County of Alameda
9106
VEGETATION TECHNICIAN
DEFINITION
Under supervision, to control both desirable and undesirable vegetation in an assigned area
of the County; to mix and apply various pesticides to trees, shrubs, grass, weeds, soil and
vegetation to control and eradicate plants, plant growth, fungus, and pests; and to perform
related duties as required.
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES
Positions in this class report to a Field Supervisor and are responsible for the control of
prohibited and restricted noxious weeds, control of undesirable weed infestations and the
management of desirable vegetation, both native and landscaped, in designated locations of
the County. Incumbents are trained and licensed to handle the chemicals used in vegetation
management and pest control, including rodents.
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. Inspects creeks, drainage channels, rights of way, easements and other County-owned
properties for prohibited and restricted noxious weeds and undesirable growth, while
performing regular pest control activities, and reports findings to supervisor.
2. Maintains designated landscape areas by monitoring and promoting desirable native and
introduced vegetation.
3. Mixes appropriate materials registered for use with the California Department of Pesticide
Regulation (C.D.P.R.) according to label and in accordance with the rules and regulations of
CDPR.
4. Operates manual and automatic pesticide application equipment, regulates pressure, selects
and installs nozzles, attaches spray booms, and regulates spray.
5. Monitors spraying conditions to avoid destruction of ornamental vegetation, harm to public
safety and the environment.
6. May be required to hand trim vegetation, backfill rodent holes, and plant or repair damaged
landscape.
7. Performs minor preventive maintenance on pesticide application equipment, applicator hand
and power tools, safety equipment, brush/tree chippers and vehicles.
8. Maintains logs and records of pesticide inventories, vegetation/pest control operations work
completed, time-keeping records, and equipment usage.
9. May also perform the duties of a Laborer as needed.
Vegetation Technician – 9106 – Page 2
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Experience:
The equivalent of one year of full-time experience in the control of prohibited and restricted weeds
and weed infestations and the management of desirable vegetation.
Licenses:
Possess and maintain a valid California Driver's license.
Possess and maintain a valid Qualified Applicator Certificate issued by the California Department
of Pesticide Regulation certifying the holder in the following types of pest control: Landscape
Maintenance and Right of Way and to obtain additional certification in Aquatics within 6 months of
employment.
It shall be the employee's responsibility to pay any renewal fees to maintain a valid driver's license
and application certificate.
NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the
announcement of an examination.
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES
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:
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Landscape maintenance practices.
Right-of-Way pest control practices.
Plant Agriculture procedures and practices.
Aquatic Pest Control.
Native and exotic varieties of species of vegetation, plants and pests common to the area.
Vegetation growth patterns, types and characteristics of weeds and their control techniques.
Operation and adjustment of pumps and pressure regulated spray equipment.
Methods and procedures used to mix and apply pesticides.
Safe work practices relating to the use of hand and power tools, compressors, pumps and
related equipment.
Safety precautions required to protect personnel and property from damage or destruction
through the use of pesticides.
Laws, rules, regulations, hazards and precautions associated with the safe and effective use of
pesticides.
Vegetation Technician – 9106 – Page 3
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES - Continued
Ability to:
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Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with co-workers and the general
public and regulatory agencies.
Identify common pests, fungi, plant growth, and vegetation indigenous to the area.
Work independently.
Make adjustments in the field to work around other work or situations in progress.
Read, understand, interpret and comply with laws and technical regulations pertaining to
vegetation, pest, and rodent control.
Maintain daily records of pest control activities, time sheets, maps and chemical use.
Mix and apply pesticide, either manually or with automated spray equipment.
Evaluate field conditions such as: Weather, wind terrain, proximity of non-target animals,
plants or property to assure safe and effective work practices during pest control activities.
Accurately measure liquids and solids.
Read and understand information provided on maps, work orders, road code book, product
labels and material safety data sheets.
Calibrate pesticide application equipment to deliver known quantities of pesticides to a given
area.
Perform heavy physical work.
HC:pb 9/30/92
Old doc: 1191h
New doc: 9106.doc
ys/3/01
CSC Date: 10/15/92
RC:pf Rev. 12/12/03
CSC Date: 1/21/04