The 3424 Integrated Pest Management (IPM) 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 the 3421 Natural Resources Chief, in that the latter has lead responsibilities for all natural resource, conservation and IPM activities.
The focus of the 3424 IPM Specialist is to implement field functions of the IPM program under the general direction of the 3421, Natural Resources Chief. Specifically, the 3424 performs pest control measures that support natural resource conservation and land management at a watershed wide scale. The IPM specialist operates and maintains equipment, such as sprayers, vehicles, and specialized tools; directs contractors, interns and seasonal workers in the field to implement planned work; monitors ecosystems and evaluates natural pest predators and conditions that may contribute to pest problems; records and maintains needed supplies and maintains records.
Essential duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:
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 Integrated Pest Management 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. Requisitions and evaluates needed supplies and keeps records of chemicals used and recommendations for spray control operations.
Minimum Qualifications: Minimum qualifications reflect the lowest level of acceptable education and/or experience required of an individual such that the individual reasonably could be expected to satisfactorily perform the duties of the position. Candidates must meet all the requirements established by the MQs to be considered for the position. Experience:One (1) year of verifiable experience working as a professional gardener, nursery worker or a professional pest control provider. ANDLicense 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. ANDPossession of a valid California class C driver license.Note: One year of full-time employment is equivalent to 2000 hours. (2000 hours of qualifying work experience is based on a 40-hour work week.)Applicants must meet the minimum qualification requirement by the final filing date unless otherwise noted. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed to advance through all of the steps in the selection process.Desirable Qualifications: The stated desirable qualifications may be considered at the end of the selection process when candidates are referred for hiring.Work experience in large scale open spaces or in Natural Resources ManagementWork experience in controlling non-native invasive plant species in endangered habitatsWork experience in herbicide application in and around aquatic environmentsVerification of Education and Experience: Applicants may be required to submit verification of qualifying education and experience at any point during the recruitment and selection process. For more information on how to verify your experience or education please click here. Verification of required work experience typically must be on the employer’s letterhead, and must include the applicant’s name, job title, description of job duties, dates of employment, hours per week, and signature of the employer, supervisor, or appropriate representative.Employees of the City and County of San Francisco may submit performance evaluations showing duties performed to verify qualifying City experience. City employees will receive credit for the duties of the class to which appointed. Credit for experience obtained outside of the employee’s class will be allowed only if recorded in accordance with the provisions of Civil Service Commission Rules. CCSF employees will not receive credit for experience obtained outside of their classification unless recorded in accordance with the provisions of the Civil Service Rule 110.9.1/111A.11.2.Experience claimed in self-employment will only be accepted if supported by documents verifying income, earnings, business license and experience comparable to minimum qualifications above. Copies of income tax papers or other documents listing occupation and total earnings must be submitted.Verification of qualifying education is a copy of your transcript or diploma. For more information, please click here.Verification of required valid licensure/certification typically must be a photocopy of the license/certificate including the name of the issuing agency as well as the name of the license/certificate holder, license/certificate number, and expiration date.Falsifying one’s education, training, or work experience or attempted deception on the application may result in disqualification for this and future job opportunities with the City and County of San Francisco.All work experience, education, training and other information substantiating how you meet the minimum qualifications must be included on your application by the filing deadline. Information submitted after the filing deadline will not be considered in determining whether you meet the minimum qualifications.Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed City and County of San Francisco application.Applications completed improperly may be cause for ineligibility, disqualification or may lead to lower scores.
