Pesticide Sprayer Handler and Applicator

Help Protect and Maintain Healthy, High-Quality Plants

Bell Nursery is seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Spray Applicator to support the health and quality of plants throughout our nursery operations. As an important member of the Crop Protection team, you will apply pesticides, monitor plant health, identify crop issues, and work collaboratively with growers and production teams to ensure healthy, market-ready plants. If you enjoy working outdoors, are passionate about plant health, and take pride in maintaining quality crops, we encourage you to apply.

The Spray Applicator is responsible for promoting and maintaining the overall health and quality of plants within the nursery. This role includes the safe and effective application of herbicides and pesticides, including insecticides, fungicides, bactericides, miticides, and molluscicides.The Crop Protection Department works collaboratively with all nursery departments to identify, prevent, and manage pest and disease issues while supporting the production of healthy, high-quality plants for sale.

Key Responsibilities:

• Apply pesticides and herbicides safely, accurately, and in accordance with established guidelines and label requirements.
• Conduct routine scouting and monitoring to identify pests, diseases, weeds, and other crop-related concerns.
• Inspect plants in field and nursery settings to evaluate crop health.
• Collect plant samples when necessary for further evaluation.
• Identify and report plant health concerns to the IPM Manager and Crop Protection leadership team.
• Assist with diagnosing plant health issues and implementing treatment recommendations.
• Maintain accurate pesticide application records and required documentation.
• Ensure compliance with Worker Protection Standard (WPS), OSHA, Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA), and company safety requirements.
• Properly use and maintain application equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Collaborate with growers and other departments to support plant health and operational goals.
• Assist with training and mentoring team members as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What Success Looks Like:

In this role, you will contribute to nursery success by:

• Consistently performing safe, timely, and effective pesticide applications.
• Accurately identifying and reporting pest, disease, and weed issues.
• Supporting healthy crops through proactive monitoring and treatment.
• Maintaining compliance with all safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
• Ensuring accurate pesticide application records and documentation.
• Working collaboratively with growers and production teams to resolve plant health issues.
• Demonstrating strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Maintaining equipment and PPE in proper working condition.
• Contributing to a safe, efficient, and productive work environment.

Why Join Bell Nursery?

• Be part of a team dedicated to producing healthy, high-quality plants.
• Work in a hands-on role that directly impacts crop quality and nursery success.
• Gain valuable experience in crop protection, pest management, and plant health.
• Collaborate with experienced horticultural and nursery professionals.
• Work for a company that values teamwork, safety, innovation, and continuous improvement.

If you are passionate about plant health, enjoy working outdoors, and want to be part of a team that helps grow exceptional plants, we encourage you to apply today.

Minimum Requirements:

• Degree in Horticulture, Plant Science, Agriculture, or a related field preferred.
• Maryland Private Pesticide Applicator License preferred or ability to obtain one.
• Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Outlook, Excel, and Word.
• Ability to work extended hours and up to six days per week during peak growing and application seasons.
• Ability to work weekends as business needs require.
• Self-motivated, dependable, and able to work independently.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety.
• Bilingual English/Spanish skills preferred but not required.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds and perform physical work in outdoor nursery environments.

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.