Technician

Description

This position is open until filled.

The mission of the Horticultural Pest and Disease Board is to effectively monitor fruit trees to prevent the spread of horticultural pests and diseases pursuant to RCW 15.09.060 in Franklin County.

Examples of Duties

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB

• Inspect cherry orchards for critical viruses, with focus on CLRV and mark symptomatic trees for removal.
• Collect leaf samples, if necessary, of potentially diseased trees and process for lab testing.
• Create and maintain records of inspections and insect trapping.
• Use of GPS applications to document tree locations.
• Draft completed inspection reports weekly and share findings with orchardists and Board members at meetings.
• Assist Pest Board Manager to research and collect information on orchards for the purpose of maintaining current database and identify neglected orchards.
• Promote the Good Neighbor Program by participating in public education opportunities with other staff, such as garden shows, Farm Fair, conferences and county fairs.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of how to research and identify pests and diseases that affect the orchard industry.
• Proficient skills in Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Attention to detail to identify key pests and viruses.
• Ability to follow instructions and work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to safely operate an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV), including loading and unloading from truck and navigating orchard hazards.
• Capacity to learn new roles and adapt to change.
• Ability to write and speak clearly; concisely express ideas and recommendations effectively orally and in writing, and communicate department, technical, or industry information, policies, requirements, and procedures in a language understood by co-workers and the public.
• Ability and willingness to establish and maintain communication and working relationships with peers, representatives from other agencies, vendors, public officials, and the public using courtesy, tact, and discretion.

WORK ENVIRONMENT and PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work environment and physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Work is performed in the following environmental conditions:

  • Constantly outside in various elements including: orchard irrigation, heat, air particles and rain.

• The person in this position must be able to:

  • Occasionally lift up to 35 pounds.
  • Utilize close up vision to read a map or utilize GPS application such as Google Maps or Field Maps.
  • Traverse various terrains including gravel roads, hills, tall grass, and mud in a safe manner.
  • Travel by County vehicle throughout the County with frequent entering/exiting of the vehicle, being mindful of road laws and etiquette.

Typical Qualifications

LICENSES, CERTIFICATES, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record is required.
• Employment at Franklin County is contingent upon the results of a background check and eligibility for coverage by the County’s liability insurance carrier. Depending upon the position, background checks may include personal and professional references, social security verification, education and professional licensing verification, financial history, and criminal history.

PREFERRED LICENSES, CERTIFICATES, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Student applicants enrolled in or a graduate of an agriculture course.

• Law enforcement, firefighting, or educator experience.

• Experience riding an all-terrain vehicle (ATV)

• Customer service experience.

• Experience working in the public sector.

• Bi-lingual in Spanish.

Supplemental Information

FOR INFORMATION ON THE APPLICATION PROCESS PLEASE VISIT THE FRANKLIN COUNTY HUMAN RESOURCES WEBPAGE AT:

http://franklincountywa.gov/humanresources

Selection based on qualifications, interview, background checks and drug screening, where applicable.

FRANKLIN COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER

If you require any accommodation in the recruitment process or an alternate format of applications materials, contact the Human Resources Department at 509-546-5813. For more details about the position, please contact Pam Loa, Horticultural Pest & Disease Board Manager, at 509-545-3580