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Description
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We are accepting applications to fill one (1) full-time Pesticide Specialist vacancy in the Water Resources Division of the Public Works Department in Santa Barbara.
DEFINITION: Under general supervision, stores, handles mixes and applies pesticides in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations; and performs related duties as required.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: This class is primarily responsible for eliminating or inhibiting the growth of unwanted vegetation, and for controlling rodent and insect problems in flood control channels, creeks, drainage ditches, culverts, rivers, access and public roads, and rights-of-way; and for performing other maintenance and duties as related to Public Works operations.
BENEFITS OVERVIEW!
- Vacation: 12 to 25 days per year depending on length of public employment.
- Holidays: 13 days per year.
- Sick Leave: 12 days sick leave per year. Unlimited accumulation, one year of which can be converted to service credit upon retirement.
- Health Plan: Choice of medical and dental plans (with vision care). County contributes toward the employee's premium.
- On-Site Employee Health Clinics in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria: Provides ongoing and episodic services to eligible employees and their eligible dependents over age 15.
or the Benefits Tab on the job bulletin for more information on County benefits.
In addition, applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for:
- Retirement reciprocity
- Time and service credit towards an advanced vacation accrual rate
We are also accepting applications to establish employment lists for
future Full-Time, Part-Time, Civil Service Rule 1414*
and
Extra-Help Pesticide Specialist vacancies at All Locations.
*NOTE
: Positions vacated as a result of a leave of absence (Civil Service Rule 1414) and the duration of the appointment shall be subject to the return of the individual who is on leave. A person who is appointed to a position under Civil Service Rule 1414
may be able to transition into a regular position in the classification without re-application or re-testing, depending on the performance of the appointee and the needs of the department. *
BENEFITS:
The 1414 position is eligible for Full-Time benefits.
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Examples of Duties
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1. Stores, handles, mixes, and applies pesticides in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations; identifies and chemically treats primary and secondary noxious weeds; controls rodent and insect pest populations to ensure safety of department employees; drives trucks to transport pesticides and spray equipment to site; uses manual and computer-controlled spray rigs and tanker trailers; cleans, services, maintains, and does minor repair work on spray rigs and vehicles; schedules appropriate herbicide applications for flood control, right-of-way, open space, mitigation sites, and park areas and monitors effectiveness of treatment; performs diagnostic checks of computerized spray rigs; calibrates spray equipment to ensure accuracy of concentration; explains to the public, when requested, the type of pesticide being applied and the reasons for pesticide applications.
2. Purchases ancillary supplies and materials as needed; ensures adequate supply of pesticides is available for applications; keeps monthly pesticide records of material used.
3. Prepares pesticide use forms, safety training worksheets, and storage site inspection records as required; obtains necessary permits from the Agricultural Commissioner's Office.
4. May lead work crews on an occasional basis; may train other pesticide applicators in safety methods and proper handling of pesticides; and may participate in other public works operations when performance of pesticide duties is inappropriate, or during emergencies.
5. Contains and cleans up minor pesticide spills in accordance with hazardous materials/waste handling requirements.
6. Attends continuing education courses to maintain Qualified Applicator's Certificate.
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Employment Standards
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Possession of a valid California Qualified Applicator's Certificate for pesticide application including the aquatic and right-of-way categories AND possession of a valid California Class A license; AND
1) One year of responsible experience in horticultural pest, insect, rodent, weed abatement or turf disease control; OR,
2) Experience performing duties equivalent to the class of Maintenance Worker I with Santa Barbara County, supplemented by additional training or coursework in pest, weed, and disease control; OR,
3)
Additional Qualifications:
Appointee must obtain Tanker endorsement during the probationary period. Driver's license and required endorsements must be kept valid throughout the term of employment.
Appointees to this classification will be subject to mandatory testing for drugs prior to beginning work. Once on the job, incumbents will be subject to mandatory testing for drugs and/or alcohol on a random, reasonable suspicion, post-accident, return-to-duty, and follow-up basis.
Knowledge of
: modern methods, equipment, materials and safety measures used in pesticide applications; laws, regulations and basic principles of pesticide application; common pesticides used in right-of-way area applications; environmental conditions appropriate for pesticide applications; and basic math including addition, subtraction, multiplication and division to calibrate spray equipment and to estimate materials needed for pesticide applications.
