IRVM Biologist Vegetation Specialist

QUALIFICATIONS:

      Education:

Graduation from an accredited four (4) year college or university with major course work in natural resources, biology or a related  conservation program curriculum; or graduation from an accredited two (2) year college with a major in a natural resources field and minimum of two (2) years work experience in a related field; ability to express oneself clearly and persuasively, both orally and in writing; ability to operate a variety of equipment. Standard work week. May require flexible hours and days, with some weekend and evening hours.

     Required Licenses, Registrations, Certifications:

  Must possess a valid Iowa Driver’s License, Category 6 Herbicide Applicator Certification (within 6 months of hire), Wildland fire training in S-130, S-190 and I-100 (within 1 year of hire) and Burn Boss Certification (within 2 years) including I-Fire Certification / Task Book. 

Safety Training Requirements:

  Certification in CPR & AED, Blood-borne pathogens, Hazard communication, chainsaw safety, ATV safety.  Additional safety trining may be assigned.

• Implements the County’s Integrated Roadside Vegetation Management Program. Consults with Executive Director, Operations Supervisor and County Engineer in developing the program.
•  Trains, coordinates activities of, and supervises seasonal workers, or other county employees assigned to work along roadsides.
• Updates IRVM policy and maintains files and records.
• Performs roadside seeding, mowing, and spraying to establish a safe, stable, and attractive roadsides.
• Oversees prairie management with Operations Supervisor and implements controlled burning projects according to established policy.
• Researches, prepares, and presents reports to the Director, County Engineer, State Weed Commissioner and Conservation Board in a timely and professional manner.
• Works with local conservation organizations and civic groups to accomplish conservation goals.
• Educates, trains, and communicates with landowners, the public and utility companies to encourage proper roadside management.
• Completes grant applications to secure additional funding, including but not limited to the Living Roadway Trust Fund.
• Makes recommendations on operational procedure, prepares special reports, and complies cost and cost-effectiveness data for the Director and Operations Supervisor.
• Assumes responsibility for IRVM equipment maintenance, safety policies, and compliance with safety standards.
• Controls weeds on all county owned and managed property using chemical, mechanical, and manual methods. Orders, prepares, and applies herbicides and pesticides.
• Ensures compliance with local, state, and federal laws affecting conservation practices, noxious weed control, and chemical application on public lands.
• Maintains and develops management areas and their resources as directed.
• Cares for trees, grasses, and all vegetation in management areas and in the county right-of-way.
• Applies seed, fertilizer, and herbicides on management areas and the county right-of-way.
• Establishes and maintains native plant communities in management areas and the county right-of-way.
• Conducts a public relations program by articulating the philosophy of the Conservation Board and the IRVM program and promotes its programs and services.
• Prepares press releases, conducts interviews, speaks at schools and community groups, and responds to questions and complaints from the public.          
• Educates the general public regarding the vegetation in the county.
• Plans and presents programs to schools, community organizations, and the public regarding native/invasive plants, and promotes the IRVM mission. 
• Writes annual reports, management plans, and articles for the newsletter.
• Safely operates equipment including tractors, mowers, weed cutters, trimmers, chain saws and a variety of power tools.
• Provides corrective and preventative maintenance on trucks, tractors, and equipment.
• Safely applies herbicides and pesticides.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED: 

• Knowledge of principles and practices of ecology, botany, roadside vegetation management and wildlife biology.
• Ability to effectively develop, promote and implement a roadside vegetation program.
• Knowledge of and ability to identify prairie, trees and other plants native to Iowa and knowledge of their life cycles, along with the ability to identify noxious weeds.
• Ability to effectively use a computer and software, including Arc View/GIS applications, to assist landowners and manage the roadside program.
• Ability to effectively train, teach, lead, and supervise seasonal employees performing roadside vegetation management duties.
• Knowledge of basic principles of budgeting, accounting, and office management.
• Knowledge of basic principles of carpentry, plumbing, electricity.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to prepare detailed reports, management plans, and maintain files and records.
• Ability to operate and maintain equipment and facilities owned by the Conservation Board.
• Knowledge and ability to safely apply roadside and turf management principles including: fertilizer, pesticides, herbicides, poisons, and application of seed.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with co-workers, board members, public officials, County Engineer, conservation organizations, and the public.

Required Post-Offer Physical Examinations:  Physical Capacity Profile 

Required Drug Testing:  Yes

Residency Requirement:  None

Other Special Requirements:  Background check

Hours of Work:  Generally, 40 hours/week. Standard work week (may include occasional holidays, weekends, and nights)

Work Environment (including physical requirements):  Work is performed indoors and outdoors and requires a considerable amount of physical activity including walking, standing, kneeling, bending, crouching, reaching, stooping and climbing, as well as outdoor activities such as spraying and chainsaw operation. The position may require work in hot, cold, wet, dusty, dirty, noisy, fumy conditions or atmospheres. The employee may be in contact with dust, dirt, chemicals, noise and severe weather conditions and exposure to outdoor elements such as mosquitoes, ticks, and various plants, pollens, and fungi. Work requires extensive interaction with the public and governmental agencies and may be stressful when meeting deadlines and making abrupt changes in priorities.

Clay County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.