SEP Sprayer Maintenance Technician

JOB SUMMARY: Key responsibilities include pesticide applications, pest and disease monitoring, fork-lift operation as needed, materials’ purchase order processing/receiving, irrigation maintenance and installation, grower/production support functions, machine and greenhouse light maintenance. Primary focus is on spray applications, maintenance, and grower support related activities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

•  Follow approved hygiene protocols & procedures for entry into all production areas.
• Scout, monitor and report any pests (insects), diseases and related symptoms
  observed on plants and cuttings produced.
• Prepare the spray public information (paperwork), apply pesticides according to the program outlined by the supervisor and observe all applicable pesticide safety regulations. Keep the spray binders/records up to date with spray application public information, as well as the SDS and label binders.
• Keep inventory of pesticides up to date, maintain chemical containers in order,
  labeled, stored, and dispose properly of empty containers and residues.
• Support monthly inventory tracking and maintenance of hardgoods including
  plastics, containers, growing media, fertilizers, and shipping materials.
•  Apply to plants and monitor bio-controls as required by grower.
• Input into the computer system all scouting data on a regular basis.
•  Input into the computer system all pesticide and spray data on a regular basis and prepare the pesticide report for the county Ag Commissioner on a timely basis.
• Report all accidents no matter how small.
• Perform requested grower support activities such as:
  •  Filling pots with soil, propagate cuttings, cleaning of containers and other work-related responsibilities
  • Field and landscape preparation for trials
  • Wash greenhouse and prep areas for CAST and other promotional events
  • Garbage and recycling disposal (within SEP department)
  • Errands to purchase locally sourced materials and parts

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE\SKILLS\ABILITIES:

• Requires basic knowledge of greenhouse operations.
• Must have knowledge of safety procedures in the work area.
• Must understand plant propagation procedures.
• Must be able to perform repetitive functions for long periods.
• Must understand technical and safety requirements for fertilization, pest control,
irrigation, and disease control.
• Must be able to do basic maintenance on equipment such as sprayers, electric carts,
soil machine, sensors, irrigation controls and building facilities (vents, doors, etc.).
• Basic understanding of Argus computer systems
• Ability to handle stress, especially when encountering necessary projects, deadlines
and/or high workload.
• Must be able to work and meet reasonable deadlines.

LICENSES REQUIRED
• Must have private pesticide applicator license or willing to obtain one within 30 days
of employment initiation.
• Must be a forklift operator and be willing to get certified.
• Must have a driver’s license to be able to operate the company car.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
• High school or G.E.D. diploma highly preferred
• Must be bi-lingual (English-Spanish)

EXPERIENCE AND BACKGROUND:
• A minimum 1-year greenhouse production experience or related experience
preferred.

WORKING CONDITIONS\PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
• Must be able to work under different conditions such as extremes of temperature,
dampness, rain, dust, and sun exposure.
• Must be able to stand and walk for long periods of time.
• Must be able to work long and irregular hours, as well as a flexible schedule and on
weekends if needed.
• Must be able to wear personal protective gear when required.
• Must be able to work with chemicals and other irritating substances.
• Must be able to lift 75 lbs.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:
• Salary range: $23.00 – $26.45 per hour
• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance coverage for employees and their families
• Basic Life & AD&D Insurance
• 401k program with company match
• Profit Sharing program (via 401k)
• Holiday & Performance Incentive Bonus program
• Paid Vacation: 10 days per year to start, increases with tenure
• Sick Leave: 1 hour accrued per 30 hours worked for first 30 days, 6.67 hours per
month after.
• 14 paid company holidays, 2 floating holidays & birthday off
• Paid Family Leave: 15 days after 12 months of service for FMLA qualifying events
• Company provided EAP
• Company provided subsidy for health/fitness clubs & apps