Seasonal Weed Inspector

**JOB POSTING - UNIONIZED POSITION**

**POSITION TITLE**:Weed Inspector

**JOB STATUS**:Seasonal, Temporary

**TERM**:Late April/early May to end of August

**REPORTS TO**:Assistant Agricultural Fieldman

**Position Summary**

Reporting directly to the Assistant Agricultural Fieldman, the Weed Inspector is responsible for inspecting all properties in Westlock County including private and public lands for noxious and prohibited noxious weeds, as regulated under the Weed Control Act of Alberta. All work is done in a safe and effective manner. The Weed Inspector is required to collect weed inspection information, map weed infestations, and write reports. The incumbent also administers several ASB programs related to weed control. The incumbent deals with residents and members of the public which shall be done in a courteous and respectful manner.

**Duties and Responsibilities**

Under the direction of the Assistant Agricultural Fieldman, the duties and responsibilities of the Weed Inspector include, but are not limited to, the following:
**General Duties - 90%**
- Administers several ASB programs related to weed control
- Research landowners’ information and contact landowners and or occupants, regarding presence of noxious or prohibited noxious weeds on the property
- Perform weed classification identifying weeds
- Working cooperatively with landowners making agreements on timelines for communication and coordination of weed control options concerning weed infestations and help create an action plan to address the problem
- Issue notices requiring action
- Maintaining accurate records
- Conduct investigations received because of public complaints and follow-up as required.
- Map areas to be sprayed and/or followed up as required
- Conduct Pest Inspections under the guidance of the Supervisor
- Perform weed control as required using weed eater, riding, and push mower and at times preforming weed control manually
- Monitoring control method effectiveness on properties with noxious or prohibited noxious weeds

**Other Duties - 10%**
- Ensure that Westlock County's Health and Safety Program as well as Occupational Health and Safety standards are followed
- Promotes a safe work environment. ensuring compliance with all Government regulations, and Health & Safety policies and practices. Participation on the County's Joint Health and Safety Committee as required
- This position may be called to perform duties as required by the Director of Emergency Management during a State of Local Emergency
- Complies with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIP) Act
- Required to perform other duties as assigned from time to time

Note: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the incumbent of this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and activities required of this position. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time as needed.

**Minimum Requirements**

**Education and Experience**
- High School Diploma or equivalent
- Current enrollment or completion of post-secondary diploma or degree program in Agricultural Management, Agricultural Sciences, or related field is preferred
- Preference given to individuals with farm experience
- Valid Class 5 driver’s license with an acceptable drivers abstract
- Prior experience operating small equipment
- Experience in MS Office required and experience in mapping software is an asset
- Working towards or holds current WHMIS and First Aid

**Knowledge**
- Using small equipment such as lawn mowing equipment and weed eater
- Equipment preventative maintenance
- Weed identification and growth stages
- Knowledge and experience with weed, crop, and basic insect identification an asset
- Weed Control Act of Alberta
- Occupational Health and Safety standards

**Skills and Ability**
- Ability to read maps and understand land locations
- Interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate with ease in difficult situations communicating with residents and the public
- Ability to work under mínimal supervision
- Strong organizational and time management skills, effectively prioritizing activities
- Physically fit, with ability to comfortably lift 50. lbs.
- Ability to be comfortable driving gravel roads
- Ability to maintain confidentiality

**Working Conditions**
- Frequent interaction and meeting with residents (landowners) and members of the public of Westlock County
- Moderate use of computers and related equipment
- Medium physical effort in relation to the season; occasional light-moderate lifting, which may be physically demanding
- Subject to working in mostly outdoor environment which may have environmental exposure to weather conditions, rough terrain, and wildlife
- Use and operation of a vehicle or other motorized equipment which will require attention to detail and high levels of alertness
- Regula