NOW HIRING a Full-time District Noxious Weed Technician with the Spanish Peaks-Purgatoire River Conservation District in Trinidad, CO. Some knowledge of Colorado Noxious Weeds is a plus as well as interpersonal, organizational, and computer skills. Work includes office and field duties. Current certification/licensing in noxious weeds or the ability to obtain certifications/licensing is a must. Other abilities: work outdoors in varying conditions, handle and spray herbicides, operate a truck/trailer and UTV, walk in rough terrain. Some office work required as well (mapping, cost-share sign ups and check outs, etc.) Starting $20-25/hour, DOE. Opportunity for pay raise based on performance. Full job description at purgatoireconservation.org. For questions or to submit your resume and cover letter, contact Lori at the Spanish Peaks-Purgatoire River CD: (719) 497-3118, by email to spprcd@gmail.com, or drop off at 3590 East Main St. Trinidad, CO. Position open until filled; Start date: asap. 

INTRODUCTION

This position is a District Noxious Weed Technician (Weed Tech) for the Spanish Peaks-Purgatoire River Conservation District (SP-PRCD) located at 3590 E. Main Street, Trinidad, Colorado. The Weed Tech serves as a steward of the District’s noxious weed program, engaging the community—especially local ranchers and farmers—to improve land health through effective weed management. The Weed Tech is responsible for managing all aspects of the District’s noxious weed program.

POSITION FOCUS

Carry out weed management activities including spraying, mapping, herbicide sales, cost-share implementation, community outreach, and other program elements aimed at preventing, eradicating, containing, and managing noxious weeds.

APPROACH

The Weed Tech supports the approaches of the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) and the District which are:

• Stopping new invasive species from establishing.
• Eliminating isolated or limited populations of existing invasive species.
• Controlling and mitigating the impact of widespread, well-established invasive species.
• Supporting and empowering the community to address noxious weeds on their own properties in accordance with state weed lists and regulations.

GOALS

The Weed Tech supports the goals of CDA and the District:

Project Implementation: Manage District cost-share programs and other on-the-ground funded weed-management projects.

• Education & Outreach: Conduct and support activities that raise awareness and educate the public about noxious weeds with community partners.
• Collaboration: Maintain close contact with the City of Trinidad and Las Animas County to prevent and reduce the spread of noxious weeds.

OTHER DUTIES

• Handle telephone, email, and walk-in requests for information regarding noxious weeds and/or cost share programs by guiding the public to the appropriate source of information.
• Advise the public on herbicides or strategies that fall within the Weed Tech’s current certification and licensing.
• Use a district laptop with office, mapping, and other software programs.
• Conduct field surveys to identify, document, and map noxious weed infestations using MapitFast application.
• Maintain accurate records and prepare reports of weed infestations in accordance with the Colorado Department of Agriculture and applicable deadlines.
• Maintain and clean application equipment, vehicles, and tools.
• Apply chemical herbicides using various spray equipment while following strict safety guidelines and regulations.
• Write and submit grant applications or required grant reports, and other reports by deadlines specified by the granting organization with the support of the District Manager as needed.
• Order herbicides, materials, and supplies as budgeted and approved by the board and overseen by the District Manager.
• Sell and track sales of herbicides to those in the district cost share program.
• Prepare a monthly report on activities and current noxious weed information.
• Gather information and attend training sessions as requested or approved by the board.

All duties performed while on official duty must be conducted in a safe, professional manner and reflect positively on the District.

SUPERVISOR(S)/SALARY

Weed Tech reports directly to the District Manager. The hourly wage is set by the District Board and is dependent on experience, with opportunities for performance-based pay increases. A monthly stipend in lieu of health insurance will be provided. Hours may vary depending on seasons and work load.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be 18 years of age or older and possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Knowledge of Colorado noxious weed identification preferred; willingness and ability to learn required.
• Previous weed-spraying experience preferred but not required.
• Willing and able to work in both office and field environments.
• Must already possess, or be able to obtain, required certifications/licensing for herbicide application.
• Able to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and terrain.
• Competence with office software; willingness or ability to use mapping software.
• Ability to safely handle and spray herbicides.
• Ability to operate a truck and tow a loaded trailer.
• Ability to operate, or willingness to learn to operate, a UTV spray rig.
• Ability to walk in rough terrain and perform manual labor as required.
• Must follow strict safety guidelines.
• Must be able to work normal office hours and attend board meetings as needed.