1st Shift - Horticulture Spray Technician

Competencies

• Results Driven
• Safety
• Integrity
• Teamwork
• Quality

Supervisory Responsibilities:
This position does not have any direct supervisory or management responsibilities.

Position Summary
The Spray Technician is an Assistant Grower in charge of the pest control. A successful Spray Tech needs to have knowledge of most important diseases and insects that affect crops produced by Metrolina Greenhouses and the broad range of products used to prevent and treat them. They also will need to have full knowledge of the equipment used, such as sprayers, injectors, and drenching equipment. This job requires knowing all policies, procedures, and strategies to be effective and applied in a safe manner.

Key Responsibilities

• Apply pesticides with the TracFog , Hydraulic sprayers, injectors, drenching, or other specified methods depending on the crop and pesticide
• Follow all safety protocols and requirements, such as proper for REI (Re-entry Interval)
• Maintain cleanliness and safety of equipment, including but not limited to tractors, spray tanks, etc daily
• Ensure proper disposal of pesticides, follow all rules and regulations
• Maintain knowledge of equipment, chemicals, and sprays techniques
• Ensure all applications are properly recorded
• Ensure correct section, area, and crops are treat as scheduled or assigned
• Always ensure you have identified pesticides in use: Brand name or common name of pesticides, and pest to be controlled as target of the application
• Apply the proper amount of pesticide (or concentrate and amount of diluent) by weight or volume to the areas defined by the grower
• Ensure always abiding by PPE requirements
• Facilitate trials on new products prior to commercial use as requested
• Scout by placing and recording yellow cards or pest traps for pets and diseases
• Complete IPM reports for management review and action planning
• Verify pest and disease infestation trends, and ensure reported in a timely matter
• Receive biological products and store them in the designated areas and programs
• Coordinate with management on all biological programs and implementation
• Apply the respective biologics assigned to each crop and/or program
• Ensure biological product orders are placed on time

• May be asked to assist with facility pruning, weeding, spacing, etc
• Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• Intermediate math skills in order to properly calculate tank mixes
• Solid reading skills
• Ability to communicate with the team
• Able to work in a fast-paced and physical environment
• Ability to work in a team environment
• High attention to detail and organization
• Ability to accurately identify irrigation needs for various crops
• Ability to flex hours/schedule during peak seasons as business needs arise
• Comfort working with basic science and math concepts

Preferred Qualifications

• Horticulture education or related field
• Greenhouse, nursery, or agricultural experience

• Ability to recognize electrical/mechanical issues
• Have a thorough working knowledge of greenhouse machinery and processes
• 6+ months assistant growing or handling and applying pesticides experience

Job Setting & Physical Demands This position is primarily outdoors but may be required to work between locations and within an indoor office environment for administrative duties, which may require the use of computers and standard office equipment. Fluency to read, write, and understand the English language is required. Must be able to work in all outdoor elements, including dust and allergens. Position requires long-term ability for standing, sitting, squatting, stooping, bending, reaching, and twisting on a regular basis to fulfill essential duties. Ability to use fine motor skills, such as pinching, squeezing, and pulling. Must be able to lift up to 35 pounds repetitively for full shift without assistance. Candidate must have the ability to certify and operate all machinery necessary within the department and across the facility, including but not limited to tractor operation. Candidates must also be able to utilize all chemicals required within the Horticulture department as assigned and follow all safety protocols.

Candidates must have the ability to get certified and utilize all required PPE, such as spray suits, respirators, etc.

Schedules for this position varies based on business needs. Our Huntersville location has weekend requirements during peak season, and our York location schedule may vary from early shifts during cooler months to earlier shifts during warmer months.

Disclaimer

This job description indicates in general the nature and levels of work, knowledge, skills, abilities, and other essential functions (as covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act) expected of people assigned to this position. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. All employees may be required to perform activities outside of their normal job responsibilities from time to time as needed.

EOE - All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.