Plant Health Applicator Assistant

Job description

Crops/Commodities:
nursery stock including, but not limited to, ornamental shrubs, perennials, roses.
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. Any current certified applicator of restricted-use pesticides (in any category of certification) meets the handler standard by definition.

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.

Must have a thorough understanding of how to use the personal protective equipment (PPE) including but not limited to respirators, eye shields, gloves, footwear and headgear that are required for each type of spray application. Refusal to wear PPE according to the standard established for each chemical by the WPS is grounds for termination. Must possess ability to understand verbal and/or written work instructions.

Jobs are repetitive in nature and must be performed in all climate conditions including hot, humid weather as well as rain, snow and sleet. These jobs require the ability to perform heavy lifting. Ability to pull 300 foot hose and work with protective clothing in hot conditions is essential.

Must be flexible regarding working hours as several conditions impact chemicals' application. These include:
1. Weather conditions such as temperature, humidity, wind, rain, etc. These conditions can change quickly so the worker must be flexible to come in at off hours to spray at the correct time.
2. Time of day. Certain chemicals are more effective when applied during early morning or evening hours.
3. Work schedule of other nursery workers. When chemicals are being applied, no nursery workers can be in the immediate area. Worker may be asked to come in after hours when a particular area is void of people.

Must demonstrate proficiency with job tasks and ability to comply with the handler standard within two weeks of hire.

Special Requirements

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. Saturday work required.