Nursery Pesticide Technician

Description

Title: Nusery Pesticide Technician

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt (hourly)

Shift: 1st

Reports to: Technical Operations Manager

Department: Production

Employment Status: Full-Time

Supervisory Responsibilities: No

Summary

The individual will be responsible for spraying nursery plants with insecticides, fungicides, PGR’s and fertilizers. Also responsible for the maintenance and repair of the spray tractor and sprayer.

Qualification Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Minimum Qualifications

· An interest in plants.

· Willingness to learn. Especially to identify plant pests and diseases, and the appropriate chemicals to control them.

· Demonstrated problem-solving skills.

· Operate a tractor with a manual transmission.

· Must be able to speak, read, and write   English.

· Must be organized and be able to multitask effectively.

· Must be able to lift 82.5 lbs.

· Must be willing to work extra hours if needed, weekends, and after hours to ensure the productivity of other nursery functions.

· Must wear ankle-high work boots. 

· Successfully pass drug screening, DMV check, and post-offer physical assessment.

· Must possess a valid driver’s license

Essential Functions

· Operate a tractor and spray equipment.

· Safely and accurately mix chemicals for application to plants.

· Accurately and neatly maintain spray records.

· Apply chemicals during hours scheduled to maintain safe and effective control of pests. (at night during   the spring and summer, and days during fall and winter)

· Anticipates and requests funding needed for the spray department. (chemicals,   sprayers, tractors)

· Maintain chemical inventory and rotation of chemicals.

· Oversee and maintain a program for freeze prevention of spray tractors, spray equipment, and chemical inventory.

· Ensure that assigned vehicles are cleaned, fueled, and in proper working order.

· Monitor the proper functioning of spray equipment. Request repairs and maintenance for all spray equipment and assigned tractors.

· Maintain, clean, and organize a shop.

· Must have effective communication skills and be able to interact well with the maintenance team and company management.

· Follow initiatives for ensuring a safe work environment and willingness to participate in the safety committee.

· Maintain Material Data Safety Sheets in a central binder for chemicals/products in the maintenance department.

· Other duties as assigned.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to grasp, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear; and creep and/or crawl up to 4 feet. The employee is frequently required to walk,   stoop, or kneel. The employee is also required to sit, climb or balance. The employee must regularly lift and or move objects up to 82.5lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision,   depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. 

Work Environment 

This position involves outdoor exposure during the workday. This role routinely uses standard equipment such as tractors, sprayers,   power tools, hand tools, forklifts, and skid steers. This position must also routinely work with chemicals used to maintain the health of plants. (insecticides,   fungicides, PGR’s, fertilizers) which requires the use of Personal Protective   Equipment such as respirators, Tyvek suits, knee-high boots, and gloves.

Travel

Some travel may be required for local parts pick up; therefore, you must allow a Motor Vehicle Report   (MVR).

Disclaimers: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of the position. All employees may have other duties assigned at any time.