Chemical Application Technician

Pesticide Applicator

This classification serves in a non-supervisory capacity, and in accordance with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other pertinent regulatory agencies, mixes or applies pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, nematicides, and related chemicals through sprays, dusts, vapors, soil incorporation or chemical application at assigned locations in the County. Note : Application of pesticides, at times, is applied during evening / night hours, seven days a week.

Working Conditions : Outdoor environment; high noise environment while performing certain responsibilities. Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds. Lifting, pushing.

This is a safety-sensitive position. Employment and continued employment with Manatee County Government is contingent upon passing pre-employment and employment screenings identified in Section XX of the Personnel Policy, Rules, and Procedures Manual. An applicant / employee who fails to pass a drug / alcohol screening, shall be disqualified from employment in any class for a period of three (3) years.

Applies, stores and disposes of chemicals in accordance with applicable Federal, State and local rules, regulations, policies and procedures.

Remains current with all state, federal and local laws and responsible for paying for own spray license and getting Continuing Education Units.

Connects hoses and nozzles, selected according to terrain, distribution pattern requirements, type of infestation, and velocity.

Plants grass with seed spreader and operates straw blower to cover seeded area with asphalt and straw mixture.

Communicates clearly and effectively, orally and in writing, including understanding and following instructions.

Ensures safety of self and others (including the general public).

May oversee and coordinate with contractors and sub-contractors in the application of fertilizers, insecticides, fungicides, nematicides, and related chemicals.

Reads and interprets labels and appropriately follows guidelines and application procedures set by the EPA or other regulatory agencies.

Maintains, or assists in the maintenance of, chemical application equipment; cleans and services machinery to ensure operating efficiency, using water, gasoline, lubricants, and hand tools.

Fills sprayer tank with water and chemicals, according to formula.

Records and maintains chemical inventory and proper records of all pesticide applications, in accordance with the rules and regulations set forth by the EPA and the State of Florida.

May perform data entry on stand-alone or network computer.

Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with others and interacts in a courteous tactful manner.

Performs other related work (including weather or other extreme emergency duties) as required.

High school graduate / equivalent.

Minimum of two years' work experience.

Pesticide License required depending on area of assignment.

Must either possess and maintain valid Florida Commercial Driver's License Class B (w / Air Brake and Tanker endorsement) or obtain CDL permit prior to employment and obtain the CDL within one hundred twenty (120) days of hire.

Valid Driver's license with valid Florida driver's license within 30 days of hire; additional driver license requirements depend on area of assignment.

Area of Assignment Information : Valid Florida Commercial Applicator Turf and Ornamental Pesticide License or must obtain within six months of hire. Note : Application of pesticides, at times, is applied during evening / night hours, seven days a week.

Inspects samples of turf and soil for nutritional analysis.

Applies working knowledge of weeds, Bermuda 419, Tiftdwarf and other turf grasses, and ornamental landscaping, with relation to the appropriate application of fertilizers and pesticides.

Recognizes and effectively treats turf and landscape damage for disease, insect, Nematode, fungus and / or nutrient deficiency.

Operates maintenance equipment; assists with construction or other projects and repair of irrigation systems, etc.

Calibrates and operates spray machine computer, granular application equipment, and hand-held or small drop spreader equipment.

Ability to work whenever needed, including evenings, weekends and holidays (if required).

Ability to effectively perform strenuous work outside under a variety of weather (including inclement) weather conditions.

Working knowledge of mathematics, sufficient to determine proper quantities of pesticides and fertilizers for application and to calibrate application equipment.

Basic skills in computer operations and pertinent software applications, i.e., MS Word, Excel, Lotus Notes, etc.