County of Alameda

Vegetation and Litter Abatement Supervisor (#9536)

Bargaining Unit: ACMEA - Public Works Mgmt (R44)
$61.62-$61.62 Hourly / $4,929.60-$4,929.60 BiWeekly /
$10,680.80-$10,680.80 Monthly / $128,169.60-$128,169.60 Yearly


DESCRIPTION
Under general supervision, to assign vegetation and litter abatement tasks for rights-of-way, structures, and unincorporated areas; to determine the infestation level of invasive species and direct eradication operations; manage vegetation and litter abatement operations; and perform related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

The Vegetation and Litter Abatement Supervisor is the first-line supervisor responsible for the Public Works Agency and Flood Control District’s Integrated Vegetation Management Program (IVM) along County rights-of-way (roads, flood control channels, transportation corridors, concrete islands, and vacant lots).  This class is also responsible for the management and operation of the litter abatement programs (Adopt-a-Spot, Adopt-a-Creek, Street Sweepers, and trash collection vehicles) in the same areas mentioned above. This class is distinguished from the next lower one of Vegetation Technician in that the latter class is the journey-level worker certified by the State of California to handle and apply the herbicides used in vegetation management, while the former class is the first-line supervisor with overall program responsibility and differing mandated license.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification.  However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level.  Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

  1. Plans, organizes, and supervises the implementation of a safe and cost-effective IVM program that includes but is not limited to mechanical, biological, and chemical control methods; provides vegetation management advice to staff and the public; investigates concerns from the public or other jurisdictions regarding vegetation management, fire abatement, grazing animals, herbicide applications, litter abatement, and Civicorps operations.
  2. Ensures that the strength and application method of herbicides being applied is correct; inspects and tests the performance of application equipment ensuring specified application rates are being reached; trains and monitors staff’s herbicide application methods, ensuring that personal protective equipment is being used properly and is properly maintained; abides by all local, state, and federal laws and regulations pertaining to the storage, handling and use of herbicides; develops and submits monthly Pesticide Use Reports (PURs) to County Agriculture; maintains herbicide inventory and storage.
  3. Identifies plant species and non-target organisms through the collection of samples and/or field observations to select the proper IVM practice for varying locations; monitors changes in laws and technologies to ensure that vegetation management program meets standards and is up-to-date on new trends; conducts field tests of herbicide products; recommends vegetation management information for use and makes presentations to the public and County staff; recommends vertebrate pest treatment locations to County Agriculture; manages contracts associated with the responsibilities of this class.
  4. Provides daily supervision to vegetation and litter abatement staff including assigning work orders and equipment,  crew size determination, and performance evaluation; assigns work orders to Vegetation Technicians based on preventative maintenance schedules; maintains the Street Sweeping program schedule; assigns work orders to trash collection vehicle operators; manages the grazing animal program and provides weekly updates to staff; manages the Civicorps program and the associated Heavy Truck Driver.
  5. Participates in budget preparation and administration including preparing cost estimates for budget recommendations, submitting justification for staff, supplies, equipment and services, and monitoring/controlling expenditures.
  6. Manages and tracks budget line items and purchase orders; uses the County’s Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) to plan work order distribution, track and update work orders, record daily the use of labor, equipment and materials, and prepare reports. 
  7. Responds to emergency callouts in an on-call capacity.  Receives calls or messages during off hours. Calls staff members to ensure the proper crew size is reached to take care of the emergency.  Reports activities to management.
  8. Evaluates operations and activities for assigned area of responsibility and recommend improvements or modifications and prepare various reports on operations.
  9. Enters and retrieves service requests and work orders via tablet, cell phone, or hand-held record-keeping device utilizing the CMMS.
  10. Prepares and monitors work performance plans utilizing the CMMS.
  11. Responsible for assisting the Field Maintenance Superintendent classification with overall planning, administration, and oversight of the County’s infrastructure.
  12. Supervises, trains, motivates, and evaluates assigned staff; recommends disciplinary action(s) as needed.


MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EITHER I
Experience:

The equivalent of two (2) years of full-time experience as a Vegetation Technician in the Alameda County classified service.  

OR II
Experience:

The equivalent of three (3) years of full-time experience as an Agricultural Pest Control Advisor in any of the following license categories: Plant Pathogens, Weeds, Defoliation, and/or Plant Growth Regulators. 

AND
License:

Possession of a valid Agricultural Pest Control Advisor’s license issued by the State of California showing qualifications in any of the following categories:  Plant Pathogens, Weeds, Defoliation or Plant Growth Regulators. This license applies to both Patterns I and II above.

