Herbicide Applicator - Bessemer

Herbicide Applicator - City of Bessemer

The City of Bessemer Herbicide Applicators are responsible for planning and overseeing the work of a crew engaged in applying chemicals to control unwanted vegetation along roadsides and rights‑of‑way. Their duties include ensuring the proper application of herbicides, mapping and coordinating spraying operations, supervising assistants, handling routine and complex issues, and maintaining performance standards.

• Target Close Date: 03/27/2026
• Pay Grade:
  Grade 15
• Type:
  Full time

The City of Bessemer provides competitive pay and comprehensive benefits packages including medical and dental insurance, employer‑sponsored retirement plan (pension), generous paid holidays, sick and vacation leave, and more.

Pay range:
Bessemer: $16.32 - $25.31.

• Plan chemical applications for the day based on need and weather conditions to control weed overgrowth and pest populations.
• Prepare chemicals and equipment for herbicide/pesticide spraying following State and Federal guidelines and manufacturer labels to ensure environmental safety.
• Operate mechanical equipment (e.g., spray truck, chemical sprayer, weed eater) along ditches, creek banks, sidewalks, parking lots, bridges, roads or other right‑of‑ways following State and Federal guidelines to control vegetation or pest populations.
• Maintain spray records, chemical inventory, and applicator’s license to track spray activities and remain current on changes in the profession and respond to citizen questions.
• Complete routine maintenance and repairs on applicator equipment following manufacturer recommendations to ensure applications proceed as scheduled.
• Assist other crews (e.g., paving, construction, landscaping) with daily activities when herbicide application is inappropriate or not needed (e.g., inclement weather, budget cuts).

• Driver’s license.
• Commercial Applicator’s Permit for Herbicide/Pesticide with rights‑of‑way and ground endorsement.
• Experience identifying plants, weeds, and shrubbery.
• Experience operating landscaping equipment (lawn mowers, tractors, chainsaws, sprayers).

Job involves physical exertion required for sustained periods of light physical activity such as operating equipment or standing. May involve occasional lifting of items or objects weighing up to 50 lbs.

Work is primarily performed at outdoor worksites such as residential neighborhoods, landfills, etc. Work involves use of heavy equipment such as front‑end loaders, bobcats, etc., and a variety of hand tools. Job may require exposure to potentially hazardous conditions (e.g., working in and around traffic, landfills, heavy equipment) and inclement weather (extreme heat, cold, rain, snow, wind). It may also involve exposure to foul odors and potentially harmful waste.

The Person nel Board of Jefferson County provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment with the Personnel Board of Jefferson County, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

To request an accommodation in the application or hiring process due to a medical condition or disability, please contact our Accommodations Coordinator at accommodation request or phone at 205‑279‑3500 (select option
1) Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Central Time.

This job posting may close before, or be extended beyond, the listed Target Close Date based on the employment needs of the Merit System.

This job posting is not meant to be an all‑inclusive list of the job duties, responsibilities, or skills and abilities required to do the job and may be changed at the discretion of the Personnel Board at any time.

• Entry level

• Full‑time

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