Turf Applicator

RJ Lawn Service, Inc.; Waukee (IA); On-site; USD 29,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

ESOP

401(k) with company match

Uniforms provided

Holidays + PTO

Job summary

RJ Lawn Service, Inc. is seeking a Turf Applicator to apply fertilizer and chemical treatments to turf across residential and commercial properties in Iowa.

You will operate ride-on spreaders, mowers, and related equipment, while maintaining safety protocols and documenting work in iCREWtek. The role requires certifications, a valid Iowa driver’s license, and the ability to perform physically demanding tasks.

Qualifications

• Pass a background check and pre-employment drug screening.
• Ornamental Turf Applicator certification/license (3OT).
• Iowa Category 5 & 6 Pesticide Applicator certifications.
• Valid Iowa driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Review daily schedule and assigned routes.
• Accurately apply fertilizer, herbicide, fungicide, and other chemical treatments.
• Calibrate equipment before each application.
• Maintain safety procedures and use PPE as required.
• Enter materials used, rates, and notes in iCREWtek.
• Assist mowing crews when chemical applications are not scheduled.

Education

3OT – Ornamental Turf Applicator certification/license

Iowa Category 5 & 6 Pesticide Applicator certifications

Job description

Turf Applicator

Salary: $21.00 - $26.00 per hour, based on experience

About the Role

Apply chemical treatments to turf and assist with mowing operations as a cross-functional member of the Turf department, serving new and existing customers in residential and commercial settings. Turf Applicator duties include distributing fertilizer, herbicide, fungicide, and other chemical treatments to promote healthy turf growth, as well as operating riding mowers, string trimmers, and blowers to support mowing crews when chemical applications are not scheduled.

What You'll Do

• Review daily schedule prior to departure, including assigned application routes or mowing assignments, job site locations, scope of work, and required materials and equipment.
• Inspect and confirm iPhone and iCREWtek devices are functioning properly; report any issues to the Turf Manager immediately
• Clock in and out on iCREWtek at each job site and manage time against the job’s time budget.
• Survey each property on arrival to confirm it is clear of obstacles, toys, and pet waste before beginning chemical applications or mowing operations.
• Accurately apply fertilizer, herbicide, fungicide, and other chemical treatments to assigned properties using ride-on spreaders/sprayers and hand-held application equipment; calibrate and verify equipment before each application.
• Post Iowa pesticide application notices on all treated properties per state regulations; adhere to all chemical handling, storage, and disposal protocols throughout the day.
• Assist mowing crews with riding mower, string trimmer, and blower operations when chemical applications are not scheduled; ensure trimmings and clippings are cleared from driveways, sidewalks, and hardscape on every property.
• Document weather conditions affecting application decisions; report applications not completed due to wind, rain, or other conditions to the Turf Manager immediately.
• Input materials used, application rates, and job notes in iCREWtek before leaving each job site.
• Walk the property to verify quality of application or mowing work prior to leaving each job site; photograph and report any damage that occurred during the visit.Report accidents, injuries, or property damage to the Turf Manager and office immediately.
• Maintain customer relations with all RJ Lawn & Landscape customers on assigned properties; respond professionally to questions about applications or turf health.
• Perform end-of-day equipment cleanup, chemical equipment flushing, debris removal, and preparation for the following day’s work.
• Attend company meetings as requested for overall company development.
• Attend continuing education classes as required to maintain certifications.
• Perform snow removal duties as assigned as part of year-round employment.
• Promote, demonstrate and enforce safety procedures & company policies.
• Support and enforce RJ Lawn & Landscape vision, mission, and core values.

Requirements

What We're Looking For

• Pass a background check and pre-employment drug screening.
• Possess and maintain 3OT – Ornamental Turf Applicator certification/license.
• Possess and maintain Iowa Category 5 & 6 Pesticide Applicator certifications.
• Legally operate company vehicles with a valid Iowa driver’s license.
• Physically perform the work, including lifting up to 35 lbs.; bending, lifting, and walking on uneven, sloped, or rough terrain; shoveling sand, rock, dirt, and snow.
• Operate machinery and specialized equipment in a safe and effective manner, including but not limited to: ride-on spreaders/sprayers, hand-held application equipment, riding lawn mowers, string trimmers, and blowers.
• Use required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as necessary.
• Read and understand technical information competently.
• Demonstrate basic math skills and conversions, including application rate calculations.
• Work overtime as needed.
• Demonstrate problem-solving skills by identifying and resolving issues in a timely manner.
• Maintain adaptability in a dynamic work environment, managing competing demands and unexpected event.
• Communicate clearly and persuasively in both positive and challenging situations.

Measure of Accountability

• Adherence to job time budgets on assigned routes and applications.
• Application quality and job site quality (customer compliments or complaints).
• Accuracy of time, material, application rate, and job note entries in iCREWtek.
• Attendance Record.

Reports to: Turf Manager

Why RJ Lawn & Landscape?

In addition to being a non-smoking, EEOC-compliant company with real advancement opportunities, we offer:

• Excellent benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance
• 100% Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• 401(k) with company match
• Uniforms provided
• 11 paid holidays plus 1 floating personal holiday
• 17 Paid Time Off (PTO) days