Chemical Spray Technician - Road and Bridge

County-of-Volusi; Florida; On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The County of Volusia seeks a Chemical Spray Technician for the Road & Bridge Division. The position covers multiple locations across Volusia County, FL, focusing on chemical weed control along ditch banks and County road rights-of-way.

Duties include field surveys, weed identification, herbicide selection, mixing and operation of spray equipment, and supervision of staff. Must have a high school diploma or GED, one year weed-control experience, and be able to obtain Florida pesticide

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; one year weed control experience preferred.
• Must obtain Florida Pesticide Applicator, Aquatic Weed Control and Right-of-Way certifications within 6 months.
• Valid Florida CDL Class B with Tanker and Air Brake Endorsements within 6 months of hire.
• Ability to operate a boat with outboard engine and ATV on uneven terrain.

Responsibilities

• Conduct field investigations to determine spraying needs and schedule daily activities.
• Identify ditch and aquatic weeds along roadside ditches and rights-of-way.
• Select herbicides and mixtures appropriate for weed control.
• Fill, mix, operate and maintain chemical herbicide equipment.
• Distribute weed-eating organisms (grass carp, insects) in control areas.
• Maintain daily records and enter data via computer terminal.
• Supervise and train employees in spraying activities and safety.
• Respond to emergencies and adhere to regulations.
• Relocate to other county locations as needed.

Education

High school diploma or GED

Florida pesticide applicator certification

Aquatic weed control certification

Right-of-Way certification

Florida CDL Class B with Tanker and Air Brake Endorsement

Tools

Boat operation

ATV operation

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.