Pesticide Sprayer Handler and Applicator

Bell Nursery Usa; Warwick, Catonsville (MD, MD); On-site; USD 22,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Bell Nursery USA in Warwick, MD is seeking a Spray Applicator to support crop protection across our nursery operations. You will apply pesticides, monitor plant health, and work with growers to ensure healthy, market-ready plants.

The role requires safety‑first conduct, compliance with WPS/OSHA and MDA rules, and physical fitness to lift up to 50 lb. A horticulture or agriculture degree is preferred, with Maryland pesticide license or ability to obtain one.

Qualifications

• Degree in Horticulture, Plant Science, Agriculture, or related field preferred.
• Maryland Private Pesticide Applicator License preferred or ability to obtain one.
• Basic computer skills including Outlook, Excel, and Word.

Responsibilities

• Apply pesticides and herbicides safely, accurately per label requirements.
• Conduct routine scouting to identify pests, diseases, weeds, and crop issues.
• Inspect plants to evaluate crop health in field and nursery settings.
• Collect plant samples for further evaluation when needed.
• Identify and report plant health concerns to IPM Manager and Crop Protection leadership.
• Assist with diagnosing plant health issues and implementing treatment recommendations.
• Maintain accurate pesticide application records and required documentation.
• Ensure compliance with WPS, OSHA, MDA, and company safety requirements.
• Properly use and maintain application equipment and PPE.
• Collaborate with growers and production teams to support plant health and operational goals.
• Assist with training and mentoring team members as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Pesticide Safety

Field Work

Team Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Plant Science, Agriculture, or related field

Maryland Private Pesticide Applicator License (preferred)

Tools

Outlook

Excel

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: 700 Farm 7 - MD - Warwick, MD 21912

Salary Range: $16.00 - $18.00 Hourly

Help Protect and Maintain Healthy, High-Quality Plants

Bell Nursery is seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Spray Applicator to support the health and quality of plants throughout our nursery operations. As an important member of the Crop Protection team, you will apply pesticides, monitor plant health, identify crop issues, and work collaboratively with growers and production teams to ensure healthy, market-ready plants. If you enjoy working outdoors, are passionate about plant health, and take pride in maintaining quality crops.

Key Responsibilities

• Apply pesticides and herbicides safely, accurately, and in accordance with established guidelines and label requirements.
• Conduct routine scouting and monitoring to identify pests, diseases, weeds, and other crop-related concerns.
• Inspect plants in field and nursery settings to evaluate crop health.
• Collect plant samples when necessary for further evaluation.
• Identify and report plant health concerns to the IPM Manager and Crop Protection leadership team.
• Assist with diagnosing plant health issues and implementing treatment recommendations.
• Maintain accurate pesticide application records and required documentation.
• Ensure compliance with Worker Protection Standard (WPS), OSHA, Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA), and company safety requirements.
• Properly use and maintain application equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Collaborate with growers and other departments to support plant health and operational goals.
• Assist with training and mentoring team members as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What Success Looks Like

• Consistently performing safe, timely, and effective pesticide applications.
• Accurately identifying and reporting pest, disease, and weed issues.
• Supporting healthy crops through proactive monitoring and treatment.
• Maintaining compliance with all safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
• Ensuring accurate pesticide application records and documentation.
• Working collaboratively with growers and production teams to resolve plant health issues.
• Demonstrating strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Maintaining equipment and PPE in proper working condition.
• Contributing to a safe, efficient, and productive work environment.

Why Join Bell Nursery?

• Be part of a team dedicated to producing healthy, high-quality plants.
• Work in a hands-on role that directly impacts crop quality and nursery success.
• Gain valuable experience in crop protection, pest management, and plant health.
• Collaborate with experienced horticultural and nursery professionals.
• Work for a company that values teamwork, safety, innovation, and continuous improvement.

If you are passionate about plant health, enjoy working outdoors, and want to be part of a team that helps grow exceptional plants.

QualificationsMinimum Requirements

• Degree in Horticulture, Plant Science, Agriculture, or a related field preferred.
• Maryland Private Pesticide Applicator License preferred or ability to obtain one.
• Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Outlook, Excel, and Word.
• Ability to work extended hours and up to six days per week during peak growing and application seasons.
• Ability to work weekends as business needs require.
• Self-motivated, dependable, and able to work independently.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety.
• Bilingual English/Spanish skills preferred but not required.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds and perform physical work in outdoor nursery environments.

Physical Demands:

Physical Demands: The employee must regularly perform the following physical activities:

• Bending, twisting, turning, climbing, pulling, lifting, and carrying up to 50 pounds throughout the workday.

Activity Frequency Definitions

• Continuously: 67%–100%
• Frequently: 34%–66%
• Occasionally: 10%–33%
• Seldom: 1%–10%
• Never: 0%

Physical Activity Extent

• Sitting O
• Squatting O
• Standing F
• Pushing F
• Walking (Even) F
• Walking (Rough) O
• Climbing O
• Grasping C
• Carrying F
• Reach Overhead O
• Reach Forward F
• Twisting F
• Pulling F
• Lifting F
• Bending F

Environmental Conditions

• Inside O
• Wet O
• Outside F
• Dry F
• Heat F
• Humid O
• Cold O
• Dust O
• Changing Temperature O
• Noise S

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.