License (required for all above patterns):

Throughout the duration of the assignment, possess and maintain a valid Agricultural Pest Control Advisor license issued by the State of California, Department of Pesticide Regulations with at least one of the categories Plant Pathogens, Weeds, Defoliation and/or Plant Growth Regulators or be able to obtain these categories within a one (1) year period. 

Possess and maintain a valid California Motor Vehicle Class C Driver’s License.  Candidates must submit evidence from the DMV showing the current status of their license at the time of application and must have a clean driving record for the previous three (3) year period.

Working Conditions:

Duties of this position require prolonged sitting and walking on flat and uneven surfaces such as on earthen dams and along flood control channels.  The incumbent daily drives for one to two hour periods to reach work sites and is frequently in and out of the vehicle.  

Duties require working outdoors in all weather conditions; around loud noises and mechanical hazards such as chippers, chain saws, and treatment rigs; working around moving traffic and power lines along roadsides.  The incumbent is daily exposed to heavy dust and pollen and a variety of herbicides used in weed control; and may come into contact with poisonous plants, spiders, and snakes.

NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.



KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
NOTE: The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the “Examples of Duties” section of this specification.

Knowledge of:

  • Principles and practices of supervision, leadership, and performance evaluation.
  • Vegetation identification and control methodology.
  • Safety procedures as they relate to mechanical, biological, and chemical weed control programs.
  • Federal, State, and local laws, and regulations relating to herbicide use, storage, and reporting.
  • Principles of Integrated Vegetation Management including biological, chemical, cultural, and physical pest control methods.
  • Basic principles of municipal budget preparation and administration.
  • Terminology, methods, materials, tools, and equipment used in construction and maintenance operations.
  • Use and capacity of maintenance equipment, materials, and approaches utilized in public works.
  • Methods, procedures, materials, equipment, and associated safety practices used in vegetation management along flood channels and roadways.
  • Estimating, inspecting, planning, scheduling, and job control practices.
  • Microsoft Office and asset management systems.
  • Emergency response and operations including the Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS) and the National Incident Management System (NIMS).
  • Various government codes and regulations, including Cal/OSHA regulations and practices.
Ability to:

  • Make decisions.
  • Plan and organize.
  • Set standards of performance in order to control and optimize the productivity of staff.
  • Estimate the staffing and equipment required in the category of work assigned.
  • Identify pest and non-target organisms.
  • Use various metrics, tools, and references for plant identification and monitoring purposes.
  • Writes reports, keeps records and special files, as necessary.
  • Read and interpret plans, blueprints, specifications, government regulations, and contract documents.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in utilizing computer applications and software at an intermediate level or higher for MS Office and other business-related applications.
  • Train subordinates in all phases of work and safety.
  • Supervise, motivate, and evaluate staff.
  • Keep abreast of changing technology, work methods, materials, and utilize new technologies to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
  • Communicate in a clear and concise manner in written and verbal format.
  • Ability to demonstrate effective reading comprehension both orally and in writing.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships in the performance of required duties.
  • Respond to emergency or disaster situations.
  • Implement preventative maintenance programs.
  • Operate a standard office computer to enter data, retrieve data, utilize spreadsheets, and other applications.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY
Typed:  1/97 
T. Tarantino:lm
Old document:  1318H.DOC
New document:  9536
ys/11/01
CSC Date:  5/13/97
MH:cs  Revised 2/3/15
CSC Date:  4/29/15
RK:sa Revised/Retitled 11/15/2022
Old Title: Weed and Pest Control Supervisor
CSC Date: 03/08/2023

BENEFITS

Alameda County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many different employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall well being.  These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Well-Being

  • Medical – HMO & PPO Plans
  • Dental – HMO & PPO Plans
  • Vision or Vision Reimbursement
  • Share the Savings
  • Basic Life Insurance 
  • Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees)
  • Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance 
  • County Allowance Credit
  • Flexible Spending Accounts - Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
  • Short-Term Disability Insurance
  • Long-Term Disability Insurance
  • Voluntary Benefits - Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services
  • Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

  • Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
  • Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)

For your Work/Life Balance

  • 12 paid holidays
  • Floating Holidays
  • Vacation and sick leave accrual
  • Vacation purchase program
  • Management Paid Leave**
  • Catastrophic Sick Leave
  • Group Auto/Home Insurance
  • Pet Insurance
  • Commuter Benefits Program
  • Guaranteed Ride Home
  • Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
  • Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
  • Child Care Resources
  • 1st United Services Credit Union 

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement.  This provides a brief summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.

** Non-exempt management employees are entitled to up to three days of management paid leave. Exempt management employees are entitled to up to seven days of management paid leave.




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