Aquatic Vegetation Control Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Make a difference in the community you live in! As a Community Builder-an employee with the City of Gainesville- you will have a direct hand in building and improving your community and making a visible impact on the lives of your neighbors. Working for local government is more than a job, it's a chance to contribute to community success and to help enhance the Gainesville way of life.
Department:
GG_Public Works: Mosquito Control
Salary Range Minimum:
$16.43
Salary Range Maximum:
$26.40
Closing Date:
Until Filled
Job Details:
Are you interested in the natural environment? Do you like to work outdoors in nature? Are you interested in being part of a highly motivated and high performing team that is recognized for its contributions to public health? If so, come join our team of professionals who prevent and control Gainesville's pest and aquatic vegetation.
The City Of Gainesville's Public Works Department currently has an opening for a qualified Mosquito Control Storm-water Services Technician to join our Operations Division team.
To qualify for this position you must have: A high school diploma or an acceptable equivalency diploma, supplemented by appropriate technical courses, and one (1) year of experience in mosquito, pest or aquatic vegetation control, or an equivalent combination of training and experience which provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Preference will be given to individuals who have:
• Working knowledge of substances, materials, methods, techniques, and equipment commonly used in an integrated pest and aquatic vegetation management program using mechanical, biological, and chemical control techniques.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of personal computers and related departmental software.
• Working knowledge of occupational hazards and accident prevention methods connected with pest and aquatic vegetation management.
• Relevant college coursework or advanced training.
Notes:
• May fill multiple positions
• May establish an eligibility list for future hiring
• Assessments may be required
Job Description:
SUMMARY
This is semi-skilled work prevention and control fieldwork implementing an integrated pest management program using mechanical, biological, and chemical control techniques.
Positions allocated to this classification report to a designated supervisor and work under limited supervision. Work in this class is distinguished from other classes by its emphasis on the implementation of an integrated pest management program.
EXAMPLES OF WORK*
* This section of the job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of duties and responsibilities of the position. The omission of a specific job function does not absolve an employee from being required to perform additional tasks incidental to or inherent in the job. Performance of lower level duties may be required.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Applies preventive measures to factors and situations, which contribute to growth and development of mosquito populations.
Applies controls over acknowledged mosquito populations and breeding sites utilizing Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) - approved mosquito control pesticides and departmental guidelines.
Safely operates a vehicle with a mounted ultra-low-volume (ULV) sprayer.
Utilizes a backpack sprayer with hand-held mounted wand for applying pesticides and herbicides.
Utilizes a backpack blower for applying granular pesticides and herbicides.
Utilizes a hand-held fogger for applying pesticides.
Utilizes hand tools and small engine equipment to maintain ingress and egress access points to breeding sites.
Maintains the mechanical/biological mosquito control program during non-breeding season.
Administers the mosquito larviciding program throughout the year.
Maintains and monitors breeding sites on a scheduled basis.
Assists with maintaining accurate daily records by using paper records and computer software programs.
Performs light but complex maintenance of spraying unit after training and under supervision.
Uses accepted methods of field sampling for both larvae and adult mosquitoes.
Maintains equipment for adulticiding, larviciding, surveillance, and related programs.
Transports, mixes, handles or uses EPA approved materials (other than cans of gasoline, batteries, pumping fuel or access to normal janitorial cleaning materials) and is responsible for facilities or equipment carrying current, fluids or gas that could endanger the public or other employees.
Attends work on continuous and regular basis.
NON-ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
May respond to public inquiries about the Mosquito Control Programs.
Decides on treatment of breeding sites after training and under supervision.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job function satisfactorily. Below are the required education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Graduation from high school or possession of an acceptable equivalency diploma, supplemented by appropriate technical courses, and one (1) year of experience in mosquito, pest or aquatic vegetation control, or
an equivalent combination of training and experience which provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
CERTIFICATIONS OR LICENSES
Licenses
Valid Driver license required upon appointment. Valid Florida Driver license required within thirty (30) days of appointment and at all times while employed in this classification.
Certifications
Satisfactory completion of all of the following tests is required within six (6) months of appointment:
General standard (Core) exam for restricted use pesticide applicator's certification.
The Public Health Pest Control Exam administered by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DACS).
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of substances, materials, methods, techniques, and equipment commonly used in an integrated pest management program using mechanical, biological, and chemical control techniques.
Knowledge of occupational hazards and accident prevention methods connected with mosquito population control and management.
Ability to recognize potential mosquito breeding habitats as well as other mosquito problem areas.
Ability to learn operation of ULV spraying unit and perform light but complex maintenance on the unit.
Ability to safely operate all equipment associated with the mosquito control programs.
Ability to do field testing and sampling.
Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, community agencies, other City employees and the general public.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Knowledge of personal computers and related departmental software.
Ability to prepare and maintain records, reports and work requests.
PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must possess certain physical abilities and be able to withstand work related environmental conditions.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Work requires physical strength and agility sufficient to safely perform all essential job functions including the ability to lift, carry, push, or pull 40 pounds without assistance and to stand, kneel and stoop.
Work requires the use of personal protection equipment including hearing protection, eye protection, foot protection, hand protection, head protection and use of respiratory protection equipment in compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations.
Work requires the ability to climb and descend sloped terrain.
Must be able to read and comprehend labels and directions pertaining to herbicide and pesticide applications.
Must be physically able to safely operate mechanical controls of, but not limited to, hand and power tools, spraying equipment and motor vehicles.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work requires the ability to work safely with hazardous and noxious chemicals, including, but not limited to: pesticidesand larvicide chemicals.
Work will require performance of tasks in extreme heat and confined areas.
Work will require performance of tasks outdoors under varying climactic conditions.
May require working outside regular business hours, including nights, weekends and holidays.
Note:
May Require Assessment(s).
May fill multiple positions.
May establish an eligibility list.
Come join our team! The City of Gainesville offers a competitive benefits package and opportunities to grow both professionally and personally.
All 'regular' employees are eligible for traditional benefits such as health insurance, life insurance, paid leave, 11 paid a holidays a year, a pension plan and a deferred compensation plan, but we also offer great things like on-site fitness centers, tuition reimbursement, on-site medical staff and a wellness program to keep you healthy and happy. Please note; benefits are not available for temporary employees.
Equal Opportunity
The City of Gainesville is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and does not discriminate in hiring. Minorities, women and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Individuals with a disability, who require special accommodations during the selection process, should notify the Human Resources Department at 352-334-5077 or TDD/TTY at 352-334-2292.
Veterans' Preference
Veterans are encouraged to apply. Veterans' Preference ensures that veterans and eligible persons are given consideration at each step of the selection process. However, preference does not guarantee that a veteran or other eligible person will be the candidate selected to fill the position. Section 295.07, Florida Statutes (F.S.) specifies who is eligible for Veterans' Preference. State of Florida residency is not required for Veterans' Preference.
If you are unable to apply online due to a disability, contact recruiting at HR@cityofgainesville.org or by calling 352-334-5077.