What are the responsibilities and job description for the Plant Health Care Technician position at Neils Lunceford?
Full Job Description:
- Status: Full Time, Seasonal- Spring/Summer/Fall
- Salary: $22 – $30 per hour, depending on experience
· Description: This is an entry level position that requires a solid work ethic, the ability to follow directions, a good attitude and the desire to learn. Plant Health Care Apprentices are responsible for the efficient, appropriate and supervised application of pesticides to address plant health care issues as identified by a staff arborist or plant health care coordinator. Successful candidates must be physically fit and utilize all appropriate safety protective equipment to adhere to the company’s safety policies. We are a E-Verify Compliant company.
Essential Job Elements:
- Properly identify and diagnose insects, weeds, fungus conditions, and pest prone areas.
- Communicate with and educate the client regarding the diagnosis and the prescribed pest control and fertilization service.
- Drive specialized PHC trucks.
- Practice various PHC treatments such as: fertilization, soil amendments, pest and disease control measures.
- Perform deep root injections, watering, and other PHC services.
- Utilize environmentally friendly products to perform PHC treatments.
- Prepare/mix pesticide sprays and other PHC solutions for treatments.
- Assist in scheduling PHC treatments with Operations Supervisor.
- Provide diagnostics and recommendations for biotic and abiotic conditions affecting trees and shrubs.
- Perform prescribed integrated pest management and fertilization of trees and shrubs using spray, granular and injected products.
- Assist tree crews performing tree removals, tree pruning, and stump grinding operations, as needed.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
Equipment, Machine and Tool Use:
- Choose and load necessary daily equipment.
- Perform daily inspections of equipment and vehicles.
- Utilize specialized mechanical instruments such as: an air spade, skid steer, stump grinder, root exploration devices, and root pruners.
- Perform basic maintenance of equipment and tools.
- Ensure PHC trucks are prepared, filled, and refueled for each workday.
Safe Work Practices:
- Choose and inspect personal protective equipment.
- Inspect worksites and identify risks.
- Direct vehicle and pedestrian traffic.
- Participates regularly in all job site safety meetings.
Reporting and Communication:
- Prepare and maintain records of pesticide use and monitoring forms, work orders, and equipment maintenance records.
- Prepare and post public notices for pesticide applications or PHC treatments.
- Provide customers with PHC information when necessary.
Working Conditions:
- Neils Lunceford performs services for a wide variety of clients in diverse locations from private gardens and backyards, to public spaces, or remote areas.
- Majority of work time is spent in the field operating machinery or hand tools, performing PHC/arboricultural services, clean-up, and being courteous to customers.
- Physical fitness and ability to work outside is required, with duty modification during specific seasons throughout the year.
- Office work and time needed to complete paperwork and attend meetings/training.
- Limited work in wind, rain and snow conditions.
Qualifications:
- Minimum Education: High School Diploma.
- A valid driver’s license and clean MVR.
- Education/Training in Arboriculture or PHC an asset.
- Ability to wear appropriate PPE.
- Familiarity with plant identification and treatment options an asset.
- Knowledge diagnosing common biotic and abiotic tree and landscape issues.
- Ability to work, travel, and hike in rugged terrain and inclement weather when required.
- Ability to successfully complete Continuing Education extension courses and obtain other industry specific licenses and certifications.
- Strong work ethic.
- Interest in learning.
- Ability to follow directions.
- Positive attitude.
Benefits:
- Paid holidays after 90 Days
- 401K plan after 1,000 hours of employment
- All PPE safety equipment supplied
- Education/Professional development supplied
- Company issued cell phone
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $22.00 - $30.00 per hour
Expected hours: 40 per week
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Opportunities for advancement
- Paid time off
Schedule:
- 10 hour shift
- 8 hour shift
- Day shift
Work Location: In person
Salary : $22 - $30
