Review Vacancy
AgencyEnvironmental Conservation, Department of
TitleFacility Operations Assistant 1 (Seasonal)
Occupational CategorySkilled Craft, Apprenticeship, Maintenance
Bargaining UnitOSU - Operational Services Unit (CSEA)
Salary RangeFrom $14.95 to $14.95 Hourly
Minimum Qualifications There are no education or experience qualifications for this class.
Must have valid driver’s license or demonstrate the ability to meet the transportation needs of the position.
Must be physically able to perform the duties assigned.
Duties Description NYSDEC Forest Health’s giant hogweed control program assists public and private landowners by controlling the giant hogweed on their properties for them or providing training to them on how to control it themselves. More information about giant hogweed and DEC’s statewide control program can be found online at http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/39809.html.
Current positions are available for two-person herbicide crews in Avon and Syracuse. The position’s duties involve fieldwork on both public and private lands; mapping infestations, collecting site information, surveying for plants and implementing manual and chemical control of giant hogweed. Appropriate safety equipment and safety training will be provided at the outset of employment.
• Contact property owners to obtain permission to enter property for survey and/or control.
• Locate specific control sites using maps and GIS products.
• Implement manual control of giant hogweed at small sites with less than 100 plants and in sensitive portions of larger sites. This is a labor-intensive process and involves using a shovel to cut the plant taproot 5 inches below ground level.
• Implement chemical control of giant hogweed while working under the supervision of a certified commercial pesticide applicator. Accord XRT II will be applied using an appropriate backpack sprayer and nozzle to minimize non-target effects, according to the product label and manufacturer’s safety instructions. The recommended manufacturer’s dose will be used, and label instructions followed. All necessary equipment will be provided. Landowners will be notified prior to herbicide application and provided with a copy of the herbicide label.
• Removal and safe disposal of all giant hogweed flower/seed heads found.
• Scout each site for additional giant hogweed plants within a 500-square foot radius of the known, visible giant hogweed plants.
• Conduct field surveys with the use of a hand-held GPS and mobile mapping unit and plot giant hogweed location polygons and records on digital maps.
• Acquire and inventory digital photographs of specific control sites to monitor yearly progress.
• Maintain detailed records of the control activities and site information for each site.
Additional Comments Preferred knowledge and skills:
• Coursework related to forestry, environmental studies, ecology, natural resource management, conservation biology, wildlife biology, etc.
• Knowledge of invasive species, control techniques and plant identification skills. Ability to identify giant hogweed and associated plants with minimal training.
• Skill in using maps, GPS and GIS to assist in locating and recording survey sites.
• Physical ability to dig, cut and survey for hogweed plants for hours at a time in hot weather in a variety of terrains while maintaining a good attitude.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to interact well with the public and provide accurate information about giant hogweed to interested persons.
• Self-motivated, work well both independently and in a collaborative setting.
• Knowledge of accepted safety practices by which to prevent injury to self, staff and public and/or private property.
• Prior herbicide experience a plus. NYS Certified Pesticide Technician, Category 3a preferred.
o Knowledge of pesticide application rules and regulations according to Part 325 of 6 NYCRR and Article 33 of the Environmental Conservation Law (ECL).
o Ability to follow direction regarding safe pesticide application.
This is a seasonal, hourly appointment with a duration of 5/20/19 to 8/20/19. Program needs will determine actual termination date, which may be prior to termination date indicated. Actual work schedule may vary and will be discussed at the interview.
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.