Chemical Spray Technician - Road and Bridge

County of Volusia; Florida; On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is looking for a dedicated Chemical Spray Technician to join their Road & Bridge Division. In this role, you will implement a chemical weed control program across various locations, ensuring effective management of ditch banks and road rights-of-way. Your responsibilities will include conducting field investigations, selecting appropriate herbicides, and operating specialized equipment. This position requires a strong commitment to safety and environmental regulations, as well as the ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions. If you're passionate about environmental management and enjoy working in the field, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Must obtain Florida pesticide applicator certifications within 6 months.
• 1 year experience in weed control program required.

Responsibilities

• Conduct field investigations to determine spraying needs.
• Maintain records and enter data via desktop computer.
• Supervise and train employees in spraying activities.

Skills

Knowledge of herbicides

Ability to identify ditch weeds

Ability to operate spraying equipment

Ability to supervise and train employees

Ability to make decisions on herbicide use

Ability to schedule work efficiently

Ability to work under stressful conditions

Ability to interact effectively with others

Education

High school diploma or GED

Experience in weed control program

Florida Department of Agriculture certifications

Tools

Chemical herbicide equipment

All-terrain vehicle (ATV)

Boat with outboard engine

Job description

The County of Volusia is seeking a Chemical Spray Technician for the Road & Bridge Division. This position is located at various locations throughout Volusia County, Florida, and will be responsible for work implementing the chemical weed control program along ditch banks and County Road rights-of-way. This position involves actual spraying of ditch weeds, field investigations, and handling of chemicals. The candidate must have knowledge regarding the proper chemical usage for applications, must be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions, must be able to swim and to operate a boat with an outboard engine.

NOTE: These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position.

• Makes field investigations to determine spraying needs. Schedules daily spraying activities.
• Identifies various types of ditch and aquatic weeds along roadside ditches, retention areas, and County Road rights-of-way.
• Determines which herbicide to use and chemical mixtures appropriate for weed control.
• Fills, mixes, operates, and maintains chemical herbicide equipment.
• Distributes weed eating organisms into weed control areas, i.e. grass carp, insects.
• Maintains daily records. Enters data via desktop computer terminal.
• Climbs ditch embankments to plant aquatic weeds.
• Protects private property and public health while spraying, and follows regulations and laws established by Federal and State bodies.
• Maintains weeds with hand and motorized equipment in stormwater facilities.
• Supervises and trains other employees in the spraying activities and safety procedures.
• Attends meetings to learn latest information on herbicides and spraying techniques.
• May be assigned to other county locations based upon operational needs.
• Attends work on a regular and consistent basis.
• Must adhere to Federal, State, County and Local ordinances.
• Responds to emergency situations.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Graduation from high school or GED, and one (1) year of experience in a weed control program.

Must be able to obtain and maintain Florida Department of Agriculture Pesticide Applicator, Aquatic Weed Control and Right-of-Way certifications within six (6) months of hire.

Must possess valid Florida Commercial Driver's license, Class B with Tanker and Air Brake Endorsement within six (6) months of appointment.

Must be able to operate boat with outboard engine, all-terrain vehicle (ATV) on uneven terrain, and trailer boat to work site.

A comparable amount of education, training, or experience may be substituted for the minimum requirements.

• Knowledge of different types of herbicides used to control ditch and aquatic weeds.
• Knowledge of rules and regulations imposed by State and Federal organizations.
• Knowledge of the different ways to apply herbicides and when to use them.
• Ability to identify various types of ditch weeds in the County.
• Ability to accurately mix chemicals for effective weed control.
• Ability to operate spraying equipment without endangering private property and public health.
• Ability to make decisions on where to spray and the type of herbicide to use.
• Ability to schedule work efficiently and economically for an effective weed control program.
• Ability to attend seminars and assimilate information that applies to the County program.
• Ability to supervise and train employees in spraying activities.
• Ability to work under stressful conditions.
• Ability to interact effectively with others.
• Must be able to relocate to other county locations based upon operational needs.

ADA REQUIREMENTS

Physical Demands: Heavy work. Ability to see, talk, walk, stand, lift, carry, kneel, reach, sit, bend, squat; finger dexterity. Ability to traverse uneven or unstable ground (i.e. sand, mud). Ability to balance. Ability to swim. Ability to ride vehicles in uneven and unstable areas. Ability to lift, carry, push, pull 75 pounds. Visual acuity (depth perception and peripheral vision) necessary to operate a motorized vehicle.

Environmental Demands: Outside work. Exposure to chemicals, fumes, dust. Ability to tolerate inclement weather including humidity, rain, heat, cold, lightning. Exposure to poisonous and non-poisonous insects, snakes, toxic plants, spiders, dense vegetation.

Mental Demands: Ability to perform shop math. Ability to read and comprehend safety rules, regulations, instructions, procedures, professional and technical manuals and journals. Ability to speak clearly and concisely. Ability to write complex sentences relaying data, information, details, summaries.

Volusia County is a drug free workplace and an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse workforce. Veterans' preference in accordance with federal, state, and local laws.