Athletic Turf Technician (Pest Controller I)

Job Announcement

Join the Park Authority and our nationally recognized team of professionals! The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) is seeking an Athletic Turf Technician to be a part of one of the most highly regarded park systems in the country. With more than 25,000 acres of parkland, nine RECenters, eight golf courses, three lakefront parks, and more, FCPA is an exciting organization to be a part of and there are many opportunities for staff to make a difference at every level.

Participates in the turf management for the athletic fields and associated areas. Loads, transports, and operates tractors with various attachments (including aerators, seeders, sprayers and spreaders), utility vehicles with attached pesticide application equipment and other turf/grounds care equipment. Loads and applies turf care products including pesticides, fertilizers, various types of soil amendments, turf grass seed and top dressing. Performs various maintenance practices on natural and artificial surfaces. Prepares application documentation and reports. Collects soil samples. Flags treated pesticide application areas and re-entry procedures. Performs safety inspections and prepares documentation: Inspects tools and equipment and reports deficiencies to supervisor. Maintains and repairs equipment. When required, performs other field, park, and trail maintenance tasks on an as needed basis.

Reports to 8116 Braddock Road, Annandale on a daily basis then is detailed to necessary parks.

Illustrative Duties

(The illustrative duties listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list. A complete list of position duties and unique physical requirements can be found in the position description.)

• Drives County trucks to sites to inspect turf on a scheduled basis;
• Maintains specialized equipment used in the process of performing turf maintenance;
• Determines best method of treatment to prevent or rid turf of insects, weeds or diseases;
• Inspects turf for signs of insects, weeds or disease;
• Maintains records indicating location, type and date of treatment;
• Maintain and utilize required and/or recommended Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Applies fertilizer, amendments and cultural practices to establish maintain or improve existing turf;

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities

(The knowledge, skills and abilities listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list).

• Ability to read and understand plans and specifications;
• Knowledge of insecticides and other pesticides and their toxicity;
• Knowledge of current regulations, standards and safety procedures.
• Knowledge of turf maintenance;
• Ability to perform duties requiring manual dexterity;
• Knowledge of turf-based pests and their control;
• Ability to maintain effective relationships with the public and employees;

Employment Standards

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to the following:
High school graduation or a G.E.D. issued by a state department of education; Plus at least two years working in grounds maintenance maintaining athletic turf, identifying turf issues, and applying accepted turf remedies.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience calibrating and applying pesticides and fertilizers with various types of equipment; Experience hauling and transporting equipment; Knowledge of and experience performing turf renovations using a variety of equipment and attachments; Knowledge of turf maintenance for natural and artificial surfaces; General knowledge of Fairfax County park locations; Experience using Microsoft Word and Excel software.

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED:

• Certified Fertilizer Applicator Certification (Turf) (Required within 6 months)
• Registered Technician Certificate (Required within 6 months)
• Driver's License (Required)

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check and driving record check to the satisfaction of the employer.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Ability to operate commercial vehicles and ground care equipment. Ability to lift 30-50 lbs., unassisted. Ability to wear negative pressure respirator while performing moderately strenuous tasks. Ability to work during inclement weather conditions, and traverse uneven terrain. All duties may be performed with or without reasonable accommodations.

SELECTION PROCEDURE:
Panel interview and may include exercise.

The population of Fairfax County is very diverse where 39.8% of residents speak a language other than English at home (Spanish, Asian/Pacific Islander, Indo-European, and others) and we encourage candidates bilingual in English and a foreign language to apply to this opportunity.

Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact 703-324-4900 for assistance. TTY 703-222-7314. [email protected]. EEO/AA/TTY.

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