What are the responsibilities and job description for the Plant Health Technician I position at McCorkle Nurseries Inc.?
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILTIES:
- Directed scouting and identification of common insect, mites, and diseases.
- Identify cultural problems in production, including weed and watering problems.
- Complete and submit all scouting and disease reports daily.
- Safely use and maintain various types of chemical application equipment and PPE daily.
- Help identify spray equipment potential problems and complete maintenance request form for vehicles and spray equipment on a regular basis.
- Identify, Mix, and Apply all types of pesticides in an effective and safe manner in accordance with the label.
- Fill out submittal forms for disease, tissue, soil, and water samples collected from problems areas to be sent to Quality Analytical Laboratories or UGA extension services.
- Inform and coordinate all treatments with ALL appropriate personnel.
- Perform pH and EC (electrical conductivity) measurements with the proper tools.
- Maintain spray records in accordance with OSHA/EPA standards
- Maintain EPA approved signage identifying applications.
- Post the chemical applications in an accurate and timely manner.
- Track chemical usage daily for inventory purposes.
- Clean and maintain Chemical application equipment and Chemical Building.
- Work in a safe manner and participate in safety training; ensure others working with you follow correct safety procedures; identify safety hazards so they may be corrected.
SECONDARY JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Monitor other employees while using Restricted Use Chemicals
- Work in other Areas as needed.
REQUIRED JOB SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND TRAINING:
- Ability to work well with others, learn quickly, and work as a team.
- Ability to pass Base Level Pay for skills within first 90 days.
- Ability to pass Level 1 PH Pay for Skills program
- Ability to learn, follow, and explain to others all safety rules and policies including WPS.
- Operation of Tractors and Other Nursery Vehicles
- Bi-lingual, HS Diploma or Technical school certification preferred.
PHYSICAL ASPECTS OF THE POSITION:
- Requires prolonged standing, walking, lifting, kneeling, and bending.
- Must have the stamina to work until the job is done.
- Must be able to work in severe heat while suited up (PPE)
- Must be able to work safely with pesticides.
- Requires work after normal work hours and on weekends.
- Requires the occasional lifting of 50lbs repeatedly.
Requires the ability to drive safely on rough roads.
