Vegetation Management Technician ll

Sturgeon County is hiring two (2) temporary, full-time (approximately 39 weeks from February 23 to November 20, 2026) Vegetation Management Technician IIs. This position perform herbicide applications and other vegetation and landscape management activities within Sturgeon County.

This is a safety sensitive position as it applies herbicide and operates applicable and various equipment on County worksites. Hours of work are Monday to Friday, 7:00 am to 3:30 pm.

*Note - Applicants who do not meet all requirements may be considered for hire as a Vegetation Management Technician I.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Vegetation Management Operations (70%) 

• Operates various types of herbicide application equipment to control weeds and other vegetation on municipal road allowances and other County-owned land. 
• Calibrates equipment and calculates herbicide mixes in accordance with label-specified rates.
• Ensures all herbicide applications are performed in a manner which is compliant with all applicable provincial legislation. 
• Properly identifies weeds and other target vegetation.
• Maintains records of all work performed in accordance with the Environmental Code of Practice for Pesticides and with Sturgeon County's work management systems.
• Assists with the maintenance of vegetation management rental equipment.
• Performs tree, forest and landscape maintenance on County owned land including, mowing, weed whacking, pruning, planting, fertilizing, seeding, mulching, watering, and hand picking
• Conducts regulated and nuisance tree and horticultural insect and disease monitoring including Dutch Elm Disease, Elm Bark Beetle, Mountain Pine Beetle, Emerald Ash Borer and Fire Blight. 
• Conducts tree and forest inventory data collection and condition assessment utilizing GIS-based system.
• Assists Mower Operator IIs by moving locations, delivering parts in the field, and other tasks.

Other Landscape, Arboriculture and Vegetation Operations (25%) 

• Performs other types of vegetation management including manual and mechanical weed management and grass seeding.
• Performs landscape maintenance tasks including mulch application, and tree and shrub planting watering, and fertilization.
• Performs tree maintenance task including pruning, watering, fertilizing, disease, and pest monitoring. 
• Ensures field level hazard assessments are completed prior to work completion as required by task Hazard Assessment.
• Ensures daily tasks are being properly tracked and recorded in the GIS– based system.
• Arranges for advance public notification and facilitates communication with residents and the public as applicable for all operational activities.

Other Related Duties (5%) 

• Performs other related duties as required.
• Performs daily inspections and maintenance on all job-related equipment.
• Collect and maintain geospatial data relevant to department operations. 
• Adheres to applicable responsibilities and accountabilities as outlined in the Sturgeon County Health and Safety Management System.
• Adheres to all of Sturgeon County's policies, bylaws, procedures and processes, as well as align work to the Sturgeon County values. 

KNOWLEDGE, EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND EXPERIENCE 

Required:

• Industrial Pesticide Applicator License.
• Valid class 5 driver's license with an acceptable driver's abstract.
• Standard First Aid certification (or the ability to obtain).
• Defensive Driving certification (or the ability to obtain).
• H2S Alive of the ability to obtain.
• WHMIS 2015 or the ability to obtain.
• Ability to correctly wear Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) in compliance with Sturgeon County's RPE Code of Practice
• UTV Training Certification or the ability to obtain.
• National Safety Code Cargo Securement Knowledge Certification or the ability to obtain.
• National Safety Code Orientation or the ability to obtain.
• National Safety Code Pre-Trip & Cargo Securement Orientation & Evaluation or the ability to obtain.
• National Safety Code Pre-Trip Knowledge or the ability to obtain.
• A minimum of 2 years of experience in a related field, including experience with herbicide application, trailer hookup, cargo securement and towing.
• Experience in the operation of ATVs or UTVs
• Experience driving on gravel roads.
• Understanding vegetation management and weed control methods/practices.
• Mechanical knowledge and aptitude to repair and maintain applications equipment and other implements.
• Knowledge of GIS-based system to collect and maintain geospatial data relevant to department operations.
• Knowledge of Microsoft 365.
• Familiarity with the Alberta Township Survey (ATS) System.
• Ability to identify noxious and prohibited noxious weed species.
• Understanding of safe pesticide use/application practices.
• Ability to work in a team environment or independently.
• Ability to take initiative, be independent, problem solve, be resourceful, work well and effectively under pressure and meet deadlines in an organized manner.
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally verbally and in writing, including being adaptable, receptive, timely, and in a calm and friendly manner when communicating with others.
• Strong public relation problem solving skills.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and to prepare written reports.
• Ability to apply sound judgment and being accountable for own work.
• Detail oriented and mathematical aptitude.

Assets:

• Landscape and Agricultural Pesticide Applicator License
• Completion of some post-secondary studies in agriculture, horticulture, environmental science, or a related field.
• SA Arboriculture Certification