Job Description
This posting is for multiple, non-permanent hourly seasonal positions ranging from 17 to 22 weeks. Positions have start dates from April to May 2025.
Join Planning and Development Services for the 2025 summer season! Invasive Plant Technicians control invasive weeds on municipal land to prevent them from establishing and spreading to protect the environment and surrounding agricultural land from the significant economic, social or ecological risks they pose. This position is responsible for the safe operation of complex equipment and operational leadership, training and supervision to the Invasive Plant Management Team members including Labourers, and less experienced Invasive Plant Technicians. The Invasive Plant Technician may also support the Control Team and branch by assisting with problem wildlife control, education and outreach, etc.
Responsibilities
- Apply herbicide to Strathcona County right of ways, municipal reserves, parks, and other areas in a safe and responsible manner in accordance with Strathcona County policies and applicable Provincial and Federal legislation
- Maintains accurate records of herbicide application
- Operate self-propelled equipment (eg. trucks, trailers, UTVs, gas-powered and electric hand tools, implements, etc.) and small equipment (e.g. weed whips, drills, backpack sprayers, etc.) in a safe and efficient manner
- Perform day-to-day monitoring, maintaining, and servicing of vehicles and equipment to ensure they are in proper working order and meet operating standards, including calibration of herbicide application equipment for invasive plant control 
- Conduct plant management through manual and mechanical methods to service levels standards
- Perform manual tasks required in all operations, including use of hand tools and equipment. (e.g., rakes, shovels, screwdrivers, etc.)
- Educate residents, landowners, industry and business owners about environmental and economic impacts of invasive plant species and control
- Use and share knowledge of Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) Regulation and Code and follows safety guidelines to keep self and others safe on work sites; identifies potentially hazardous situations and adapts behavior appropriately according to the changing work environment
- Assist Invasive Plant Specialists by training other staff members in the proper operation and maintenance of equipment used in all operations
- Invasive Plant Technicians I’s will assist with supervision of small crews in the completion of assigned tasks
- Invasive Plant Technicians II’s will mentor, train, coach and supervise others to contribute to the development of strong and effective teams, supporting staff members to be successful in their roles and gain the knowledge and skills required to advance their field of expertise
Qualifications & Skills
- High School Diploma with two to three years related experience in an Agricultural or Environmental field, including vegetation management, landscaping, forestry, greenhouse and/or construction
- Previous experience operating, servicing and maintaining trucks, trailers, UTV’s and/or small equipment and engines (e.g. weed whips, pumps, drills, etc.)
- Ability to follow written and verbal directions and interact in a positive manner with internal and external customers
- Knowledge of occupational health and safety and WHMIS regulations
- Ability to maintain mental alertness while performing duties often with frequent interruptions and under time constraints; unscheduled overtime may be required
- Ability to organize a crew to perform basic job functions efficiently and promote team building
- General mechanical knowledge
- Eligible for Herbicide Application Authorized Assistant certificate
- The following credentials or experience would be considered assets:
- Certified Pesticide Applicator’s Certificate (Industrial, Agriculture and/or Landscape)
- Required for Invasive Plant Technician II position
- Experience with plant identification
- Supervisory experience
- Knowledge of agricultural practices
- Extensive experience in herbicide application
- Previous municipal experience
- Current WHMIS, First Aid and CPR certification
- Attending or completed post-secondary education in an Agricultural or Environmental field with courses in botany, plant science or ecology
Conditions of Employment
- Valid Alberta Class 5 Driver’s licence and submission of a 5-year Driver’s Abstract with less than 7 demerits
- Ability and willingness to perform various types of physical labour including moderate to heavy lifting (up to 23 kilograms), standing, bending, shoveling, etc.
- Ability and willingness to perform duties in inclement weather conditions and adverse working environments including remote rural areas
- Ability to work full-time hours within a variety of shifts
Who We Are:
Strathcona County is a specialized municipality located in the heart of Alberta. Our vision is to become Canada’s most livable community, where our workplace culture and identity are supported by our people plan and values of integrity, respect, safety, fairness, and cooperation.
Why Join Strathcona County:
- Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, which includes:
- Health and wellness spending account
- Employee and family assistance program
- Commitment to employee development, through internal and external training and development opportunities.
- Well-being programs and a safety culture focused on physical and psychological health in the workplace.
Equivalencies of education and experience may be considered.
This competition may be used to fill future vacancies for similar positions within the next 6 months.
Strathcona County is committed to an inclusive, respectful, and equitable workplace that represents the community we serve. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds who can contribute diverse perspectives and experiences.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
