Licensed Chemical Applicator

City-of-Las-Cruces; Las Cruces (NM); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Las Cruces is seeking a full-time position focused on handling, mixing, loading, and applying pesticides across parks, right-of-ways, and athletic facilities. The role requires adherence to safety standards and a NM Public Pesticide Applicator’s license.

Work is primarily outdoors with exposure to weather and chemicals; the job includes record-keeping, equipment calibration, and potential after-hours work to meet deadlines.

Qualifications

• Valid driver's license required with acceptable driving record.
• Possession of New Mexico Public Pesticide Applicator’s License required.
• Ability to read product labels, safety data sheets, and comply with regulations.
• Willingness to perform outdoor work in varied weather and conditions.
• Capability to maintain accurate records of applications and materials.

Responsibilities

• Mix, load, and apply pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides per protocol.
• Spray weeds and invasive plants in rights of way, parks, and fields using appropriate equipment.
• Prune, transplant, mow, and manage vegetation in medians and ponding areas.
• Perform landscaping and irrigation duties on medians and right of way.
• Maintain inventory and records; dispose of chemicals and calibrate equipment.
• Identify pests, prepare reports, and coordinate follow-up care as needed.
• Assist other districts and provide technical information when required.

Skills

Pesticide application

Safety compliance

Record keeping

Communication

Equipment calibration

Tools

Spray equipment

PPE management

Job description

Performs the handling, mixing, loading, and application of pesticides and related chemicals within parks, right-of-ways, easements, drainways, canals, ponding areas, and athletic facilities. Licensed position adheres to all safety and regulatory standards for chemical application.

Environmental Factors

Works ninety-five (95) percent outdoors with exposure to all types of weather conditions and traffic hazards. Frequent exposure to chemicals, fumes, mists, odors, and gases involved in pesticide application. Exposure to short and long-term effects of continued pesticide use. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) includes chemical resistant gloves and coveralls, chemical resistant boots, safety glasses and respirator. Product label requirements dictate which PPE must be worn for each product applied.

Physical Factors

Heavy physical demands, including occasional bending/stooping; carrying up to fifty (50) pounds and lifting up to sixty (60) pounds; frequent use of hand and arm motion during pesticide application; visual acuity sufficient to read pesticide labels and color acuity in diagnosing plant deficiencies.

Work Situation Factors

Position involves competing demands, performing multiple tasks, working to deadlines, occasional work beyond normal business hours, and responding to customer issues. Regular attendance is an essential function of this job to ensure continuity of services. Position is subject to drug testing in accordance with applicable State and Federal regulations and City of Las Cruces policies. Mandatory drug and alcohol testing according to City policy.

Position will be advertised as continuous until filled, with periodic review of applications.

FIRST CONSIDERATION MAY BE GIVEN TO CURRENT CITY OF LAS CRUCES EMPLOYEES WHO MEET THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS.

Meeting or exceeding the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to participate in the process.

Full-time; regular; non-exempt; union-represented position.

This position is graded at BC09.

• Mixes, loads, and applies pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides in designated areas; mixes chemical solutions appropriately and ensures compliance with all safety and regulatory protocols.
• Sprays weeds and invasive plant species in right of ways, alley ways, drainage areas, medians, parks, ball fields, and ponding areas; utilizes motorized or manual spray equipment to apply chemical control agents.
• Prunes and trims trees; transplants trees, cuts weeds, and mows ramps, ditches, and ponding areas; digs up and destroys noxious weeds.
• Performs landscaping and irrigation on medians and right of way.
• Maintains inventory of control materials and application records; disposes of chemicals and containers; calibrates and performs maintenance on equipment.
• Identifies and reports evidence of pest infestation; identifies general information regarding pests, drafts appropriate reports, and monitors the appropriate follow up and care procedures.
• Provides assistance to other district work crews; provides technical information to other districts and departments.

Licenses/Certification(s)

Valid driver’s license is required. Position requires an acceptable driving record in accordance with City of Las Cruces policies. Possession of a New Mexico Public Pesticide Applicator’s License is required.

Knowledge of:

principles, practices, techniques, activities, rules, and regulations related to the operations and functions of the position and services provided; current principles of record keeping and records management; principles and practices of effective research methods and data analysis, customer service, and problem resolution techniques; occupational and environmental safety and health hazards, and safety practices; safe and effective use and maintenance of related tools, materials, and equipment; current methods and standards for preparing effective business correspondence; correct English usage, grammar, composition, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary; business and personal computers and related software applications; City organization, operations, policies, and procedures to effectively perform the required functions and duties of the position.

Ability to:

perform a variety of duties and responsibilities and assess and prioritize multiple tasks, projects, and demands to meet deadlines; ensure appropriate levels of customer service to achieve expectations and meet objectives; read, understand, and assure compliance with a variety of policies, procedures, rules, standards, and regulations governing related activities and functions; collect applicable information and maintain accurate and timely records; maintain confidentiality of information and data; communicate effectively orally and in writing and use interpersonal skills to sufficiently exchange or convey information and receive work direction; prepare and present accurate and reliable information and reports; establish and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the public; safely and effectively operate relevant tools, equipment, and motorized vehicles; navigate across even and uneven surfaces; timely and accurately enter data and update records using various mediums and formats; take initiative and exercise sound independent judgment within established procedural guidelines and carry out primary responsibilities in accordance with all governing regulations, statutes, and procedures to ensure achievement of goals and objectives.

Skills in:

reading, understanding, and applying relevant rules, ordinances, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures; effectively managing assignments; responding to inquiries timely and within the scope of delegated authority; responding appropriately, maintaining objectivity and freedom from prejudice, and exercising sound judgment and understanding in all interactions; effectively working independently, or as a team member, in various environments with changing priorities; preparing and presenting various reports, documents, forms, and correspondence; researching information, analyzing data, maintaining accurate records, and updating information in various mediums and formats; operating a personal computer with installed generic and specialized software; preparing and presenting information in a clear and concise manner; demonstrating appropriate and effective interpersonal communication and conflict resolution skills; performing highly effective support in assigned areas.