Plant Health Care Technician

Description

Job Summary

The Plant Health Care (PHC) Technician is a hands-on, field based position responsible for applying fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, plant growth regulators, and other approved landscape products on residential and commercial properties. The technician works outdoors daily, operates specialized application equipment, completes assigned routes, and delivers consistent results while following safety requirements and company standards.

Core Values

1. Culture of Safety – Safety is always job #1
2. A Growing Tradition Plants, Personally, Financially and Professionally
3. Employee Owned – Personal Pride in Success with an Owners Mentality
4. Exceptional Customer Experience – Delighting our Clients with our Products and Services
5. Good Neighbors – Community Pride – Sharing our Success
6. Respectability – Treating Others as we want to be treated

Duties/Responsibilities

Field Applications & Daily Operations

• Perform scheduled turf and ornamental applications using approved fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, plant growth regulators, and related products.
• Complete assigned daily routes and work orders safely, efficiently, and on schedule.
• Measure, mix, load, transport, and apply products in accordance with label directions and company procedures.
• Operate truck mounted spray systems, ride on applicators, backpack and handheld sprayers, and granular spreaders.
• Perform blanket, spot, granular, and targeted applications as assigned; maintain correct rates and consistent coverage.
• Follow established application programs and supervisor instructions; assist with other field duties as needed.

Equipment Operation & Maintenance

• Inspect, operate, clean, and maintain vehicles, pumps, hoses, tanks, spreaders, and application equipment.
• Calibrate equipment for correct application rates and coverage.
• Report leaks, malfunctions, damage, and mechanical concerns promptly.
• Maintain clean, organized, professional-looking vehicles and equipment.
• Learn and use new technologies, including electric sprayers, GPS-supported systems, and modern application tools.

Safety & Compliance

• Follow company safety policies, pesticide labels, and applicable state and federal regulations.
• Wear all required PPE, including gloves, eye and hearing protection, safety vests, and respiratory protection when required.
• Use safe practices for chemical handling, mixing, loading, transport, application, storage, and spill prevention.
• Prevent drift, off-target applications, environmental impacts, and damage to client property.
• Report incidents and hazards immediately; participate in safety training and required certification activities.

Productivity, Quality & Accountability

• Arrive on time, prepared with the correct materials, tools, and equipment.
• Meet route and production expectations without compromising safety or workmanship.
• Record completed applications, product quantities, and other required treatment information accurately.
• Use mobile work-order software to review assignments and close completed jobs.
• Communicate progress, delays, equipment issues, and material needs to supervisors.
• Represent the company professionally and take ownership of assigned work.

Requirements

Required Skills/Abilities

• At least 1 year of hands on commercial spray, fertilizer, or pesticide application experience, or equivalent experience operating landscape application equipment.
• Valid driver’s license and driving record meeting company requirements.
• Pesticide Applicator License or ability to obtain required certification within the company-established timeframe.
• Ability to follow labels, application instructions, safety procedures, and production schedules.
• Basic math skills for measuring products, mixing quantities, and understanding application rates.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a field team; reliable attendance and strong work ethic.
• Basic proficiency with smartphones and mobile work-order applications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Commercial turf, ornamental, lawn care, or landscape maintenance experience.
• Experience with ride on sprayers, truck-mounted spray systems, backpack sprayers, or granular spreaders
• Knowledge of equipment calibration, pesticide mixing, and daily service-route operations.
• Interest in electric equipment and emerging field application technologies.

Physical Requirements

• Work outdoors daily in heat, humidity, cold, rain, and changing weather conditions.
• Stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, climb, push, and pull for extended periods.
• Regularly lift and carry equipment, containers, and materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Load and unload products and equipment; operate sprayers for extended periods.
• Work around application products, dust, fumes, and equipment noise while using required PPE.
• Perform essential duties with or without reasonable accommodation.

This Job Description is not a complete statement of all duties and responsibilities comprising the position.

Job descriptions are not intended and do not create employment contracts.