06/01/1989 11821

ROADSIDE SPECIALIST 1

DEFINITION: This is journey-level work in the development and maintenance of roadside grounds and rest areas in an engineering district.

An employee in this class is responsible for performing technical roadside development and maintenance duties and assisting in the administration of contracted services such as mowing and tree trimming, inspecting roadside materials and work performed by contractors, and assisting in the implementation of the district-wide pesticide applications. Assignments involve field viewing roadside maintenance areas, coordinating program implementation with County and District personnel, and preparing fiscal documents for roadside maintenance and rest areas. Work is performed with considerable independence and is reviewed by a Roadside Development Specialist Supervisor who provides program direction and reviews completed work for adherence to administrative policy and results obtained.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Provides technical assistance to highway designers in preparation of plans, specifications and estimates for erosion-control plans, material estimates and scope of roadside development projects which include grading, filling, sloping, seeding, sodding and mulching.

Assists in preparing herbicide application maps for each County, determines type of herbicide and ensures proper application of herbicide according to plant type and program objective.

Participates in advising County maintenance personnel concerning the development of annual herbicide, tree trimming and removal, mowing, planning and rest area maintenance programs.

Inspects roadside rest areas for sewage treatment, water quality and general cleanliness.

Prepares service purchase contracts for seeding and mulching, mowing of Department roadsides and herbicide spraying programs.

Investigates complaints concerning application of herbicides, noxious weed areas, grass mowing and roadside rest areas.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the proper use of fertilizers and soil supplements, herbicide sprays, tree removal and thinning equipment and methods, and rest area maintenance procedures.

Knowledge of plant ecology, entomology, and forestry which apply to roadside maintenance and development.

Knowledge of sewage and water quality testing standards.

Ability to learn to prepare specifications, cost estimates, and roadside maintenance plans for contract proposals.

Ability to learn to apply purchasing agreement procedures.

Ability to learn to interpret and explain those aspects of highway construction plans and specifications pertaining to roadside development activities.

Ability to communicate orally and in writing.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: One year as a Roadside Technician 2.

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A Bachelor's Degree in agronomy, botany, forestry, horticulture, or a closely related field.

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Two years of experience in technical landscaping and roadside development activities; and an Associate's Degree in agronomy, botany, forestry, horticulture, or a closely related field.

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Any equivalent combination of experience and training.