Fertilizer Applicator Technician

JOB DESCRIPTION

FERTILIZER

TECHNICIAN CLASSIFICATION PURPOSE

This non-exempt position performs a variety of skilled tasks related to the application of plant, shrub, and turf fertilization, and insect and disease control programs that comply with quality control and safety measures; performs related work as required.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The examples of functions listed in this job description are representative, but not necessarily exhaustive, of any one posit ion in this job classification. Management may assign other functions not listed herein at its sole discretion. Performs the safe, efficient, and legal application of job-related chemicals (e.g., fertilizer, pesticide, herbicide); evaluates job sites for presence of pests, insects, weeds, and diseased vegetation (e.g., plants, shrubs, trees); mixes, fills tanks, loads, delivers, applies, and stores chemicals properly; demonstrates a professional understanding of all chemicals, fertilizers and controlled substances and their ability to remedy horticulture problems; performs necessary maintenance and repair of equipment (e.g., hydraulic sprayer, blower, air spade); documents and retains pesticide application use records for all inspections, treatments, and monitoring in compliance with local, state, and federal law; handles and transports chemicals (e.g., fertilizers, containers, SDS) properly; maintains essential records and adheres to state posting requirements for pesticides; diagnoses and troubleshoots clients' sites pertaining to plant health care needs; provides fertilization, weed, pest, and fungi controls on client properties; performs all functions of the Integrated Pest Management Program; uses tankers, spray pumps, and injection tools properly and safely; demonstrates proper scheduling, inspections, treatments, equipment maintenance, and record keeping functions; performs appropriate routing, product mixing, and application techniques; demonstrates proper tree and shrub identification; monitors, diagnoses, and treats insect, disease, and environmental conditions; evaluates and recommends treatment options; learns and understands insects and disease life cycles, and plant biology; performs accurate and timely record-keeping; ensures proper containers, labels, PPE, and chemical application equipment; conducts all activities in a manner that are consistent with company standards and all legal codes; maintains tools and equipment to ensure safety; attends safety meetings; reads and follows written product labels, mixes, measures, loads, and applies products at the jobsite; completes administrative forms (e.g., time entry, equipment inspections, chemical use reports); understands, follows, and enforces all safety and other company policies and procedures; manages inventory of plant health care products and equipment; properly identifies and diagnoses insects, weeds, fungus conditions, and pest prone areas; communicates with client regarding diagnosis and prescribed pest control, and fertilization service with customers; monitors pest control and fertilizing methods after application and communicates progress to customers; drives, uses, maintains, and properly operates truck and sprayer equipment; tracks and documents time spent on each project to ensure completion under the man-hours estimate; loads and unloads equipment and tools into a truck or trailer; maintains complete and accurate tool inventory for assigned truck; actively contributes to achieving performance goals (e.g., job quality, safety, customer service); complies with all company policies and safety procedures; reports any missing, stolen, or damaged tools to the Foreman immediately; finishes the work efficiently thereby improving gross margin; role models PPE usage; ensures all job responsibilities are performed in accordance with company protocol; immediately reports unsafe conditions or faulty equipment to the Foreman; performs Winter Service (e.g., snow clearing, winter watering, installations, pruning) as needed; provides excellent service (e.g., accurate, complete, and timely) to clients, work-site partners, and Company staff in a courteous and efficient manner.

COMPETENCIES

Safety:

Performs all job functions safely; complies with all safety policies, procedures, and standards (e.g., PPE, proper lifting, wears seat belt when in a vehicle or equipment); reports all safety-related incidents to supervisor immediately; attends all safety meetings.

Results Oriented:

Maintains focus on outcomes; is proactive and goal oriented; concentrates on meeting objectives, delivering to the required time, cost, and quality; holds performance as more important than process; completes tasks as defined by production rates.

Hazard Communication:

Follows all chemical procedures (e.g., storing, applying, transporting), SDS information, and label instructions; complies with emergency reporting procedures; can define and identify hazardous substances.

Equipment Operation:

Operates various types of chemical application equipment (e.g., backpack sprayer, lawn spray skid, shrub gun, spray pumps, injection tools) properly and safely.

Job Quality:

Understands the relationship between job quality and customer service, satisfaction, and retention; ensures landscape and horticulture quality standards are met for every job.

Customer Service:

Consistently exceeds customer expectations; keeps customers well-informed, listens to them attentively, and addresses their concerns; enacts a personal approach to customer service.

