Custom Applicator

Southern States Cooperative.; Franklin (KY); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Southern States Cooperative is seeking an applicator to prepare and apply custom fertilizer and crop protection products at customer sites. You will operate bulk spreader vehicles, transfer materials, and maintain equipment while adhering to safety and regulatory requirements.

Two years in an applicator role and licensing (CDL, pesticide cert) may be required; strong communication and the ability to work independently outdoors are essential.

Qualifications

• Requires a high school diploma or GED.
• Two years in an applicator role, applying fertilizer, crop protectants and other treatments.
• Licensing varies by location; Class B CDL, pesticide certification, and related licenses may be required.
• Must follow safety procedures and regulations at all times.

Responsibilities

• Prepare custom application of dry fertilizer, crop protectants and other treatment products per work order.
• Transfer dry bulk products from trailers into bulk spreading vehicles and operate controls.
• Operate bulk spreading vehicles and ensure complete coverage of designated areas.
• Maintain equipment and schedule maintenance as needed and report issues.

Skills

Professional communication

English proficiency

Safety awareness

Independent work

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Forklift operation

GPS navigation

Bulk spreader operation

CDL driving

Job description

Prepares and spreads custom applications of agronomy products on customers' fields, including dry and/or liquid fertilizer, crop protectants, lime and other treatment products. Performs general maintenance and repair work to keep equipment in good operating condition. Strictly adheres to established regulations and operating procedures while working independently at customer site.

Essential Job Functions -- complexity of essential job functions increases with grade level

• Prepare custom application of dry fertilizer, crop protectants and other treatment products according to customer work order. Transfer dry bulk products from trailers into bulk spreading vehicles. Handle, lift, load equipment and operate controls.
• Effectively operate bulk spreading vehicles including: Dry row spreader, John Deere dry body, Spreader Trucks and/or Terra-Gator. Apply dry fertilizer, crop protectants and other treatment products to customers' fields. Ensure complete coverage to designated areas. Check equipment for proper application and spread pattern and make corrections as needed.
• REQUIRED LICENSING: Licensing requirements may vary by location and are based on current state/federal regulations.
• Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

In addition to above listedessential job functions:

• Prepare custom application of liquid fertilizer, crop protectants and other treatment products according to customer work order. Transfer liquid products from trailers into bulk spreading vehicles. Handle, lift, load equipment and operate controls.
• Effectively operate bulk spreading vehicles including spray trucks with 40-60 foot boom coverage, Crop Sprayers with 80-120 foot boom coverage.
• Assist with planning the spreading schedule. Contacts customers by telephone to schedule applications according to work orders.
• Assist with providing on-the-job training to Applicators. Provide guidance and coaching on effective usage of various treatment products and equipment. Communicate technical information in a clear and concise manner.
• May recommend application of various treatment products to customer or appropriate management team member based on observations made on-site (as designated by licensing).
• May mix or blend fertilizer, crop protectants or other treatment products as necessary per product labeling.
• Attend a minimum of two (2) specialized training, certification courses, and/or meetings per year as required.
• REQUIRED LICENSING: Licensing requirements may vary by location and are based on current state/federal regulations.
  • Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
  • Pesticide Certification
  • Registered Applicator Technician
  • Commercial Applicator's License

The essential functions below are required for all grades and locations:

• Maintain regular communication with Applicator team members and manager to ensure efficient scheduling and dispatching. Provide updates and input on equipment condition, supply of materials, productivity and other critical factors.
• Drive to customer locations utilizing Southern States Cooperative, Inc. (SSC) vehicles. Represent SSC in a positive and customer-focused manner through professional communication and proper treatment of customer land, property and all equipment.
• Properly utilize and maintain equipment. Perform routine preventive maintenance and repair to keep equipment in good working condition. Advise supervisor of complex equipment issues to ensure timely repair or replacement. Maintain up-to-date maintenance records for equipment and vehicle. Participate annually in equipment rodeos to ensure equipment quality as well as GrowMaster certification.
• Assist with taking physical inventory of fertilizers, crop protectants, and related products. Adhere to inventory control initiatives. May assist with shipping and/or receiving of various fertilizer and crop protectant products as determined by business need. Effectively utilize forklift and other material handling equipment according to facility procedures.
• Maintain a clean and orderly work area by keeping tools, equipment and supplies in proper places. Minimize waste and properly dispose of waste material. Perform all related cleaning of equipment, vehicle and work areas according to Housekeeping Plan, Manufacturer's Guidelines and SSC procedures.
• Participate in specialized training, certification courses, and/or meetings as required. Learn and develop skills to enhance job performance, including: applicator techniques, account scheduling and servicing, operations procedures and safety requirements.
• Work safely as to not cause harm to yourself, customer's property, co-workers, equipment, or inventory. Utilize Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as required. Operate all equipment and vehicles according to SSC policy and government regulations. Comply with OSHA regulations, Southern States Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) standards, work rules and policies.
• May be required to assist in warehouse or drive delivery routes for feed and farm supplies as determined by business need.
• Perform all other job functions as assigned.

