HERBICIDE TECHNICIAN

City of Pierre Fire Department; Pierre (SD); On-site; USD 28,435 - 40,499; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% employer-paid health insurance

6% employer match to retirement

12 paid holidays

$2000 annual educational assistance

Job summary

The City of Pierre Fire Department is seeking applicants for the position performing technical duties in parks and grounds maintenance. Responsibilities include applying herbicides and pesticides, maintaining park facilities, and operating grounds maintenance equipment. Ideal candidates should have a high school diploma, relevant experience, and hold or be able to obtain a South Dakota Commercial Pesticide Applicator’s License. The position offers a salary of $25.02 minimum with benefits including health, dental, and retirement contributions.

Qualifications

• Ability to read, write and perform mathematical calculations at a high school level.
• Experience in parks maintenance or similar roles for 1-2 years.
• Possession of a valid driver's license issued by South Dakota.

Responsibilities

• Apply herbicides and pesticides to parks and sports fields.
• Assist in the maintenance and repair of irrigation systems.
• Participate in the maintenance of park grounds and city buildings.

Skills

Knowledge of parks and grounds maintenance principles

Skill in the use of chemical application tools

Skill in the operation of grounds maintenance equipment

Skill in problem solving

Skill in oral and written communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

State-certified Commercial Pesticide Applicator's License

Tools

Grounds maintenance equipment

Computer for record-keeping

Job description

Job Summary

This position performs technical duties in the application of herbicides, pesticides, and other chemical applications.

Major Duties / Essential Functions

• Applies herbicides in parks, rights-of-way, and sports fields.
• Fertilizers parks and sports fields.
• Applies pesticides to parks and sports fields.
• Treats for mosquitos before games and special events.
• Assists with snow removal operations.
• Winterizes seasonal facilities, restrooms, drinking fountains, and concession stands.
• Participates in the maintenance and repair of irrigation systems.
• Cuts and trims park trees.
• Participates in the maintenance of park grounds and sports fields.
• Participates in the maintenance of city buildings.
• Repairs gates and fences.
• Operates equipment, including loaders, backhoes, and trucks as licensed; maintains and repairs equipment as needed.
• Assists with snow removal operations.
• Installs holiday and seasonal decorations.
• Attendance is an essential function of this position.
• Performs related duties.

Knowledge Required by the Position

• Knowledge of parks and grounds maintenance principles and practices.
• Knowledge of irrigation system maintenance principles and practices.
• Knowledge of chemical application tools, techniques, and regulations.
• Skill in the use of a computer to prepare chemical application records.
• Skill in the use of hand and power tools.
• Skill in the operation of a variety grounds maintenance equipment.
• Skill in problem solving.
• Skill in interpersonal relations.
• Skill in oral and written communication.

Supervisory Controls

The Park Superintendent assigns work in terms of general instructions. The supervisor spot-checks completed work for compliance with procedures, accuracy, and the nature and propriety of the final results.

Guidelines

Guidelines include rules governing the application of herbicides and pesticides and city and department policies and procedures. These guidelines are generally clear and specific, but may require some interpretation in application.

Complexity / Scope of Work

• The work consists of related technical duties. Inclement weather contributes to the complexity of the work.
• The purpose of this position is to apply herbicides and pesticides and to participate in the maintenance of park facilities and grounds. Successful performance in this position contributes to the efficient and effective maintenance of city facilities.

Contacts

• Contacts are typically with coworkers, other city personnel, vendors, contractors, and the general public.
• Contacts are typically to give or exchange information, resolve problems, and provide services.

Physical Demands / Work Environment

• The work is typically performed while intermittently sitting, standing, stooping, walking, bending, or crouching. The employee occasionally lifts light and heavy objects, climbs ladders, and uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity.
• The work is typically performed outdoors, occasionally in cold or inclement weather. The employee may be exposed to noise, dust, dirt, grease, and machinery with moving parts. Work requires the use of protective devices such as masks, goggles, gloves, etc.

Supervisory and Management Responsibility

None.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ability to read, write and perform mathematical calculations at a level commonly associated with the completion of high school or equivalent.
• Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one to two years.
• Possession of or ability to obtain a valid driver’s license issued by the State of South Dakota.
• Possession of or ability to readily obtain a state-certified Commercial Pesticide Applicator’s License.

Qualifications

Category Parks & Recreation Status Open Salary $25.02 minimum with comprehensive benefit package including 100% employer paid employee health, dental and life insurance along with a 6% employer match to the South Dakota Retirement System and 12 paid holidays. Up to $2000 annual educational assistance available. Wage offer will be based upon actual education and experience. Posted May 8, 2026 Closing Open Until Filled