Seasonal Weed Control Technician

General Statement of Duties / Distinguishing Features of the Class

Step into a rewarding seasonal role with the Butte Silver Bow Weed Control Program—where your work will directly contribute to environmental restoration and community well-being. Imagine spending spring and summer exploring Montana’s backcountry, actively restoring landscapes, and tackling invasive plant management across federal, state, and county lands, private property, and rights-of-way. Not only will you observe post-fire plant community progression, but you'll also gain valuable expertise in land stewardship and ecological recovery.

What’s in it for you?

Hands-on training: Get paid to study and earn Montana Dept. of Agriculture certification in Rangeland herbicide application.

Immersive fieldwork: Work independently in remote areas and make a lasting impact on Montana’s landscapes.

Skill-building: Strengthen your knowledge of native and non-native plants while honing practical restoration techniques.

Purpose-driven work: Join a team that actively protects and restores local ecosystems.

If you’re passionate about conservation, eager to work outdoors, and ready to apply your initiative and resilience, this role could be your next adventure.

Examples of Essential Work (Illustrative Only)

This is responsible technical work involved in the control of noxious weeds in the City-County. The work is performed under the general direction and supervision of the Weed Control Superintendent who reviews work in process for adherence to professional and industry standards, but some leeway is granted for the exercise of independent judgment. The nature of the work performed requires that an employee in this class establish and maintain close cooperative working relationships with Federal, State, and local officials, supervisor, landowners and the general public.

Required Experience, Training, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The following statements are illustrative of the duties and responsibilities of the job. The organization retains the right to modify or change the duties and responsibilities of the job at any time.

Identify invasive exotic and native plant species.

Record keeping.

Operate and repair spray equipment.

Read and understand herbicide product labels.

Mix, load, and apply herbicides in full accordance with label.

Map noxious weed infestations using GPS.

Interact with park visitors and private property owners.

Work with volunteers.

Perform other duties as appropriate or necessary for performance of the job.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of range land ecology and plant life cycles.

Knowledge of noxious weeds and detrimental impacts on the environment.

Rules, regulations and laws pertaining to Montana Noxious Weed Law and herbicide application.

Procedures necessary to repair and maintain equipment used in vegetation management.

Natural resources management concepts and principles.

Microsoft Office, GPS and GIS software.

Identify rangeland vegetation, including noxious weed species during different stages of growth.

Operate a truck, trailer, ATV, UTV and spray equipment skillfully and safely.

Measure and mix herbicide.

Communicate effectively.

Hike and climb to remote back country locations while carrying a backpack weighing up to 40 pounds.

Work alone and unsupervised.

Perform arduous physical labor outdoors, during inclement weather, and for extended periods of time.

Assist in producing reports and maps.

Acceptable Experience and Training

Any experience in vegetation management involving the handling and application of pesticides.

Operation of a truck, trailer, ATV, UTV and spray equipment.

Any coursework in biology or physical sciences is a plus.

Possession of, or ability to obtain and appropriate valid State of Montana Drivers. License.

Possession of or ability to obtain, a Montana Pesticide Applicators Certified Operator's License.

Required Special Qualifications

Must be a resident of Butte-Silver Bow during employment according to Butte-Silver Bow 2.08.010

Residence during employment. From and after October 1, 1979, all employees of the local government of Butte-Silver Bow shall be bona fide residents within the boundaries of Butte-Silver Bow during the period of their employment by the government of Butte-Silver Bow. (Ord. 85 § 1, 1979)"

Essential Physical Abilities

Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to communicate well with Federal, State and local officials, elected officials, supervisors, employees and the general public.

Sufficient vision, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to examine weeds and other plants, mix chemicals according to manufacturer’s specifications and transport and operate spraying and other application devices.

Sufficient manual dexterity, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to transport and operate spraying and other application devices, separates weeds from differing plant species and use general office equipment.

Sufficient personal mobility, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to transport and mix chemicals weighing up to 50 pounds, enter, operate and exit motor vehicles.

Performs all duties and work assignments in a safe, healthy and environmentally sound manner.

Specifically, complying with the Health and Safety Program; maintaining work areas in a safe and orderly manner; identifying and reporting unsafe conditions. reporting all accidents; wearing required personal protective equipment and attending safety-related meetings, training sessions, fit testing, etc.

Performs all duties and work assignments in compliance with project quality requirements.

Acts responsibly and ethically, and in conformance with generally accepted business, occupational and professional standards.

Performs related work as required.

Additional City-County information

The City-County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical disability, or veteran status.

This job description is a summary of the typical functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities. Tasks and duties of the employee may differ from those outlined above.