Plant Health Applicator Assistant

Work description

Crops/Commodities: nursery stock including, but not limited to, ornamental shrubs, perennials, roses. Primary duties (performed the majority of workdays): This job requires a minimum of 3 months of verifiable prior experience working in a nursery handling both manual and machine tasks associated with nursery production and harvest activities. Workers must be able to perform manual as well as mechanized activities with accuracy and efficiency. Workers employed under this labor certification will be agricultural chemical handlers (‘Plant Health Applicator Assistant’) working under the direct supervision and management of a certified pesticide applicator in accordance with provisions at 40 CFR Part 170, the federal EPA Worker Protection Standard. Experienced nursery workers to work under the direct supervision and management of a certified pesticide applicator in accordance with provisions at 40 CFR Part 170, the federal EPA Worker Protection Standard. Specific duties and skills required include the following: Pursuant to regulation, pesticide handlers must be a minimum of 18 years old. Accordingly, workers will be required to either possess current WPS handler training (must have been trained as a WPS handler within the last 12 months) or demonstrate the ability to be trained to be compliant with handler requirements under the Part. After training handler/workers will be expected to be able to ascertain and apply appropriate fertilizer to facilitate plant growth or chemicals to eliminate undesirable growth and pests. Ability to use spray rigs is a prerequisite of the job operation (both hand sprayers and mist blowers). Ability to accurately measure and monitor precise volume of chemicals and fertilizer applications to ensure that the proper amount is applied at the appropriate time is a prerequisite. Ability to read and understand the pesticide product labeling applicable to the safe use of the pesticide, including label use directions and restrictions is a prerequisite. Accurate weighing and measuring as well as the proper sequencing of adding multiple products is a prerequisite. Must be able to drive tractors in order to transport sprayers. Must ensure that the sprayers are being transported properly throughout the nursery and that they are in good working order before and during the application process.