Spray Technician

Spray Technician 1

Location: th Ave. N., Clearwater, FL 33762

Work Schedule: Tuesday - Friday, 6:30 a.m.

- 5:00 p.m.

Public Works is dedicated to improving safety, protecting the environment and enhancing the quality of life in the community. Come and apply to be a proud employee of the Pinellas County Public Works Mosquito Control and Vegetation Management team.

The main goals of this position are to monitor and manage invasive and weedy vegetation in County ditches, canals, ponds, and other aquatic habitats. The work follows Integrated Pest Management methods, focusing on the application of chemicals, following approved techniques, and manual removal of vegetation. This is skilled technical work improving the function of the stormwater system while preventing harm to animal/marine life and native vegetation that make up a healthy habitat.

• Monitor and manage invasive and weedy vegetation by using chemical application equipment and hand tools such as potato rakes, chainsaws, and pruners.
• Identify native and invasive vegetation in various sites to target problematic plant life and planning the appropriate control methods.
• Determine an appropriate control plan for sites based on knowledge of the growing season, water and soil conditions, and other variables.
• Performs maintenance on hand tools, such as chainsaws, and application equipment such as spray systems.
• Operates application equipment in an appropriate manner including determining proper rates, accounting for environmental conditions, calculating acreage, and calibrating equipment.

• At least 1 year experience in weed and/or pest control spraying or abatement, industrial or commercial chemical spraying; or
• Associate’s degree or 2 year vocational or technical trades certification or diploma in Agriculture, Horticulture or related field; or
• Bachelor’s or higher-level degree in Agriculture, Horticulture or related field; or
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience.
• Possession and maintenance of a valid State of Florida Driver’s License upon hire with eligibility based upon evaluation of a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) driving report.

• must obtain and maintain Core, Florida Public or Commercial Restricted Use Pesticide Applicators license with certification in Aquatic Weed Control Control within 1 year of hire date.
• must obtain and maintain a Temporary Traffic Control (TTC) (formerly Maintenance of Traffic (MOT)) certification within 1 year of hire date.
• must obtain a Florida Public or Commercial Restricted Use Pesticide Applicators license with certification in the following categories within 2 years of hire date:
  • Florida Public Health Pest Control License

• Assignment to work a variety of work schedules including compulsory work periods in special, emergency, and/or disaster situations including but not limited to working either during or immediately after hurricanes, and work overtime if needed for storms, mosquito outbreaks, and out of the ordinary circumstances. Which may include routinely working on weekends and holidays.

Highly Desirable

• Possession and maintenance of Aquatics and Public Health Licenses.
• Experience calibrating spray equipment.
• Knowledge of Florida trees and plants.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Ability to work in Florida outdoor environments including adapting to adverse weather conditions and encountering wildlife.
• Ability to operate powered small equipment such as a chainsaw / weed eater.
• Ability to navigate computers and tablets to enter work data.
• Ability to drive off road.