Ability to
: identify primary and secondary weeds, insects and rodents in order to apply appropriate pesticides; operate manual and computer-controlled spray equipment; read and understand pesticide regulations; follow written and oral instructions; maintain records to prepare forms and worksheets on pesticide applications and safety; verbally communicate with members of the public the reasons for pesticide applications; maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and the public.
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Supplemental Information
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Supplemental Information
: Incumbents may be required to be fitted for and wear a respirator and/or self-contained breathing apparatus, as well as other safety gear and equipment. Incumbents in this classification may be exposed to a variety of hazardous and/or unpleasant field conditions, including: wet, rainy, cold, or hot weather; poison oak; traffic; exhaust fumes; trash, and exposure to chemicals. Performing the essential functions of this classification requires various types of physical exertion, such as prolonged bending, stooping, and lifting; walking on uneven terrain, such as road shoulders and creek beds; and driving vehicles and/or equipment for long periods of time. In addition, incumbents in this classification may be required to work outside normal business hours during declared and localized emergency situations.
RECRUITMENT & SELECTION PROCESS:
- Review Applications and Supplemental Questionnaire to determine those applicants who meet the employment standards (minimum qualifications).
- Supplemental Questionnaire Ranking. Responses to the required supplemental questionnaire will be evaluated and scored. Candidates' final score and rank on the eligibility list will be determined by their responses to the supplemental questionnaire. This process may be eliminated if there are fewer than 11 qualified applicants. Do not enter "see resume" or "see application" when responding to supplemental questions as raters will not have access to any information except what you enter in the box for each required supplemental question. Although you may have some of this information on your application, you will need to answer the questions completely for this section.
Candidates must receive a percentage score of at least 70 on the Supplemental Questionnaire to be placed on an employment list. An adjustment may be made to raw scores based on factors listed in Civil Service Rule VI. Those candidates who are successful in the selection process will have their names placed on the employment list for a minimum of three months. At the time the employment list is established, all candidates will receive written notice of their score on the exam(s), rank on the employment list, and exact duration of the employment list.
The appointee must satisfactorily complete a probationary period of twelve (12) months.
Recruiters will correspond with applicants by e-mail during each step in the recruitment process. Applicants are reminded to check spam filters continuously during the Recruitment & Selection Process steps listed above to ensure they do not miss required deadlines.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS: The County of Santa Barbara is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants. Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter listed on the job posting. We require verification of needed accommodation from a professional source, such as a doctor or a learning institution.
Disaster Service Worker: Pursuant to Governmental code section 3100, all employees with the County of Santa Barbara are declared to be disaster service workers subject to such disaster service. Activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law.
This position may be subject to State Health Officer Orders (SHOOs) or County policy regarding vaccine verification and/or testing. Please contact the hiring department for more information.
Statement of Commitment
The County of Santa Barbara is dedicated to cultivating and sustaining an environment that exhibits equity and inclusion everywhere, and at all levels of our organization. The County believes equity is a fundamental principle that must be imbedded in policies, institutional practices and systems. The County recognizes the negative impacts of systemic racism and is committed to eliminating the barriers affecting our Black, Latino, Indigenous, and Asian community members, as well as people of other diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. We envision a world where society and its systems (e.g. education, criminal justice, and health care, housing the economy) are just, fair, and inclusive, enabling all people to participate and reach their full potential.
We celebrate community and employee diversity, strive for inclusion and belonging, and promote empowered participation. We aspire to build a workforce that is reflective of these values and the communities we serve. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and will resolutely uphold federal, California state law and/or Santa Barbara County ordinances.
We believe equity and inclusion are vital to fulfill the County's mission and to embody a culture of "One County, One Future." Expanding the full range of employee talent allows the County to deliver our best to all our community members.
We believe in the dignity and humanity of all people. We strive for a healthy and prosperous society that promotes all people having equitable access and opportunity.
APPLICATION AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE DEADLINE: April 25, 2024
by 5:00 PM PST; postmarks not accepted.
Applications and job bulletins can be obtained 24 hours a day at:
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Kim Clark, Public Works Human Resources Coordinator, ark@countyofsb.org
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County of Santa Barbara
$61,110.87 - $73,061.72 Annually
medical insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, vision insurance, vacation time, paid time off, paid holidays, sick time, long term disability, retirement plan, relocation assistance
April 04, 2024