Herbicide Applicator - City of Bessemer

Personnel Board of Jefferson County; Alabama; On-site; USD 22,482 - 34,867; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Medical and dental insurance

Employer-sponsored retirement plan

Job summary

A local government organization in Alabama is seeking an Herbicide Applicator to manage vegetation control in public areas. The role involves planning chemical applications, operating machinery, and maintaining safety standards in outdoor environments. Candidates should possess a Commercial Applicator’s Permit and have experience operating landscaping equipment. This full-time position comes with competitive pay and benefits, including medical and retirement plans.

Qualifications

• Driver’s license is required.
• Commercial Applicator’s Permit for Herbicide/Pesticide with endorsements is needed.
• Experience in identifying plants and shrubs is essential.

Responsibilities

• Plan daily chemical applications based on need and weather.
• Prepare chemicals and equipment for spraying, ensuring safety.
• Operate equipment to control vegetation and pest populations.

Skills

Identifying plants, weeds, and shrubbery

Operating landscaping equipment

Chemical application safety

Education

Commercial Applicator’s Permit for Herbicide/Pesticide

Tools

Spray truck

Chemical sprayer

Weed eater

Job description

Herbicide Applicator - City of Bessemer

The City of Bessemer Herbicide Applicators are responsible for planning and overseeing the work of a crew engaged in applying chemicals to control unwanted vegetation along roadsides and rights‑of‑way. Their duties include ensuring the proper application of herbicides, mapping and coordinating spraying operations, supervising assistants, handling routine and complex issues, and maintaining performance standards.

Job Details

• Target Close Date: 03/27/2026
• Pay Grade: Grade 15
• Type: Full time

Compensation & Benefits

The City of Bessemer provides competitive pay and comprehensive benefits packages including medical and dental insurance, employer‑sponsored retirement plan (pension), generous paid holidays, sick and vacation leave, and more.

Pay range: Bessemer: $16.32 - $25.31.

Typical Job Duties

• Plan chemical applications for the day based on need and weather conditions to control weed overgrowth and pest populations.
• Prepare chemicals and equipment for herbicide/pesticide spraying following State and Federal guidelines and manufacturer labels to ensure environmental safety.
• Operate mechanical equipment (e.g., spray truck, chemical sprayer, weed eater) along ditches, creek banks, sidewalks, parking lots, bridges, roads or other right‑of‑ways following State and Federal guidelines to control vegetation or pest populations.
• Maintain spray records, chemical inventory, and applicator’s license to track spray activities and remain current on changes in the profession and respond to citizen questions.
• Complete routine maintenance and repairs on applicator equipment following manufacturer recommendations to ensure applications proceed as scheduled.
• Assist other crews (e.g., paving, construction, landscaping) with daily activities when herbicide application is inappropriate or not needed (e.g., inclement weather, budget cuts).

Minimum Qualifications

• Driver’s license.
• Commercial Applicator’s Permit for Herbicide/Pesticide with rights‑of‑way and ground endorsement.
• Experience identifying plants, weeds, and shrubbery.
• Experience operating landscaping equipment (lawn mowers, tractors, chainsaws, sprayers).

Physical Demands

Job involves physical exertion required for sustained periods of light physical activity such as operating equipment or standing. May involve occasional lifting of items or objects weighing up to 50 lbs.

Work Environment

Work is primarily performed at outdoor worksites such as residential neighborhoods, landfills, etc. Work involves use of heavy equipment such as front‑end loaders, bobcats, etc., and a variety of hand tools. Job may require exposure to potentially hazardous conditions (e.g., working in and around traffic, landfills, heavy equipment) and inclement weather (extreme heat, cold, rain, snow, wind). It may also involve exposure to foul odors and potentially harmful waste.

EEO Statement

The Personnel Board of Jefferson County provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment with the Personnel Board of Jefferson County, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Accommodation

To request an accommodation in the application or hiring process due to a medical condition or disability, please contact our Accommodations Coordinator at [e-mail] or phone at 205‑279‑3500 (select option 1) Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Central Time.

Note

This job posting may close before, or be extended beyond, the listed Target Close Date based on the employment needs of the Merit System.

Disclaimer

This job posting is not meant to be an all‑inclusive list of the job duties, responsibilities, or skills and abilities required to do the job and may be changed at the discretion of the Personnel Board at any time.

Seniority Level

• Entry level

Employment Type

• Full‑time

Job Function

• Management and Manufacturing

Industry

• Government Administration