State of Maryland

A Weed Control Specialist I is the entry level of work in the Weed Control Program in the Maryland Department of Agriculture.  Employees in this classification function as field liaison representatives in the implementation of State laws governing the control of nuisance weeds such as Johnsongrass, thistle and multiflora rose.  Employees in this classification provide educational, practical and regulatory assistance to county weed control programs, individual landowners and farmers.  Employees in this classification have frequent contacts with Weed Control County Coordinators, Extension Agents and landowners to coordinate program implementation and perform routine investigative and regulatory duties to prevent the influx of nuisance weeds.  Employees in this classification do not supervise other positions.

Employees in this classification receive close supervision from the Supervisor of the Weed Control Program.  Work effectiveness is evaluated through observation of the quality of job performance and assignments are typically performed with limited final authority.

Positions in this classification are evaluated by using the classification job evaluation methodology.  The use of this method involves comparing the assigned duties and responsibilities of a position to the job criteria found in the Nature of Work and Examples of Work sections of the class specification.

The Weed Control Specialist I, Weed Control Specialist II and Weed Control Specialist III are differentiated on the basis of the degree of supervisory control exercised by the supervisor over these employees.  The Weed Control Specialist I performs duties under close supervision.  The Weed Control Specialist II performs duties under close supervision at times and under general supervision.  The Weed Control Specialist III performs the full range of duties and responsibilities under general supervision.

Participates in on-the-job training programs involving implementation of the laws governing nuisance weed control, including Johnsongrass, thistle, and multiflora rose;

Investigates reports of nuisance weed infestation;

Inspects cropland for evidence of nuisance weed infestation;

Obtains samples of weeds for identification;

Assists in the preparation and application of herbicides;

Assists in planning and establishing demonstration plots for educational and/or experimental purposes;

Contacts landowners and farmers concerning nuisance weed control regulations and preventive measures;

Assists in developing and implementing nuisance weed control programs and techniques;

Operates herbicide spraying equipment;

Distributes educational and informational materials regarding nuisance weed control programs and techniques to Weed Control County Coordinators, farmers, and landowners;

Assists Weed Control County Coordinators in the implementation of country weed control programs by providing technical and logistical support services;

Prepare reports concerning inspections, investigations or control activities;

Performs other related duties.

Knowledge, at the introductory level, of crop farming operations, including the characteristics of common farm equipment, the general characteristics of common crops, and the general uses and methods of application of common herbicides;

Ability to learn and apply specialized and technical terminology;

Ability to plan and demonstrate work methods;

Ability to communicate effectively;

Ability to propose solutions to problems;

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Education:   Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.

Experience: One year of experience in farming or weed control.

Notes:

1. Candidates may substitute the possession of a degree from an accredited college or university in any agricultural, life or physical science for the required experience.

2. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a non-commissioned officer in plant pathology classifications or plant pathology specialty codes in the plant pathology field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.    

Class specifications are broad descriptions covering groups of positions used by various State departments and agencies. Position descriptions maintained by the using department or agency specifically address the essential job functions of each position.

This is a Skilled Service classification in the State Personnel Management System.  All positions in this classification are Skilled Service positions.  Some positions in Skilled Service classifications may be designated Special Appointment in accordance with the State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 6-405, Annotated Code of Maryland.

This classification is assigned to Bargaining Unit C- Regulatory, Inspection and Licensure classes.  As provided by State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 3-102, special appointment, temporary, contractual, supervisory, managerial and confidential employees are excluded from collective bargaining.  Additionally, certain executive branch agencies are exempt from collective bargaining and all positions in those agencies are excluded from collective bargaining.

Employees in this classification are eligible to receive overtime compensation.  An employee who works more than the normal workweek is entitled to be compensated for that overtime as provided by State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 8-305.

This classification is one level in a Non-Competitive Promotion (NCP) series.  NCP promotions are promotions by which employees may advance in grade and class level from trainee to full performance levels in a classification series.  In order to be non-competitively promoted to the next level in a NCP series an employee must: 1) perform the main purpose of the class as defined in the Nature of Work section of the class specification; 2) receive the type of supervision defined in the class specification, and 3) meet the minimum qualifications of the classification.