Interpersonal Skills:

Treats others with respect, collaboration, and support in such a way that work relationships are improved and morale is increased; is approachable; has effective communication skills.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

An example of the preferred education, training, and/or experience that demonstrates possession of the knowledge, skills, and competencies for this position includes: at least three (3) years of professional landscape experience with various chemicals (e.g., fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides) similar to that described above.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

The physical characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the functions required by this job classification. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable an individual with qualified disabilities to perform the functions of this job classification, on a case-by-case basis. Frequently stand, walk, or crouch on narrow and/or slippery surfaces; stoop, kneel, bend to pick up or move objects; walk for long distances and on sloped ground and uneven surfaces; move, lift, and carry objects weighing up to 50 pounds; normal manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination; corrected hearing and vision to normal range.

SPECIAL NOTES, LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

Pre-employment:

Incumbents must sign the Confidentiality, Non-disclosure, and Non-solicitation Agreement prior to their first day on the job.

License:

A valid Class D driver's license is required of this job classification.

Language:

Though not required, bilingual English and Spanish skills are desirable.

Certifications:

Incumbents must attain their Massachusetts Pesticide Applicator License, during their first year of employment and maintain that certification thereafter.

Working Conditions:

Work is predominately outdoors, exposed to varying temperatures, extreme weather conditions, and noise levels; exposure to dust, pesticides, herbicides, grease, oils, dust, fumes, and electrical currents.

Background Investigation:

Incumbents must have a reputation for honesty and trustworthiness. Misdemeanor and/or felony convictions may be disqualifying depending on type, number, severity, and recency. Prior to appointment, candidates may be subject to a background investigation and/or drug test.

Introductory Period:

Incumbents appointed to this job classification serve an introductory period of three months.

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

The Key Performance Indicators for this position will be specified at the time of appointment.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$22.00

• $29.

00 per hour

Benefits:

401(k) Health insurance Paid time off

Experience:

Fertilizing:

1 year (Required)

License/Certification:

Driver's License (Required) Pesticide Applicator's License (Required) Fertilizer Applicator Technician 8 Rockaway Road, Middleton, MA 01949 $22

• $29 an hour
• Full-time $22
• $29 an hour
• Full-time

JOB DESCRIPTION

FERTILIZER

TECHNICIAN CLASSIFICATION PURPOSE

This non-exempt position performs a variety of skilled tasks related to the application of plant, shrub, and turf fertilization, and insect and disease control programs that comply with quality control and safety measures; performs related work as required.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The examples of functions listed in this job description are representative, but not necessarily exhaustive, of any one posit ion in this job classification. Management may assign other functions not listed herein at its sole discretion. Performs the safe, efficient, and legal application of job-related chemicals (e.g., fertilizer, pesticide, herbicide); evaluates job sites for presence of pests, insects, weeds, and diseased vegetation (e.g., plants, shrubs, trees); mixes, fills tanks, loads, delivers, applies, and stores chemicals properly; demonstrates a professional understanding of all chemicals, fertilizers and controlled substances and their ability to remedy horticulture problems; performs necessary maintenance and repair of equipment (e.g., hydraulic sprayer, blower, air spade); documents and retains pesticide application use records for all inspections, treatments, and monitoring in compliance with local, state, and federal law; handles and transports chemicals (e.g., fertilizers, containers, SDS) properly; maintains essential records and adheres to state posting requirements for pesticides; diagnoses and troubleshoots clients' sites pertaining to plant health care needs; provides fertilization, weed, pest, and fungi controls on client properties; performs all functions of the Integrated Pest Management Program; uses tankers, spray pumps, and injection tools properly and safely; demonstrates proper scheduling, inspections, treatments, equipment maintenance, and record keeping functions; performs appropriate routing, product mixing, and application techniques; demonstrates proper tree and shrub identification; monitors, diagnoses, and treats insect, disease, and environmental conditions; evaluates and recommends treatment options; learns and understands insects and disease life cycles, and plant biology; performs accurate and timely record-keeping; ensures proper containers, labels, PPE, and chemical application equipment; conducts all activities in a manner that are consistent with company standards and all legal codes; maintains tools and equipment to ensure safety; attends safety meetings; reads and follows written product labels, mixes, measures, loads, and applies products at the jobsite; completes administrative forms (e.g., time entry, equipment inspections, chemical use reports); understands, follows, and enforces all safety and other company policies and procedures; manages inventory of plant health care products and equipment; properly identifies and diagnoses insects, weeds, fungus conditions, and pest prone areas; communicates with client regarding diagnosis and prescribed pest control, and fertilization service with customers; monitors pest control and fertilizing methods after application and communicates progress to customers; drives, uses, maintains, and properly operates truck and sprayer equipment; tracks and documents time spent on each project to ensure completion under the man-hours estimate; loads and unloads equipment and tools into a truck or trailer; maintains complete and accurate tool inventory for assigned truck; actively contributes to achieving performance goals (e.g., job quality, safety, customer service); complies with all company policies and safety procedures; reports any missing, stolen, or damaged tools to the Foreman immediately; finishes the work efficiently thereby improving gross margin; role models PPE usage; ensures all job responsibilities are performed in accordance with company protocol; immediately reports unsafe conditions or faulty equipment to the Foreman; performs Winter Service (e.g., snow clearing, winter watering, installations, pruning) as needed; provides excellent service (e.g., accurate, complete, and timely) to clients, work-site partners, and Company staff in a courteous and efficient manner.

