At Smith Gardens, our business is growing: Growing annuals and perennials, growing our relationships with partners, growing our love of gardening, and growing our team’s passion and expertise in horticulture—all for the benefit of the consumers who love to garden.
Whether we are out in the greenhouses or working in the office, our Smith Gardens team is dedicated to delivering the healthiest plants on the market for the biggest impact on our partners’ shelves and in our customers’ gardens.
One of our Core Values is People: “We value and respect all people. We are focused on developing teams and growing the potential of individuals.” We encourage personal growth and continued education so that each member of our Smith Gardens family succeeds. We take as much care cultivating the ecosystem of our offices as we do our gardens. Achieving the quality we strive for in our products and culture is truly a team effort, and every role is vital.
Nurturing growth, collaboration and community is in our nature. Put down roots at any of our five locations and unearth your full potential.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Spray Technician to join our Growing Department. Responsible for the quality of our products by scouting and performing proper application of chemical and/or biological controls to ensure plants meet our customers' expectations while advancing our mission to grow environmentally friendly plants. Coordinates staff on the latest and safest practices in preventing and managing pests and diseases.
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JOB DUTIES:*

• Perform daily inspections and maintenance equipment (tractors, sprayers, beneficials equipment, etc.) with support from the Maintenance team.
• Safely plan and coordinate with the site to operate a tractor with a 56’ boom sprayer for efficient application of PGRs and crop protectants.
• Assist with Phytotoxicity and Residue trials with Insecticides and Fungicides.
• Participate in weekly walks with the Section Grower and Head Grower.
• Inventory, order, and maintain chemicals and PPE.
• Responsible for monthly and yearly chemical budgets and inventory.
• Assist in training, oversee pesticide applications, schedule, mixing, spray techniques, safe and timely completion.
• Coordinate, administer, and evaluate a biological control program in certain areas of the nursery as crops dictate.
• Scout crops for insect and disease pressure, reporting results to Assistant Head Grower.
• Fulfill WPS standards and compliance with aid and direction of the Assistant Head Grower.
• Keep records current and posted, including chemical sprays and drench applications.
• Maintain SDS binder and pesticide label binder.
• Oversee weekly herbicide spot sprays.
• Schedule and apply pre-emergent herbicide applications.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Communicate professionally and efficiently with all levels of staff.
• Bilingual (Spanish) preferred, both verbal and written.
• Excellent organizing and planning skills.
• Creatively and cooperatively problem solve challenges.
• Work well autonomously, requesting support as soon as needed.
• Demonstrate ability to use and maintain spraying equipment.

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*QUALIFICATIONS/EDUCATION:

• Associate’s degree, equivalent technical certification or experience
• Have at least 1 year of experience in the field
• Have or be willing to obtain and hold a pesticide applicator license within 60 days of starting this position.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Work longer shifts and weekends during busy season.
• Continuously walk, stand, bend, kneel (and remain working below knee-level) as well as reaching overhead, and from side to side for long periods of time.
• Work indoors and outdoors, in seasonal temperatures and conditions.
• Lift up to 50 pounds in an environment that is often hot.

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BENEFITS:*

• Medical/Dental/Vision insurance and Health Savings Accounts (HSA's) with employer contributions
• 401K retirement plan options with employer match
• Paid holidays
• Paid Time Off- Full-time employees accrue immediately!
• Annual Profit share
• Generous Employee Flower/Plant Discount Program
• Development opportunities
• Paid Time off for volunteering and community service
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness program
• Fun employee events throughout the year

PAY RANGE: $22 - $24 per hour
Pay rate is determined by various components including, but not limited to, experience, skills, qualifications, relevant education, certifications, seniority, and location. The pay rate is one component of the total compensation package. Other rewards vary by position and location.
To learn more about our company & view a more detailed job description, visit our website at smithgardens.com/careers.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Smith Gardens provides equal employment opportunity to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state law.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $22.00 - $24.00 per hour