JOB TITLE: Seasonal Weed and Pest Inspector DEPARTMENT: Agriculture Services REPORT TO: Director of Agriculture Services STANDARD HOURS: 40 hours/week, Mon \xe2\x80\x93 Friday from the beginning of May to the end of August. PROGRAM FUNCTION: The Agricultural Services Department is legislated to conduct its activities under the Agriculture Service Board Act, Weed Control Act, Agricultural Pests Act, the Soil Conservation Act and the Animal Health Act. The department focuses on weed control, soil conservation, water quality and quantity, and pest management. There are many other programs developed according to priorities outlined by the Agriculture Service Board. The major function of the Agricultural Service Board is to increase awareness of agricultural issues within Birch Hills County. The Agricultural Service Board partners with provincial and private agricultural and environmental organizations to deliver programs beneficial to our residents. PURPOSE OF JOB: The primary purpose of Birch Hills County Weed and Pest Inspectors is conducting weed and pest inspections of Birch Hills County farmland and industrial oil lease sites (under the authority of the Weed Control & Pest Control Act). They are also responsible for assisting in the control or elimination of weeds and assisting in monitoring the level and occurrences of agricultural pests and diseases within Birch Hills County as per the Agricultural Pests Act. These inspections will be performed under the direction and supervision of the Director of Agriculture Services and may be routing inspections and surveys, complaint driven inspections, and/or follow up inspections. Although the weed and pest inspections are the primary purpose of this position, inspectors will also be expected to play a role in all programs implemented within the Agriculture Services department and Birch Hills County as a whole as directed by the Director of Agriculture. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: \xc2\xa7 Weed identification and inspection. \xc2\xa7 Assist with grasshopper, clubroot and other pest surveys. \xc2\xa7 Communicate weed and pest issues to landowners and stakeholders. \xc2\xa7 Assist landowners with the identification of horticultural and crop insects and diseases. \xc2\xa7 Inspection of Birch Hills County rights-of-way and private property for noxious and prohibited weeds. \xc2\xa7 Administration and enforcement of the Alberta Weed Control Act under the direction of the Director of Agriculture Services \xc2\xa7 Work with landowners to find solutions to weed and pest issues under the direction of the Director of Agriculture. \xc2\xa7 Collect and assimilate data and keep detailed records by documenting daily activities with accurate record keeping. \xc2\xa7 Complete reports as required by the Agricultural Fieldman, the Agricultural Service Board and/or Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development. \xc2\xa7 Maintain an organized, tidy and safe work environment. \xc2\xa7 Responsible for ensuring compliance with Birch Hills County policies and procedures and Health and Safety Guidelines. \xc2\xa7 Investigate weed and pest complaints and report back to the Director of Agriculture. \xc2\xa7 Perform vegetation management activities, including herbicide applications and mechanical weed control, when required. \xc2\xa7 Safely operate various equipment and vehicles. \xc2\xa7 Loading, unloading and towing equipment on trailers. \xc2\xa7 Work together with other staff. \xc2\xa7 General maintenance and preparation of vehicles and equipment. \xc2\xa7 Such other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned by the Supervisor. QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE: \xc2\xa7 Grade 12 or equivalent education preferred. \xc2\xa7 Valid class 5 driver\xe2\x80\x99s license and clean drivers abstract. \xc2\xa7 Strong work ethic, self-motivated, positive attitude. \xc2\xa7 Ability to understand/read/navigate rural addresses. \xc2\xa7 Ability to operate basic computer and mobile equipment. \xc2\xa7 Experience in weed and plant identification and control methods. \xc2\xa7 Agricultural background would be an asset. \xc2\xa7 Experience with operation of equipment. \xc2\xa7 Mechanical aptitude. \xc2\xa7 First Aid, H2S Alive and Authorized Assistant Pesticide Applicator Certificates preferred but training will be offered. SKILLS REQUIRED: \xc2\xa7 Ability to work independently and as part of a team. \xc2\xa7 Strong research and problem-solving skills. \xc2\xa7 Ability to communicate effectively and courteously with supervisor, co-workers and the public. \xc2\xa7 Maintain and promote a positive image to Birch Hills County residents. \xc2\xa7 Ability to operate small tools and equipment. \xc2\xa7 Ability to maintain confidentiality as outlined under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. WORKIING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT: \xc2\xa7 Light to medium lifting and occasional strenuous work outdoors for extended time periods. \xc2\xa7 Working alone \xc2\xa7 Subject to working in outdoor environment \xe2\x80\x93 heat, cold, dry, dusty and/or wet conditions as well as near insects, bees and wildlife. \xc2\xa7 Normal working days consist of 8 hours; however occasional overtime may be required during the summer season. \xc2\xa7 Use and operation of different types of vehicles. \xc2\xa7 Exposure to pesticides. HEALTH & SAFETY: \xc2\xa7 All personnel working at Birch Hills County are governed by the Health and Safety Policy. \xc2\xa7 Must ensure all operations are conducted in a safe manner and in accordance with Birch Hills County Policies and Occupational Health & Safety Regulations. \xc2\xa7 Must ensure proper ergonomic requirements are met and good ergonomic procedures are practiced. \xc2\xa7 Required to wear correct Personal Protective Equipment as per safe job procedures. \xc2\xa7 May be required to wear respiratory equipment, if conditions warrant. \xc2\xa7 Must adhere to all safe job procedures. Job Type: Seasonal
Contract length: 4 months Salary: $18.89-$23.68 per hour Benefits:

• Casual dress

Flexible Language Requirement:

• French not required

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Supplemental pay types:

• Overtime pay

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Birch Hills County, AB: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Work Location: One location Expected start date: 2023-05-01