Pesticide Applicator

Edwards Greenhouse & Flowershop LLC is looking for an experienced pesticide and herbicide applicator with integrated pest management experience and practices. Depending on other skills, experience, and personal work/life balance desires this position has the potential to be either part-time or full-time, seasonally or year-round, but does require working in the evenings and one or two weekends a year. Flexibility and options can be discussed with qualified candidates further during the interview process.

SUMMARY AND SCOPE

The Pesticide Applicator is responsible for monitoring plant health and correctly applying herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, or other support nutrients as needed in accord with license credentials and maintain proper integrated pest management.

Experience with beneficial insects is a plus, as we use beneficials on several crops throughout the year. Knowledge of organic, beneficial insect safe treatments is highly valued.

Safety is our highest priority. We seek out extensive safety measures and put them in place to minimize exposure to anything that could be potentially harmful to our employees. In this position, the employee could be exposed to fumes, airborne particles, chemical and biological hazards. Protective equipment is provided and required to be used appropriately at all times.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

· Qualified Applicator Certificate (QAC) is required.

· Knowledge and passion for treating insect problems using beneficial insects is not required, but is desired.

· High school diploma is required.

· Must be at least 21 years old with a clean driving record to drive a company vehicle.

· Proficiency with small to medium sprayers, chemical injectors, and small engine machines.

· Computer literacy and organizational skills are desirable.

· Attention to detail.

· Flexibility and endurance in a high stress environment.

· Communication and interpersonal skills.

· Agricultural background.

· Basic knowledge of pesticides and treatments that are organic or safe to beneficial bugs is not required but desired.

· Experience with IPM and scouting is not required, but desired.

· Professional competence to safety.

· Ability to work without direct supervision.

· Must be able to exchange accurate information and abide by IDSA laws.

· Must be able to work evenings/nights, overtime, and some weekend hours during busy season.

· Reliable and regular attendance is expected.

Essential Responsibilities and Duties

· Work collaboratively with our Growers to identify crop problems and implement solutions for the problem(s).

· Monitor plant health and correctly mix and apply herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, or other support nutrients as needed in accord with license credentials

· Maintain proper integrated pest management.

· Scouting for pests & disease on a weekly basis.

· Review chemical labels thoroughly before each application.

· Report any problems of product health or insects to management.

· Maintain accurate logbooks on applicated areas and post updates timely.

· Train employees in pesticide safety yearly, according to EPA standards.

· Assist in maintaining MSDS sheets both digital and paper copies.

· Apply treatments with a familiarity and sensitivity to plant material placement (for example, ability to recognize location of edible vs non-edible plants in proximity to spray area).

· Apply treatments during off-hours and post appropriate signage during the Restricted Entry Interval period.

· Performs maintenance and calibration on application equipment.

· Wears proper protection equipment.

· Participates in continuing education for maintaining pesticide applicator license.

· Attends applicator equipment workshops.

· Frequently communicates with co-workers and management.

· Researches beneficial bug practices, and other methods of pest management, and implements new processes under the direction of the Directing Manager

· Perform all other duties as assigned within position authority limitations.

MACHINES/TOOLS USED

· Adept in utilizing tools required to accomplish specific tasks.

· PC

· Two-way radio

· Sprayers

· Chemical Injectors

ENVIRONMENT

· Indoors/ Outdoors or both in temperature extremes.

· Regularly works with dangerous chemicals

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

· Must be able to remain in a stationary position frequently attending to plants and pest or disease issues.

· Frequently moving various tools and equipment throughout the greenhouse weighing up to 50lbs.

Pay: $18.50 - $22.70 per hour

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule

Work Location: In person

Salary : $19 - $23