What are the responsibilities and job description for the Pesticide Handler position at Devil Mountain Wholesale Nursery LLC?
Pesticide Handler
Location: Fillmore
Schedule: Full-Time | Outdoor Production Role
Compensation: $17.50 - $19.00, Depending on experience
The Role
Devil Mountain Wholesale Nursery is seeking dependable Pesticide Handlers to support plant health programs across nursery operations.
This role works as part of a small team responsible for applying pesticides and assisting with plant health monitoring throughout the nursery. Pesticide Handlers complete pesticide work orders assigned by the Plant Health Specialist (PHS) or Yard Manager and help maintain healthy nursery stock by identifying pest activity, plant diseases, and other plant health concerns.
Success in this role requires strong attention to detail, strict adherence to pesticide safety procedures, and the ability to safely operate spray equipment while supporting plant health initiatives across the nursery.
What You’ll Do
- Apply insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides according to work orders assigned by the Plant Health Specialist or Yard Manager
- Mix pesticides using large tank sprayers and backpack sprayers for application
- Operate spray equipment including spray rigs, backpack sprayers, and spray trailers
- Maintain spray equipment and report damage or repair needs
- Ensure pesticide storage areas remain clean, organized, and secured in locked cabinets
- Maintain required personal protective equipment (PPE) inventory including gloves, masks, protective eyewear, and Tyvek spray suits
- Post warning signage in areas where pesticide applications have occurred
- Monitor plant material for insect infestations, plant diseases, and other plant health concerns
- Report pest activity or plant pathogens to the Plant Health Specialist or Yard Manager
- Maintain clean, organized, and safe work areas within the nursery
- Handle nursery stock carefully and ensure plants are watered and placed in proper areas
- Assist other nursery departments and support general nursery operations as needed
What You Bring
Required
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety procedures
- Ability to follow pesticide application instructions and safety guidelines
- Ability to identify basic plant pests and plant health concerns
- Willingness to work early morning or evening hours when pesticide applications require
- Ability to occasionally work weekends when operational needs require
Preferred
- Experience working in a nursery, agriculture, or landscape environment
- Personal Applicator Certificate, Qualified Applicator License (QAL), or related pesticide certification
Work Environment & Expectations
This is a physically demanding outdoor role performed in active nursery environments.
Work conditions include varying weather conditions, uneven ground surfaces, and exposure to plant material, dust, fertilizers, and pesticide products. Required personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn during pesticide handling and application activities.
Physical requirements include:
- Standing and walking for extended periods throughout the workday
- Frequent bending, twisting, turning, and squatting
- Working on uneven surfaces including dirt, gravel, plant material, and irrigated areas
- Use of hands and fingers for operating spray equipment and handling plant material
- Lifting up to 25 lbs independently (approximately 75% of the time)
- Lifting up to 50 lbs (approximately 25% of the time) using team lift techniques when required
If you're a detail-oriented team member who takes pride in safe pesticide application and protecting plant health across nursery operations, we’d like to speak with you.
Benefits
- 401(k) with 4% company match (when eligible)
- Kaiser HMO and Anthem EPO medical plans (employer contribution provided)
- Basic Life Insurance
- Dental, Vision, and voluntary insurance options
- Vacation, Sick, and Holiday pay
Why Devil Mountain?
Founded in Northern California in 1995, Devil Mountain Wholesale Nursery has grown from a small horticultural brokerage into one of the leading wholesale nurseries in the region, with growing grounds and selling locations across Northern and Southern California.
We are committed to delivering the highest quality plants, expert product knowledge, and exceptional service to the landscape trade. Everything we do is focused on helping our customers succeed.
Our employees are our roots. We foster a supportive, team-oriented, and performance-driven environment where accountability matters, commitments are honored, and strong work ethic is recognized. We invest in developing our people and building careers that grow alongside the company.
Employment Eligibility
Devil Mountain Wholesale Nursery participates in E-Verify. All newly hired employees are required to complete Form I-9 and participate in the E-Verify employment eligibility verification process.
Devil Mountain Wholesale Nursery is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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Salary : $18 - $19