Tree and Shrub Technician

Michael Hatcher & Associates; Olive Branch (MS); On-site; USD 36,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Training sponsorship

Job summary

Michael Hatcher & Associates, LLC, dba Master Lawn, is seeking a Tree and Shrub Technician to perform fertilization, insect and disease control, and related care for customers' trees and shrubs. You will follow product labels, safety rules, and provide clear explanations to clients.

The role is full-time, outdoor work, route-based, with occasional overtime during peak season; you will operate equipment and maintain records using mobile tools.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; horticulture/landscaping training is a plus.
• Previous tree/shrub care or lawn/landscaping experience preferred but not required.
• Familiarity with ornamental plants, pests, diseases, and pesticide application is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Perform fertilization, weed control, and insect/disease treatments on trees, shrubs, and ornamentals according to guidelines.
• Assess tree/shrub health and recommend additional services or treatments.
• Communicate with customers about services and care programs.
• Maintain accurate records of products applied, rates, conditions, and observations.
• Operate and maintain spray equipment and PPE, following safety rules.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication

Independence

Mechanical skills

Mobile documentation

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Pesticide application equipment

Job description

POSITION: Tree and Shrub Technician DIVISION:Lawncare REPORTS TO:Operations Manager FLSA STATUS:Non-Exempt

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Tree and Shrub Technician performs fertilization, weed control, and insect and disease control treatments on customers' trees, shrubs, and ornamental plantings. This role involves applying treatments,identifyingtree and shrub health issues, delivering strong customer service, and ensuring compliance with all safety, pesticide, and environmental regulations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Service Delivery: Perform fertilization, weed control, and insect and disease control applications on trees, shrubs, and ornamental beds according to company guidelines, product labels, and customer specifications. Accurately measure and mix products to ensure proper application rates while adhering to label directions and safety standards. Perform specialized treatments as trained, including deep-root fertilization, dormant and horticultural oil applications, and trunk injections.
• Tree and Shrub Assessment: Conduct thorough assessments of trees, shrubs, and ornamental beds toidentifyissues such as insects, diseases, nutrient deficiencies, and environmental stressors. Provide recommendations foradditionalservices or treatments based on observations during service visits.
• Customer Interaction: Communicate effectively with customers to explain services performed and answer questions about their tree and shrub care program. Address customer concerns promptly and professionally to ensure satisfaction with servicesrendered.
• Record Keeping: Maintainaccuraterecords of services performed, including products applied, application rates, weather conditions, customer interactions, and plant condition observations,in accordance withstate pesticide record-keeping requirements. Use mobile technology to document service visits and communicate with the office team as needed.
• Equipment Maintenance: Operate andmaintainspray equipment, injection tools, and other equipment used for tree and shrub care, ensuring they are in good workingcondition. Report any equipment malfunctions or issues to the Operations Manager promptly.
• Safety Compliance: Follow all safety protocols, product label directions, and federal, state, and local regulations related to pesticide storage, transport, and application. Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) asrequiredandmaintaina safe working environment.
• Team Collaboration: Work closely with other team members to ensure efficient service delivery and customer satisfaction. Participate in team meetings and training sessions to enhance skills and knowledge in ornamental plant care and treatment practices. Assistwith other duties as assigned, including but not limited to turf maintenance, landscaping, and general property care.

ABOUT YOU Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent;additional training in horticulture or landscaping is a plus.
• Previousexperience in tree and shrub care, lawn care, landscaping, or a related field is preferred but notrequired.
• Familiarity with ornamental plant identification, common pests and diseases, and pesticide application is an advantage.
• Must obtain a commercial pesticide applicator certification in the Ornamental and Turf category for the state of assignment within (90) days of hire. Master Lawn sponsorsrequiredtraining and testing.
• Valid drivers license and a driving record insurable under company vehicle policy (MVR check).
• Successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen and background check.
• Valid drivers license and a driving recordinsurableunder company vehicle policy.

Special Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality service.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Basic mechanical skills for equipment operation and maintenance.
• Comfortable using mobile technology for documentation and communication.
• Valid drivers license and a driving recordinsurableunder company vehicle policy.
• Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions.

Schedule and Working Conditions

Full-time, non-exempt, route-based position. Typical schedule is Monday through Friday with early start times; Saturday work and overtime are expected during peak season (approximately (March through October)). Work is performed outdoors year-round in all weather conditions, driving a company vehicle to customer properties daily.

PHYSICAL ASPECTS OF THE JOB

The physical demands described here represent those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions. Physical demands are those of active outdoor work and may require extended periods of standing, walking, and performing physical tasks. While carrying out the responsibilities of this job, the employee must be able to: Regularly stand, walk, bend, stoop, squat, kneel, crouch, reach, and use hands to handle, control, or feel objects and equipment. Communicate verbally and hear clearly in both indoor and outdoor work environments. Regularly walk significant distances over uneven, sloped, wet, or rough terrain and work outside in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and humidity. Regularly lift, carry, push, and pull equipment, materials, and supplies weighing up to 50 pounds. Regularly reach above the head and extend arms to perform applications, inspections, and other tree and shrub care activities. Safelyoperateand maneuver vehicles, chemical application equipment, hand tools, and other equipment used in the performance of the job. Repeatedly use hands, wrists, arms, and fingers tooperateequipment, tools, and chemical application devices. Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) and safely handle, measure, transport, and apply fertilizers, pesticides, and other treatment products. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus toidentifyplant conditions, pests, diseases, and application areas. The noise level in the work environment is moderate to loud and may vary depending on equipment, vehicles, and surrounding work activities.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:

Michael Hatcher & Associates, LLC, dba Master Lawn, is anequal-opportunityemployer.We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.Reasonable accommodations are available to qualified individuals with disabilities; contact Human Resources to requestan accommodation.