COMPETENCIES

Safety:

Performs all job functions safely; complies with all safety policies, procedures, and standards (e.g., PPE, proper lifting, wears seat belt when in a vehicle or equipment); reports all safety-related incidents to supervisor immediately; attends all safety meetings.

Results Oriented:

Maintains focus on outcomes; is proactive and goal oriented; concentrates on meeting objectives, delivering to the required time, cost, and quality; holds performance as more important than process; completes tasks as defined by production rates.

Hazard Communication:

Follows all chemical procedures (e.g., storing, applying, transporting), SDS information, and label instructions; complies with emergency reporting procedures; can define and identify hazardous substances.

Equipment Operation:

Operates various types of chemical application equipment (e.g., backpack sprayer, lawn spray skid, shrub gun, spray pumps, injection tools) properly and safely.

Job Quality:

Understands the relationship between job quality and customer service, satisfaction, and retention; ensures landscape and horticulture quality standards are met for every job.

Customer Service:

Consistently exceeds customer expectations; keeps customers well-informed, listens to them attentively, and addresses their concerns; enacts a personal approach to customer service.

Interpersonal Skills:

Treats others with respect, collaboration, and support in such a way that work relationships are improved and morale is increased; is approachable; has effective communication skills.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

An example of the preferred education, training, and/or experience that demonstrates possession of the knowledge, skills, and competencies for this position includes: at least three (3) years of professional landscape experience with various chemicals (e.g., fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides) similar to that described above.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

The physical characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the functions required by this job classification. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable an individual with qualified disabilities to perform the functions of this job classification, on a case-by-case basis. Frequently stand, walk, or crouch on narrow and/or slippery surfaces; stoop, kneel, bend to pick up or move objects; walk for long distances and on sloped ground and uneven surfaces; move, lift, and carry objects weighing up to 50 pounds; normal manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination; corrected hearing and vision to normal range.

SPECIAL NOTES, LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

Pre-employment:

Incumbents must sign the Confidentiality, Non-disclosure, and Non-solicitation Agreement prior to their first day on the job.

License:

A valid Class D driver's license is required of this job classification.

Language:

Though not required, bilingual English and Spanish skills are desirable.

Certifications:

Incumbents must attain their Massachusetts Pesticide Applicator License, during their first year of employment and maintain that certification thereafter.

Working Conditions:

Work is predominately outdoors, exposed to varying temperatures, extreme weather conditions, and noise levels; exposure to dust, pesticides, herbicides, grease, oils, dust, fumes, and electrical currents.

Background Investigation:

Incumbents must have a reputation for honesty and trustworthiness. Misdemeanor and/or felony convictions may be disqualifying depending on type, number, severity, and recency. Prior to appointment, candidates may be subject to a background investigation and/or drug test.

Introductory Period:

Incumbents appointed to this job classification serve an introductory period of three months.

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

The Key Performance Indicators for this position will be specified at the time of appointment.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$22.00

• $29.

00 per hour

Benefits:

401(k) Health insurance Paid time off

Experience:

Fertilizing:

1 year (Required)

License/Certification:

Driver's License (Required) Pesticide Applicator's License (Required)