Spray Technician

City of Hialeah Municipal Government; United States; On-site; USD 31,000 - 59,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Hialeah Municipal Government is seeking a Spray Technician to operate pest control equipment and apply pesticides in a municipal program. This role requires sustaining safe, efficient field operations and regulatory compliance while handling various chemicals and equipment.

Responsibilities include preparing chemicals, applying treatments, and performing routine maintenance on vehicles and sprayers.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• At least one year of pest control experience or two years in turf/landscape maintenance.
• Ability to perform outdoor manual work in heat, rain and around chemicals, and lift 50 lbs.
• Must possess Florida ornamental & turf, aquatic weed, and right-of-way applicator licenses or pass exams within 3 months of hire.
• Must qualify for a Florida “registered technician” card and have a valid Florida driver license with acceptable driving record.

Responsibilities

• Identifies pests, weeds, and plant diseases to be controlled by chemical application.
• Prepares chemicals for application, including mixing and storing.
• Sprays chemical solutions or dusts in work areas.
• Operates pesticide spray machinery and related equipment.
• Walks two to three miles along rights‑of‑way while applying herbicides.
• Sets traps and places bait in rodent-infested areas.
• Loads/unloads cases of chemicals and materials from trucks and storage areas.
• Checks vehicle and equipment condition and performs minor repairs.
• Installs/removes mechanical equipment on vehicles as assigned.
• Attends seminars/classes to maintain licenses up‑to‑date.
• Completes daily assignment worksheets.
• Performs related duties as required.

Skills

Pest control knowledge

Chemical handling safety

Equipment operation

Heavy lifting

Field work independence

Licensing compliance

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Salary Range:

$30,743.44 - $59,344.48

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS OF WORK

This is skilled work in the operation of equipment used in a municipal pest control program. Work in this class involves responsibility for continuous safe and efficient operation of automotive, marine, and spraying machinery/equipment in the application of pesticides and herbicides in accordance with all regulatory stipulations. The variety of pest targets includes insects, rodents, aquatic weeds, turf weeds, fungus, and plant pests. Chemical preparations are mixed, stored, used, and disposed of in accordance with state and federal guidelines. Work is generally performed independently in the field and the employee is required to follow all instructions with the greatest concern for safety. Work is reviewed by the effectiveness of the applications and completed work orders.

ESSENTIAL EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

The following illustrates examples of some of the essential duties and responsibilities of the Spray Technician. There may be other essential functions, not listed below, in order to accomplish the tasks as presented by the Supervisor.

• Identifies pests, weeds, and plant material diseases that need to be controlled by the chemical application.
• Prepares chemicals for application, which includes mixing and storing.
• Sprays chemical solutions or dust powders in work areas.
• Operates all related pesticide spray machinery and equipment.
• Walks two to three miles along rights-of-way while applying herbicides.
• Set traps and places poisonous bait in rodent infested areas.
• Loads and unloads cases of chemicals in 2 to 2½ gallon containers and materials from trucks and storage areas.
• Checks condition of assigned truck, small gasoline engines, and spraying equipment and makes minor repairs.
• Installs or removes various types of mechanical equipment on vehicles according to assigned task.
• Attends seminars and classes relative to pest control in order to keep necessary licenses up-to‑date.
• Completes daily assignment work sheets.
• Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of the methods, techniques, and objectives of pest control technology which includes right‑of‑way, turf and ornamental, and insect control.
• Knowledge of the proper mixing and preparation of chemicals used in pest control programs according to labels and the law.
• Ability to identify weeds and plant material diseases that need to be eradicated.
• Ability to work with and handle toxic chemicals.
• Ability to lift cases of chemicals weighing 40-50 pounds.
• Ability to operate automotive, marine and machine equipment safely and efficiently during pesticide and herbicide applications.
• Ability to detect equipment operating defects and either make minor repairs or initiate proper repair procedures.
• Ability to follow all written or oral instructions.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective and positive working relationships with other employees and the general public.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma or equivalent;
• Have at least one year of experience in the pest control field, which includes operating mechanical pesticide/herbicide application equipment, or a minimum of two years in turf or landscape maintenance;
• Ability to perform heavy, outdoor manual work in heat, rain and around chemicals and the ability to lift at least 50lbs. and walk and stand for long periods;
• Must possess valid Ornamental & Turf, Aquatic Weed, and Right-of-Way applicator licenses/certifications and maintain such certifications current, as required by the State of Florida or possess the ability to pass those exams within 3 months of hire at own expense;
• Must qualify for a Florida “registered technician” card under Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services; and
• Must possess a valid Florida driver license, and an acceptable driving record.

Range 46
Revised: 04/10
Personnel Board Approved: 04/10

The City of Hialeah Human Resources Department is committed to providing employees an exceptional work environment where through hard work, dedication, and equal opportunity for learning and personal development, employees are able to grow, flourish, and make a difference in our community.

The Human Resources Department ensures compliance with Federal, State, and local laws, collective bargaining agreements, and City policies, rules and regulations.

The City of Hialeah is an equal opportunity employer.

There will not be any discrimination or harassment of any kind on account of age, color, race, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, marital or familial status, military service or any of the protected categories.

The City of Hialeah is a drug and alcohol free employer.