SERVICE WORKER/EQUIPMENT OPERATOR III

(Herbicide Spray Technician)

(Roads & Drainage)

Pay Range: $14.71/hr. - $21.90/hr. ($30,596.80 - $45,552.00/annually)

Shift: Monday - Thursday, 7:00 AM - 5:30 PM (40 hours/week)

Location: Lakeland Unit

Health Benefits Package, Including Paid Holidays

*** This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement ***

Must have the physical, developmental and mental ability to perform job tasks, work efforts, responsibilities and duties of the job illustrated below:

MAJOR FUNCTION

Skilled technical work within a comprehensive environmental control program. May act as lead worker on spray crew.

ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES

Skilled work operating computerized herbicide spray systems, light and/or medium vehicles and other spray application equipment controlling industrial and right-of-way vegetation. Acts as lead worker for spray application operations.

Primarily responsible for acting as a lead worker of a herbicide spray application team driving and operating light/medium vehicles. Physically operates herbicide application equipment from trucks spraying noxious aquatic weeds and various industrial, and right-of-way vegetation in compliance with state and federal label guidelines. Responsible for insuring that the proper mixture of herbicides is applied using appropriate drift control techniques. Determines and insures that the appropriate nozzle choice and setting, polymer (spray thickeners) spray applications are utilized on assigned herbicide application areas. Observes operational conditions making any necessary adjustments and/or reports defects and calibrates the computerized spray systems as needed. Keeps detailed records of work performed and chemicals used. Responsible for performing simple field repairs of equipment. Provides general and preventive maintenance of spray equipment and assigned vehicles (i.e.: washes, cleans, polishes and makes minor repairs to equipment and spray apparatus).

Receives and investigates requests/complaints of weed control problems and responds appropriately. Advises the public of general operation methods and procedures. Reports difficult or unusual situations to supervisor. Assists supervisor with inventorying, ordering and maintaining supplies and/or storage/placement of supplies. Assists in plans for long-range and comprehensive right-of-way weed programs. Trains new employee(s) as assigned.

May operate other equipment on a temporary, emergency or trainee basis. Performs manual laboring tasks as assigned. Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

Knowledge of weed control methods, techniques and application processes within program operation. Knowledge of county, state, and federal laws, rules, and regulations related to weed control programs. Knowledge of and/or the ability to become familiar with other weed control agencies and resources. Knowledge and ability to operate a computerized herbicide spray system. Knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions necessary in utilizing herbicide sprays and granular materials. Knowledge of and ability to provide first aid.

Ability to work with and around various chemicals.

Mechanical aptitude and ability to learn and operate assigned equipment. Ability to provide general preventive maintenance and emergency repairs on automotive and spray equipment. Ability to think and react calmly and responsively to emergency situations. Ability to recognize incorrect information or work and make remedial actions independently. Ability to work independently and act as lead worker on a crew. Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with other employees and the public.

Steadiness of hand. Ability to make hand written notes. Ability to complete records, forms, and reports as required. Ability to download information to personal computer program and input records daily. Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.

Ability to see, talk, ambulate independently and drive. Ability to sit for long periods. Ability t o bend, stoop, sit and stand. Ability to perform tasks that require eye and hand coordination. Ability and agility to perform tasks in field operations. Ability to perform prolonged and arduous physical work under adverse conditions. Ability to work in all weather and environmental conditions including working in/around ditches (i.e.: sun, rain, cold, swamp, etc.). Ability to lift and/or move a minimum of 50 pounds.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Graduate of an accredited high school or possess an acceptable equivalency diploma and have a minimum of two (2) years herbicide spray equipment operation/application or related experience. Must have a current Core and Right-of-Way Public Applicator's Restricted Pesticide License, as issued by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

Must have a valid driver's license and be able to secure a valid Florida Commercial Class ‘A’ driver's license with Tanker, Air Brakes, Combination/Endorsement at the time of employment within this classification.

A comparable amount of training and related experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications with the exception of the required licensures.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

This position may be required to report for work when a declaration of emergency has been declared in Polk County.