Agriculture, Communication Skills, Computer Skills, Conservation, Disease, Disease Treatment, Documentation, Energy Efficiency, English Language, Follow Through, Horticulture, Identify Issues, Interpersonal Skills, Leadership, Lift/Move 50 Pounds, Maintain Compliance, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word, Multilingual, OSHA, Organizational Skills, Pest Control, Physical Demands, Problem Solving Skills, Regulations, Sales, Spanish Language, Specimen Collection, Time Management
The Spray Applicator is responsible for promoting and maintaining the overall health and quality of plants within the nursery. This role includes the application of herbicides and pesticides, including insecticides, fungicides, bactericides, miticides, and molluscicides. The Crop Protection Department works collaboratively with all nursery departments to ensure the production of healthy, high-quality plants for sale.
Key Responsibilities & Measures of Success
- Perform timely, accurate, and effective pesticide applications in accordance with established guidelines.
- Conduct routine scouting and monitoring to identify pests, diseases, and other crop-related issues.
- Diagnose plant health problems and determine appropriate treatment methods.
- Respond promptly to plant-related concerns identified by scouts or other employees.
- Inspect plants in both field and nursery settings and collect samples when necessary.
- Communicate findings and recommendations through the IPM (Integrated Pest Management) Manager.
- Ensure compliance with WPS (Worker Protection Standard), OSHA, and MDA regulations, including proper documentation and recordkeeping of pesticide applications.
- Collaborate with other departments to support overall plant health and operational efficiency.
- Assist in training and guiding team members as needed.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Ideal Candidate Profile: Knowledge, Skills & Competencies
- Strong knowledge of ornamental plant pests, diseases, and treatment methods.
- Ability to quickly identify crop issues and implement effective solutions.
- Experience leading or guiding horticultural or agricultural workers.
- Strong problem-solving skills with a focus on efficiency and resource conservation.
- Ability to work independently and manage priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
- Strong organizational skills and ability to follow through on tasks.
Minimum Requirements
- Degree in Horticulture or a related field preferred.
- Maryland Private Pesticide Applicator License a plus.
- Basic computer skills (Microsoft Outlook, Excel, and Word).
- Ability to work extended hours, including up to six days per week during peak application periods.
- Must be self-motivated and dependable.
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred but not required.
- Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
- Must be available to work weekends as needed.
Physical Demands: The employee must regularly perform the following physical activities:
- Bending, twisting, turning, climbing, pulling, lifting, and carrying up to 50 pounds throughout the workday.
Activity Frequency Definitions:
- Continuously: 67%-100%
- Frequently: 34%-66%
- Occasionally: 10%-33%
- Seldom: 1%-10%
- Never: 0%
Activity
Extent*
Activity
Extent*
Sitting
O
Squatting
O
Standing
F
Pushing
F
Walking (Even)
F
Grasping
C
Walking (Rough)
O
Kneeling
O
Lifting
F
Climbing
O
Carrying
F
Reach Overhead
O
Turning
F
Reach Forward
F
Twisting
F
Pulling
F
Bending
F
Environmental Conditions:
Condition
Extent*
Condition
Extent*
Inside
O
Wet
O
Outside
F
Dry
F
Heat
F
Humid
O
Cold
O
Dust
O
Changing Temperature
O
Noise
S
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.