for trucks and light construction equipment and to use the telephone and radio to communicate with Foremen and Supervisors.
  • Speech - Must be able to speak English clearly to communicate ideas and problems to Foremen and Supervisors and coworkers. 50% of the time – performing various spraying and chemical mixing operations.
  • Walking - 25% of the time – moving around work site often across rough terrain. Chemical spraying, brush cutting, chemical handling, etc...
  • Sitting - 25% of the time – operation of truck / tractors.
  • Lifting/Carrying - 50 pounds – must be capable of lifting at least 50 pounds, i.e. chemical pesticide containers, cut brush, sprayer equipment, etc...
  • Pushing/Pulling - 40 pounds – utilizing pallet jack in chemical storage room.             
  • Climbing/Balancing - Must be capable of climbing into and out of trucks and roadside embankments for cutting brush.  Must be able to negotiate ladders for loading of chemicals / water into vehicle mounted tanks.
  • Stooping/Kneeling - Must be able to stoop/kneel for culvert repair/installation and minor equipment repair.
  • Reaching/Handling - Reaching for truck and equipment controls and using handheld tools.

 

 

SIGN-UP FOR ALERTS

dotted line Subscribe Now