Grounds Maintenance Applicator

City of Haines City; Haines City (FL); On-site; USD 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Haines City is seeking a Parks Grounds Technician to maintain City parks, grounds, and common areas with careful pesticide and fertilizer applications. You will manage equipment, logs, and inventories while upholding safety standards.

Under the Parks Superintendent, you will support annual maintenance plans, coordinate with crews, and ensure compliance with local, state, and federal guidelines.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 3 years’ experience in grounds maintenance, pest control, or related field.
• Public Applicator License required (FDAC certifications).
• EPA Green Industries BMP certification and Hazmat training preferred.

Responsibilities

• Maintain City parks, grounds, and common areas to ensure safe, aesthetically pleasing environments.
• Perform pesticide and fertilizer applications as per maintenance plans.
• Log and inventory chemicals, ensure proper storage and PPE readiness.
• Plan and assist with annual maintenance and budget needs.
• Coordinate with work crews and schedule applications to avoid conflicts.

Skills

Public Applicator License

Pesticide application

Grounds maintenance

Plant care

Safety awareness

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Pesticide applicator equipment

Job description

Position open until September 30, 2026

The City of Haines City is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applicants for all positions equally without regard to their race, sex, age, color, religion, creed, national origin, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. The City of Haines City is a Drug-Free Workplace. Applicants who complete the initial screening process will be required to complete a pre-employment drug screen and physical. Police Department applicants will also be required to take a Polygraph Examination. All information provided by an applicant will be verified for truthfulness and accuracy if a conditional offer of employment is made. Applications and other submitted documents are considered public records.

Salary range is provided to show the min to max compensation for a position. It is not the basis for or guarantee of a starting salary.

Position Function:

Under the direction of the Parks Superintendent, performs duties to support the Parks Division to ensure the proper maintenance of City parks, grounds, green spaces, ponds, swells, berms, and common areas for City-owned property and/or facilities providing for a safe and aesthetically pleasing environment. Responsible for the prevention of insects, disease, weeds, and the well-being of all landscaping through the application of pesticides, fungicides, herbicides, fertilizer, and soil additives.

Essential Duties:

1. Performs duties necessary to support the Parks Division to ensure the proper maintenance of City parks, grounds, green spaces, ponds, swells, berms, and common areas for City-owned property and/or facilities providing for a safe and aesthetically pleasing environment. Responsible for the care and replacement of plants and trees, including but not limited to raking, pruning, mulching, clearing, planting, minor irrigation installation, repair, mowing, weeding, edging, and painting. Responsible for safely using and proper care and maintenance of all tools and equipment necessary to complete projects, assignments, and/or tasks.
2. Perform all pesticide and fertilizer/nutrient applications required by the department's annual maintenance programs. Maintain timely applications as required by the annual maintenance plans. Ensure all chemicals/fertilizers received are logged into the inventory and stored properly. Ensure necessary chemicals are on hand to perform applications when scheduled.
3. Responsible for the application of and the use of tools and equipment for pesticides, fungicides, herbicides, soil additives, fertilizers, and weed control. Ensure the proper maintenance care of equipment and tools, including proper and recommended cleaning
4. Understand the requirements and responsibilities of storage, use, and transportation of all hazardous chemicals in our inventory. Log any chemicals used in application log books. Record all required weather information into the application log books at the time of application. Calculate, measure, and mix all chemicals for use by applicators and/or any individual applying under your supervision. Inventory on hand chemical quantities every 60 days, reconcile with application logs and receiving logs. Maintain SDS sheets on all chemicals on hand.
5. Complete checklists on any equipment used for the day. Maintain proper calibration on all sprayer/spreader equipment. Inspect and ensure all PPE and emergency equipment is operating properly and readily available at all times. Communicate and coordinate with all work crews as to the time of applications in their areas, to avoid interference with their maintenance routines.
6. Assist in planning annual maintenance plan changes and upgrades. Assist in planning budget needs.
7. Assist with monthly department inspections to ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations and guidelines.
8. Performs additional duties as assigned.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Required knowledge and experience are normally obtained through the completion of a curriculum resulting in either a High School Diploma or GED, and three (3) years of work-related experience in grounds maintenance, pest control, or related field are required.
• A Public Applicator License (e.g. demonstration and research, ornamental & turf pest control, natural areas weed management or similar) is required including:
• FDAC Chapter 482 Limited Lawn and Ornamental Certification; OR
• FDAC Chapter 487 Public Applicator, Ornamental and Turf Certification.
• EPA Florida Green Industries Best Management Practices Certification.
• Hazmat Spill Response Training Certification.
• Must exhibit attention to detail, accuracy, and safety.
• Must be able to communicate and present oneself in a professional manner.
• Ability to perform mathematical equations for application rates for pesticides and fertilizers, including but not limited to herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, etc.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working and professional relationships with City employees and officials, and the general public.
• Ability to take and follow oral instructions.
• Ability to read and understand product instructions, especially as it pertains to chemical application and associated dosages.
• Ability to work under high demands, short time constraints, and the pressure of a fast-paced work environment.
• Ability to work during weekends and nighttime events and hours of operation.
• Skilled in operating landscaping equipment and handheld and/or power tools.

Other Requirements:

• Must possess a Valid Florida Commercial driver's license.
• Must pass applicable pre-employment testing and background and credit checks.