Biosecurity Officer

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

· School Certificate, Higher School Certificate or equivalent

· Class C Drivers Licence

· Ability to work without direct supervision.

· Working knowledge of small plant

· Be self-motivated.

· ChemCert Accreditation

· First Aid Certification

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

· Qualification in Weed Control Operations/Practice, or similar course which gives a greater understanding of weed control and Industry Weed Management Systems.

· Ability to prepare reports on daily activities of weeds controlled, roads treated and properties inspected.

· Knowledge of Council Policies and Procedures.

· Present a good public image for Council.

· Promote good public relations.

· Knowledge of agriculture, soils, plants and animals and the environment.

OBJECTIVES OF POSITION

· To carry out weed control operations on roadsides or other land areas under Council jurisdiction and land owned by private individuals or governmental instrumentalities as required.

· To carry out and record property inspections of all parcels of land within the County area and advise landowners of weed control techniques.

· Follow up property inspections and recommend appropriate follow up action.

· Promote good weed control practice using Industry Weed Management Systems.

SCHEDULE OF DUTIES

1. Work under the direction of the Senior Weeds Control Officer.

2. Carry out regular checks/maintenance of vehicle and spray equipment to the best of their ability.

3. Read and understand the requirements of the printed label of each package or drum of herbicide used.

4. Follow through on the advice of the herbicide label and observe all requirements in relation to health and safety of the operator, bystanders, non-target plants and animals, and the environment.

5. Apply herbicides at the correct spray rate using the appropriate spray application technique to noxious plants.

6. At the end of each day or week, carry out specific decontamination procedures of oneself, the vehicle and spray equipment as outlined in Council Policy.

7. Maintain records and report to Senior Weeds Control Officer for:

Stores issue dockets

Timesheet (account for labour use daily) – currently being  revised

Plant sheet (account for vehicle movements, kilometres travelled, chemicals used, noxious plants controlled and roads treated daily) – currently being revised

Complete Private Work forms for work undertaken on behalf of landholders or other agencies.

Any other miscellaneous reports requested by the Senior Weeds Control Officer

8.    Be familiar with or have a common sense approach to the handling of pesticides and being aware or having a basic knowledge of various acts. For example, the Noxious Weeds Act and the Work  Health and Safety Act. Training plans are being prepared for each staff member.

9.    Undertake inspections of properties, roads, reserves or other areas vested in Council, or Government controlled lands throughout the County area, and ascertain the noxious plants present, degree of infestation, the area infested and the location of the infestations of the noxious plants and ascertain the level of work being carried out and report same to the Senior Weeds Control Officer.

10.  Advise on control procedures for:

Herbicides –    Types of herbicides

Application techniques

Mechanical –   Slash/plough/hand weed

Cultural – Grazing

Competition

Biological – using classical bioagents or inundative bioagents

11.  As part of Integrated Weed Management Strategy (IWMS) and Weeds Action Plan (WAP), keep a record of control works carried out on Council owned, Government owned lands or private property.

12.  Maintain the depot and yards in a reasonable manner.

13.  Maintain adequate supplies of herbicides at each depot.

14.  Carry out any other duties as directed by the Senior Weeds Control Officer with consultation.