Weed and Pest Inspector

Seasonal Weed and Pest
Inspector

JOB TITLE: Seasonal Weed and Pest Inspector

DEPARTMENT: Agriculture Services

REPORT TO: Director of Agriculture Services

STANDARD HOURS: 40 hours/week, Mon - 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:

- Weed identification and inspection.

1
- Assist with grasshopper, clubroot and other pest surveys.
- Communicate weed and pest issues to landowners and stakeholders.
- Assist landowners with the identification of horticultural and crop insects and diseases.
- Inspection of Birch Hills County rights-of-way and private property for noxious and prohibited weeds.
- Administration and enforcement of the Alberta Weed Control Act under the direction of the Director of Agriculture Services
- Work with landowners to find solutions to weed and pest issues under the direction of the Director of Agriculture.
- Collect and assimilate data and keep detailed records by documenting daily activities with accurate record keeping.
- Complete reports as required by the Agricultural Fieldman, the Agricultural Service

Board and/or Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development.
- Maintain an organized, tidy and safe work environment.
- Responsible for ensuring compliance with Birch Hills County policies and procedures and Health and Safety Guidelines.
- Investigate weed and pest complaints and report back to the Director of Agriculture.
- Safely operate various equipment and vehicles.
- Loading, unloading and towing equipment on trailers.
- Work together with other staff.
- General maintenance and preparation of vehicles and equipment.
- Such other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned by the Supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE:

- Grade 12 or equivalent education preferred.
- Valid class 5 driver’s license and clean drivers abstract.
- Strong work ethic, self-motivated, positive attitude.
- Ability to understand/read/navigate rural addresses.
- Ability to operate basic computer and mobile equipment.
- Experience in weed and plant identification and control methods.
- Agricultural background would be an asset.
- Experience with operation of equipment.
- Mechanical aptitude.
- First Aid, H2S Alive and Authorized Assistant Pesticide Applicator Certificates preferred but training will be offered.

SKILLS REQUIRED:

- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

2
- Strong research and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to communicate effectively and courteously with supervisor, co-workers and the public.
- Maintain and promote a positive image to Birch Hills County residents.
- Ability to operate small tools and equipment.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality as outlined under the Freedom of Information and

Protection of Privacy Act.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT:

- Light to medium lifting and occasional strenuous work outdoors for extended time periods.
- Working alone
- Subject to working in outdoor environment - heat, cold, dry, dusty and/or wet conditions as well as near insects, bees and wildlife.
- Normal working days consist of 8 hours; however occasional overtime may be required during the summer season.
- Use and operation of different types of vehicles.
- Exposure to pesticides.

HEALTH & SAFETY:

- All personnel working a