Pesticide Handler Crew Lead

Crew leaders work under the direction of Yard Management (Yard Manager, Assistant Yard Manager, or Yard Supervisor) and lead department staff in tasks as directed by yard management. Crew leaders apply their experience to train staff in preforming tasks correctly and efficiently. Crew leaders ensure their department is staying on task per the direction of Yard Management. They may approve time off requests for the employees in their department.

Crew leaders do not counsel others, have no involvement in conducting performance reviews or evaluating pay rates (although their opinions can be considered when Yard Management is writing a review), and Crew Leaders do not handle disciplinary action if issues arise. Yard Management is responsible for the tasks listed in this paragraph and if these topics are presented to a crew leader by staff, the Crew Leader is to have Yard Management get involved.

The Pesticide Handler will work alongside a small team of handlers to assure pesticide spray work orders assigned by the Plant Health Specialist and/or Yard Manager are executed effectively. The position requires strong attention to detail, a basic understanding of plants and plant pests and diseases, and a safety mindset.

Essential Functions:
• Maintain a clean pesticide storage area, where all pesticides are kept within a locked cabinet at all times.
• Assure that the yard is always stocked adequately with Personal Protective Equipment (gloves, masks, protective eyewear, and Tyvek spray suits). Report needed inventory to Plant Health Specialist (PHS) or Yard Management
• Read and strictly follow pesticide labels
• Apply insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides according to work orders assigned by PHS or Yard Manager
• Safely measure and mix pesticides in large tank sprayers and backpacks to be used for applications
• Make sure spray equipment is all in good working order (larger spray rigs, backpack sprayers and trailers). Report damages to PHS or Yard Manager
• Assure that proper signage is posted in areas where pesticides have been applied.
• Report insect problems and plant pathogens to PHS or Yard Manager.
• Actively monitor nursery stock for insect infestations or plant diseases.
• Operates mechanized spray equipment
• The Crew Lead ensures the team is accurately recording and meeting reporting requirements in a timely manner.
• The Crew Lead ensures all supplies are in stock and that requests for additional supplies have been made.
• Patience, good teaching skills.
• Ability to perform weed and pest audits
• General care for the nursery grounds, keeping the nursery clean, organized, and safe for employees, customers and vendors.
• General care for nursery stock (plants), ensures plants are watered, handled with care, and are placed in the appropriate location.

Additional Tasks:
• May assist in other nursery departments as needed.
• Duties are subject to change at any time per management's discretion.

Job Skills and Qualifications:
• Experience in the nursery industry or relevant industry
• A Personal Applicator Certificate (or PCA, QAL) is a plus, but not necessary
• Strong commitment to safety and attention to detail
• Willingness to work early morning hours and later evening hours when needed
• Ability to work some weekends

Job Specifications:

Constantly works in outdoor weather conditions on uneven ground surfaces. Must be able to remain in a stationary position (standing) more than 50-90% of the time. Bending at the waist, twisting, turning, and squatting is required.

Lifting requirements: Up to 25 lbs. 75% of the time. Up to 50 lbs. 25% of the time (team lift required).

Hand movement: Gross grasping for moving plant material.

Work Schedule is 7:00 am - 3:30 pm, Monday - Friday and Saturday, 7:00 am - 12:00 noon. Work hours may vary based on the business needs.