SPRAY TECHNICIAN I

City of Vero Beach; Vero Beach (FL); On-site; USD 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Grounds Maintenance Worker to join their team. In this role, you will apply pesticides and fertilizers to city-owned properties while performing essential grounds maintenance tasks. Your expertise in horticultural practices and safety will ensure the health and beauty of public spaces. This position offers the opportunity to work outdoors in a dynamic environment, contributing to the community's well-being. If you have a passion for landscaping and enjoy hands-on work, this is the perfect opportunity for you to make a difference.

Qualifications

• One year of experience in horticultural pesticide application.
• Ability to follow safety practices and instructions.

Responsibilities

• Applies pesticides and fertilizers to city properties as needed.
• Performs various grounds maintenance tasks including planting and mowing.

Skills

Pesticide Application

Grounds Maintenance

Communication Skills

Safety Practices

Ability to Lift Heavy Items

Education

Horticultural Pesticide Application Experience

Grounds Maintenance Experience

Tools

Pesticide Sprayer

Tractor

Mowers

Hand Tools

Job description

Under general supervision, applies various pesticides and fertilizers to City-owned properties and performs a variety grounds maintenance tasks throughout the City on an as needed basis.

The following duties have been provided as examples of the essential types of work performed by positions within this job classification. Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind work assignments as needed.

• Applies fertilizer, herbicides, pesticides, fungicides and other horticultural chemicals as directed.
• Identifies pests and diseases in turf grass and plant materials to determine what chemical to utilize.
• Performs a variety of parks or grounds maintenance duties including, but not limited to planting, weeding, mowing, pruning, tree or hedge trimming, tree removal, edging, trash pickup and disposal, plant removal and watering of plants/sod when conditions do not allow for pesticide application.
• Follows standard operating procedures and observes safety practices, including assisting in maintenance of traffic
• Supports and actively promotes the City’s safety programs.

• Knowledge of pesticide and fertilizer application utilizing all types of application equipment including ATV, wheeled sprayers, backpack sprayers, boom sprayers, walk behind applicators, etc.
• Knowledge of various types of grounds maintenance chemicals, including herbicides, fungicides, ant bait, pesticides, fertilizers, etc.
• Knowledge of horticultural pests including insects, diseases and weeds.
• Knowledge of grounds keeping practices and procedures including the proper use of tools and equipment.
• Knowledge of occupational hazards and safety practices applicable to chemical application, grounds keeping work.
• Ability to safely operate assigned vehicles, hand tools and equipment.
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing

OTHER JOB CHARACTERISTICS:

• Exposure to potential physical harm, infectious disease, extreme weather conditions, hazardous chemicals and wild animals.
• Ability to perform heavy manual tasks for extended periods of time in all weather extremes.
• Ability to lift and carry heavy or bulky items frequently (up to 100 lbs).
• Must be able to wear PPE required to perform the essential functions of the job.
• Performs all other related work as may be required, including grounds maintenance if weather conditions don’t allow pesticide application.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT:

• City vehicles including pick-up truck, 1-ton dump truck, tractor, pesticide sprayer (boom and wand), 4-wheel utility vehicle, mowers, blower, edger, chain saw, string trimmer and common hand tools.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

One (1) year of horticultural pesticide application and/or grounds maintenance experience in an outdoor environment or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS:

Obtain a Limited Lawn and Ornamental Pesticide License (Chapter 482) within 6 months of hire.