Manager of Program Operations - Noxious Weed Control

Pend Oreille County is a great place to live, work, and play!

Pend Oreille Country is located in Northeastern Washington, on the border of Northern Idaho and Canada, with Newport, Washington being the County seat. We are just miles from major cities such as Spokane, Washington and Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. We offer rural living, fantastic recreational opportunities, and beautiful scenery.

** If you have any technical difficulties with our online application submission, you can send your resume and attachments to HR [at] pendoreille.org (HR[at]pendoreille[dot]org). **

Open Position: Manager of Program Operations

32 hours per week - up to 40 hours per week when needed

Full Wage Range: $22.79 - $28.78 per hour

Hiring Range: $22.79 - $24.16 per hour DOQ 

Benefits include: Subsidized medical insurance for the employee. Optional dental, vision, and medical coverage for dependents. Washington State retirement pension is applicable, plan choices vary. County-paid benefits such as life insurance, long-term disability, Employee Assistance Program, and 12 Company-paid holidays. Pend Oreille County offers a wide range of optional benefits, we are sure that there is a plan to suit your needs.

JOB SUMMARY: Manage projects and programs that facilitate successful implementation of the Integrated Weed Management program working cooperatively and effectively with the public, agencies, and other employees. Answer the public's questions concerning weed control methods and requirements. Maintain compliance in weed control enforcement and record keeping pursuant to legal procedures.  This position will be cross trained to act as assistant to the Coordinator in their absence. 

 SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:  This position will support the Coordinator in supervising and guiding staff in clerical and field operations.

 ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

1. Oversee the Neighborhood Cost Share, Aquatic Cost Share and equipment rental programs offered to Pend Oreille County Landowners, as well as assisting the Coordinator with any other grant funded project and programs as assigned, including reporting. 
2. Provide the Coordinator with supervisory support of all staff, as well as working cooperatively with staff by providing backup and assistance as needed. Work with the Coordinator in developing and implementing Weed Board policies, goals and staff trainings. 
3. Act as Clerk of the Weed Board, taking minutes, preparing agenda and other supporting documentation.
4. Work with the public, answering questions concerning weed control methods and legal requirements following Weed Board recommendations and, until fully licensed, provide only approved written materials for herbicide recommendations. Adhere to and ensure the rules and regulations of RCW 17.10 and the Pend Oreille County Noxious Weed Control Board Policy are followed when contacting landowners, inspecting properties, and carrying-out all other steps of an enforcement. 
5. Occasional field work, to include inspections, herbicide application and biocontrol releases will be required.
6. Implement the specific elements of the weed board's integrated weed management program following department policies and state and federal laws to meet program goals and project timelines.
7. Assist with implementing special projects such as the Annual Report, meetings and educational programs. This position may be required to absorb education and outreach duties to include planning workshops, tabling at events, creating and disseminating educational and outreach materials, press releases, updating website, etc. 
8.  Maintain recertification credits for legally prescribing herbicide weed control recommendations.
9. Perform other duties as assigned by the Coordinator as needed to maintain an even work-flow.
10. Adhere to all County Policy and Procedures regarding this position. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATONS:

1. Graduate degree in biology, ecology, entomology, plant sciences, or agriculture; plus 2 seasons of experience. A Bachelor's degree with 2 additional seasons of experience may be substituted for the graduate degree. A High School Diploma (or GED) with 4 additional seasons of experience and specific technical training may be substituted for the graduate degree.
2. Advanced computer skills are required, including but not limited to all Microsoft Office programs. Experience with GIS, website design, accounting and budgeting is preferred. .
3. Ability to work independently, exercising judgment and initiative with guidance only, without direct supervision.
4. Proven ability to read, write and speak the English language; preference for knowledge of agricultural, botanical, and environmental terminology and practices; quality public relation skills including ability to communicate effectively legal and complex system management. 
5. Ability to lift and carry materials and equipment weighing up to fifty (50) pounds, and to walk over steep and rough terrain. 
6. Ability to read and orient oneself with a map and smartphone GPS, and to utilize a smartphone for data collection applications. . 
7. Holding a valid Driver's license with a clean driving record; and, holding a current Washington State Department of Agriculture Public Pesticide Operator's license with aquatic, ornamental, agriculture, and right-of-way endorsements, or successfully passing the test for such within 3 months after accepting this position. A Washington State Boater’s Certification may be required after hire.
8. Must successfully pass a background check and a driving record check. 

WORKING ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL ABILITIES:  Work is performed in the field and in an office setting with periods of standing, sitting and kneeling. Hand-eye coordination and fine manipulation skills are necessary to handle biocontrol agents and operate collection equipment, smartphone data collection apps, computers, and various office machines. Ability to lift and carry materials and equipment weighing up to fifty (50) pounds. Must be able to walk over steep and rough terrain carrying materials and equipment.