Job Summary

Under the supervision of the Parks Superintendent this position performs a variety of technical, operational and administrative tasks relating to the City’s integrated pest management programs for mosquitoes, tree pests and diseases and other pests.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Supervises assigned staff and ensures operational requirements are met by scheduling, assigning and monitoring work. Provides guidance and direction to staff responsible for the various programs within Urban Biological Services.
• Ensures subordinate staff are trained in all phases of Urban Biological Services operations.
• Evaluates subordinate staff work performance and completes annual staff evaluations.
• Monitors staff attendance, checks and authorizes payroll time sheets.
• Supports and promotes the health and safety of employees in accordance with the Occupational Health & Safety Act & Regulations in addition to the City of Saskatoon’s Administrative Occupational Health & Safety Policies and departmental procedures.
• Establishes and maintains surveys to monitor mosquito, nuisance wildlife and tree pest populations as well as tree diseases.
• Monitors control operations to evaluate the overall effectiveness of pest population reductions.
• Acts as the Dutch Elm disease and Municipal Weed Inspector for the City.
• Prepares reports relative to the Urban Biological Services program.
• Supports and promotes a safe and positive workplace culture through a variety of initiatives and activities.
• Conducts research into areas of new developments, such as methods, materials etc.
• Provides information to, and resolves enquiries from, the public regarding pest and disease concerns.
• Operates, and performs minor repairs to, a variety of equipment used in mosquito control operations.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Degree in biology or entomology or a related field.
• Four years' related experience in pest identification, biology and control methods including experience in a supervisory role.
• Possession of Saskatchewan Mosquito and Biting Fly, Structural and Landscape Pesticide Applicator Permits.
• Possession of a valid, recognized first aid and CPR certificates.
• Possession of a valid Saskatchewan Class 5 Driver's Licence.
• Current driver’s abstract from SGI demonstrating a safe driving record.
• Thorough knowledge of insect taxonomy, experimental design, data collection, tree species and tree diseases.
• Ability to understand and apply arboriculture and integrated pest management principles, practices and techniques.
• Ability to monitor, collect, identify and analyse insect and disease samples in field and laboratory environments.
• Ability to maintain records of pest populations and distribution, as well as pesticides used in control operations.
• Ability to read and understand municipal and topographical maps and photographs.
• Ability to operate, and perform minor repairs to, a variety of equipment used in mosquito control operations.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Ability to design and deliver education programs.
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
• Ability to deal tactfully and effectively with the public, with particular sensitivity to public enquiries and concerns.
• Ability to participate in job-related education and safety programs and personal health monitoring and testing programs.
• Physical ability to perform the assigned duties.
• Skill in the operation of a computer with MS Office and ERP software.