3424-Integrated Pest Management Specialist

Job description

CITY AND COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO

DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, inspects trees, shrubs, grass, rights of way (roads, flood control channels, transportation corridors, lots, landscaping and easements, etc.), bodies of water and structures for evidence of various pests and related damage, and takes appropriate steps to resolve problems.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

The 3424 Integrated Pest Management Specialist manages pests using biological, cultural, mechanical, physical and chemical controls with emphasis on the least toxic approach. The 3424 Integrated Pest Management Specialist is distinguished from Class 3417 Gardener in that the latter performs skilled and semi-skilled and manual labor work related to the maintenance of turf areas, lawns, shrubs, trees and other plants. The 3424 Integrated Pest Management Specialist is distinguished from the 3425 Senior Integrated Pest Management Specialist in that the latter has supervisory responsibilities.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Provides technical direction and oversight to gardening staff and other department employees.

EXAMPLES OF IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES

According to Civil Service Commission Rule 109, the duties specified below are representative of the range of duties assigned to this job code/class and are not intended to be an inclusive list.

1. Surveys and inspects trees, shrubs, grass, rights of way and other vegetation, aquatics and structures for evidence of disease or presence of harmful pests by using visual aids, field observations and history records.

2. Monitors pest ecosystems to evaluate the presence of pest species, natural pest predators, and conditions that may contribute to pest problems.

3. Assists and provides expertise in the development of integrated pest management program strategy.

4. Utilizes traps, chemical and non-chemical methods to manage pests.

5. Maintains detailed IPM records.

6. Provides expertise, assistance and training to staff, structural contract service providers and the public about pest biology, the IPM approach, new pest management strategies, and toxicology of pesticides for use.

7. Mixes, applies and monitors various recommended chemicals, fertilizers, compounds and baits to be used for treatment, elimination or control of specific conditions found.

8. Provides technical direction and oversight to gardening staff and other departmental employees.

9. Implements pest control measures in accordance with the City's Integrated Pest Management Program (Chapter 39 of the San Francisco Administrative Code).

10. Operates and maintains specialized equipment such as sprayers of various types, small boat to spray lakes for algae and weed control, and/or large capacity truck sprayer for surface areas.

11. Directs the work of a driver in the operation of a spray truck.

12. Requisitions and evaluates needed supplies and keeps records of chemicals used and recommendations for spray control operations.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of: the practice of managing pests using biological, cultural, mechanical, physical and chemical controls with emphasis on the least toxic approach; proper usage, application and dilutions of chemical pesticides used in the control of invertebrates/vertebrates, pathogens, vegetation management and aquatic pest control; the use and care of various equipment peculiar to pest management techniques; hazards, precautions, use, handling and storage of pesticides, including safety procedures during operation of various equipment.

Ability and Skill to: Work with and/or provide guidance to city staff, contractors, tenants, and the general public using pest control methods; provide training where needed to maintain an acute awareness of safety hazards and maintain a safe working environment; communicate in writing with city staff, private structural contractors, government agencies and the general public; record and report activities and maintain records,; effectively communicate with city staff, private contractors, government agencies and the general public to facilitate the effectiveness of daily pest control operations.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

These minimum qualifications establish the education, training, experience, special skills and/or license(s) which are required for employment in the classification. Please note, additional qualifications (i.e., special conditions) may apply to a particular position and will be stated on the exam/job announcement.

Education:

Experience:

One (1) year of verifiable experience working as a professional gardener, nursery worker or a professional pest control provider.

License and Certification:

Possession of a California Commercial Applicator Certificate (QAC/QAL) which includes one or more of the following categories: Residential, Industrial and Institutional; Landscape Maintenance; Rights-of-way; Forest; Aquatic; and Wood Preservation.

Possession of a valid California class C driver license.

Substitution:

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

PROMOTIVE LINES

To: 3425 Senior Integrated Pest Management Specialist

ORIGINATION DATE: 01/12/1961

AMENDED DATE: 03/06/00; 04/20/07; 03/11/10; 05/09/17

REASON FOR AMENDMENT To accurately reflect the current tasks, knowledge, skills & abilities, and minimum qualifications.

BUSINESS UNIT(S): COMMN SFMTA SFCCD SFUSD

Standard information

Disaster service work

All City and County of San Francisco employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

Historic and future compensation