Noxious Weed Specialist (#MGAF01)
$40,446.00 Yearly Min / $50,558.00 Yearly Mid / $60,670.00 Yearly Max

This class series uses two levels of work in the Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Sciences occupational group, Agriculture and Animal occupational series and describes work ensuring compliance with noxious weed laws and related rules and regulations.

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.

• Inspects farms and other lands for the presence of noxious weeds.
   
• Identifies the type of weed and evaluates the extent of infestation.
   
• Determines if a control program is needed.
   
• Meets with landowner or person in control of the land to notify of weed infestations and to discuss and recommend control options, including application of herbicides, planting alternative crops and utilizing alternative methods of tillage. 
   
• Negotiates noxious weed control plans and obtains written and signed compliance agreements.
    
• Monitors sites of weed infestations to ensure control plans are being implemented and to evaluate plan's effectiveness.
   
• Gathers documentation for use as evidence in court against violators.
   
• Takes photographs of areas in violation, collects, tags and secures samples of weeds and obtains deeds to prove land ownership.
    
• Testifies in court or administrative hearings as necessary.
   
• Establishes and maintains contact with academic and government weed specialists, chemical company representatives and professional groups and organizations to obtain information on weed control technology and to discuss problems encountered.
   
• Evaluates data about new herbicides and control strategies and disseminates that information accordingly.
   
• Documents visits and maintains files and records on individual landowner's control programs. 
   
• Compiles data for monthly activities summaries.

Noxious Weed Specialist

This is the first level in the series.

• Reports to a technical supervisor.
• Performs the full range of Essential Functions.
• Notifies supervisor of non-compliance with written noxious weed control agreements. May issue letters to violators advising them of noxious weed laws and related rules and regulations and the consequences for violations.
• Participates in the administration of the herbicide application equipment loan program. Explains and demonstrates the operation, calibration and adjustment of agricultural spray equipment to ensure use of herbicides is safe, efficient and in compliance with pesticide laws. Documents maintenance, location and users of equipment.
• Contacts include landowners and operators, technical weed specialists at area universities and chemical company representatives.

Noxious Weed Specialist Supervisor

This is the supervisory level in the series responsible for overseeing the daily activities of the noxious weed program.

• Reports to an administrative supervisor.
• Supervision is exercised over at least two or more merit full time positions per the Merit Rules. The elements of supervision include planning, assigning, reviewing, evaluating, coaching, training and recommending hire/fire and discipline
• Develops and implements procedures necessary to ensure compliance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations. 
• Represents the department by working with other state agencies to develop control plans for noxious weed on state owned lands. Handles interagency communication and problems.
• Oversees the process toward administrative hearings against violators of noxious weed laws. Coordinates activities with the Attorney General's Office. 
• Contacts include landowners and operators, state agency representatives, technical weed specialists at area universities and chemical company representatives.

The intent of the listed knowledge, skills and abilities is to give a general indication of the core requirements for all positions in the class series; therefore, the KSAs listed are not exhaustive or necessarily inclusive of the requirements of every position in the class.

• Knowledge of noxious weeds and their affect on crop quality and quantity.
• Knowledge of soil types and their absorption rates.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of crop rotation.
• Knowledge of the methods and techniques of herbicide application. 
• Knowledge of agricultural spray and tillage equipment.
• Knowledge of the means of establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
• Knowledge of effective communication. 
• Knowledge of recordkeeping practices and procedures.
• Ability to apply the methods and techniques of noxious weed control.
• Ability to interpret, apply and explain state laws governing noxious weed control.
• Ability to inspect farm and other lands and evaluate the extent of noxious weed present.
• Ability to identify the need for and determine weed control programs appropriate to individual lands.
• Ability to perform arithmetic calculations including volume, percentages and ratios.
• Ability to communicate effectively with landowners, associates, chemical company representatives and academic personnel.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with landowners, associates, chemical company representatives and academic personnel.
• Ability to supervise seasonal employees conducting field inspections.
• Ability to prepare reports and maintain accurate records.

In addition to the above knowledge, skills, and abilities, the Noxious Weed Supervisor requires:

• Knowledge of supervisory practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of the budgetary process, including providing information in the development, implementation and management of the unit's budget.

 

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Noxious Weed Specialist
Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

1. Possession of a Bachelors degree or higher in Plant Science, Agronomy, Agriculture or related field.
2. Six months experience in noxious and invasive weed control including the use of agricultural spraying and tillage operations.
3. Six months experience in pesticide equipment use.
4. Knowledge of crop rotation.
5. Possession of a valid Driver's License (not suspended, revoked or cancelled, or disqualified from driving).