Requirements

Education: Requires a High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED)

Requires minimum of two (2) years of experience in an Applicator role, applying fertilizer, crop protectants and other treatment products. Prefer experience maintaining applicator equipment and vehicles, and operating a forklift. Previous Southern States work experience a plus.

Requirements -- complexity of requirements increases with grade level

• This position requires the safe operation of a motor vehicle to perform essential job functions and mandatory compliance with the SSC motor vehicle safety policy
• Satisfactory completion of a basic Agronomy Short Course within designated period
• Satisfactory completion of one-on-one training with experienced applicator prior to unsupervised use of equipment
• Able to learn and effectively apply knowledge of applicator equipment operation including precision ag software and hardware
• Able to learn and effectively apply knowledge of SSC applicator procedures and government regulations
• Able to learn and effectively apply knowledge of how machines and processes work to troubleshoot and perform general maintenance and repair of applicator equipment
• Able to utilize GPS equipment
• Able to read and interpret operations manuals, manufacturer's instructions, diagrams, and formulas
• Able to work well independently and follow safety, quality control and operating procedures at all times
• Able to add, subtract, multiply, divide and calculate percentages in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals
• Able to communicate with customers in a professional manner
• Able to speak, read, write the English language in a proficient manner
• Able to work extended hours to meet business demands

Primarily performs essential job functions outdoors and may not be protected from weather conditions. Occasionally performs essential job functions indoors in an environment that is not climate controlled and experiences temperature and humidity swings.

Frequently exposed to hazards including:

• Moving mechanical parts and vehicles
• Noise levels where hearing protection is optional per PPE Plan
• Dust, odors, fumes and hazardous chemicals associated with application of dry and liquid fertilizers, crop protectants and other treatment products
• Vibrations, electrical current, lubricants and wet surfaces

Schedule requirements will vary during peak and off-peak production seasons. Extended hours and/or alternate work schedules are required and may vary by location. Ability to report to work on time and in adverse weather conditions is required.

Physical Activities & Requirements

This role requires continuous physical activity to perform essential job functions for the duration of the shift. At times extended hours are required. Description of physical activity is a general summary and may vary by location.

• Continuously bend, crouch, stoop; drive motorized equipment; manual dexterity (fingers and hands) to handle controls, tools and equipment; reach with arms and hands for extended periods while driving and operating equipment; stand and walk for extended periods on uneven surfaces; utilize hands in repetitive motion; utilize eye/hand/foot coordination; twist back and neck. Pull, push, lift, carry up to 50 pounds.
• Frequently balance, kneel, shovel, stack, sweep; climb steps in and out of vehicle throughout the shift; utilize feet in repetitive motion. Pull, push, lift, carry 50-80 pounds.
• Occasionally pull, push, lift, carry 80-100 pounds.

Must be able to hear vehicle and equipment sounds, co-workers and radio. Must be able to speak to co-workers and customers regarding production and safety. Specific vision abilities required by this position include: close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

Tools & Equipment

Hard hat, steel toed shoes, safety glasses, mask (nose & mouth), ear plugs, gloves, respirator, face shield, front end loader, forklift, scale, manuals, forms, spreadsheets, telephone. Additional personal protective equipment as required by any and all applicator product warning labels. Motor vehicles and specialized applicator tools and equipment, all of which may vary by location.

Southern States Cooperative is an EqualOpportunity Employer and does not discriminate against individuals based on their race, color, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, family medical history or genetic information, or any other status protected by federal, state or local laws, or regulations.