Provides high-level technical expertise in the implementation of the integrated vegetation management program statewide. Work requires contact with governmental and private entities. Employees at this level establish their own work plan and priorities to meet set objectives. Issues are rarely referred to the supervisor but are handled at the time of the occurrence.

Essential Duties:

• Analyzes/recommends appropriate erosion control materials, methods and installation, propagation and management of
  native wildflowers and other materials, herbicide equipment design and production.
   
• Conducts investigative research.
   
• Coordinates field or laboratory tests; measures and evaluates program/project results.
   
• Coordinates the evaluation of pest problems and the development of specific programs for the local environment.
   
• Coordinates the section's technical support role to districts and divisions in matters regarding vegetation management.
   
• Designs and oversees products and application, calibration, and injection of equipment for herbicides and pesticides.
   
• Develops and prepares training materials, plans and reports and makes presentations on vegetation issues.
   
• Develops erosion control and vegetation recommendations.
   
• Develops, reviews and coordinates herbicide/pesticide operations and vegetation management standards.
   
• Evaluates, research, and monitors seeding, new and current herbicide/pesticide products/programs, vegetation research
  programs and operations and the effectiveness of existing products/programs.
   
• May serve as project leader.
   
• Provides consultation and technical assistance on vegetation management, pesticide operations, calibration and
  operation of applicable equipment, operator training and licensing.
   
• Provides technical assistance to district design and construction personnel on matters relating to vegetation
  establishment and erosion control.
   
• Represents the Department at local, state, and national levels regarding vegetation-related issues.
   
• Serves as a resources specialist to maintenance operations on environmental matters involving vegetation, soil and
  water management.
   
• Serves as statewide expert resource on environmental matters involving vegetation, soil, and water management.
   
• Performs other job responsibilities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Botany, Environmental Science or related field. Relevant work experience may be substituted for degree on a year per year basis. Substitutions for Minimum Qualifications

Experience: 5 years of experience in vegetation management or related activities. (Experience can be satisfied by full time or prorated part time equivalent). Related graduate level education may be substituted for experience on a year per year basis. 

Licenses and Certifications:

• Valid driver’s license. This position requires driving a state vehicle.

Competencies:

• Applicable governmental laws, rules and regulations specific to area of responsibility for safeguarding information and
  information technology related systems
   
• Herbicides and pesticides
   
• Native plant and grass management with emphasis on erosion control capabilities
   
• Native vegetation and plant communities
   
• Native vegetation and soil management
   
• Application, calibration and inspection equipment for herbicides and pesticides
   
• Applicable laws, rules, and regulations

Expert skill in

• Negotiating settlement of differences without damaging relationships; applying effective questioning and listening
  techniques to determine other parties' positions in a direct and diplomatic manner
   
• Research and analysis methodologies

Proficient skill in

• Researching, evaluating and interpreting complex information
   
• Researching, analyzing, and interpreting policies and state and federal laws and regulations specific to functional area
   
• Public relations for maintaining effective working relationships with individuals and groups, both internal and external
   
• Monitoring the status and progress of projects
   
• Analyzing and organizing business and technical data
   
• Interpreting applicable information
   
• Training in a classroom, office, or field environment
   
• Developing and giving presentations
   
• Using computers and applicable programs, applications, and systems
   
• Safely using, operating, and maintaining

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Medium work: Lift up to 50 lbs at a time and frequently lift or carry objects up to 25 lbs
   
• Standing-prolonged periods of time
   
• Repetitive Motion-substantial movements of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers
   
• Close Visual Acuity-work includes data/figures; view a computer screen; extensive reading

Conditions of Employment:

Please click this link to read the standard conditions of employment for all positions: Standard Conditions of Employment (TxDOT)

• This is a Safety Impact position and will be subject to random drug testing.

*Please note that the Department of Transportation's Drug and Alcohol Testing Regulation – 49 CFR Part 40, at 40.151(e) – does not authorize “medical marijuana” under a state law to be a valid medical explanation for a positive drug test result for an employee in this position.