Apprentice Applicator

Job Description Overview of Position

The purpose of the position is to apply products safely and accurately to a wide range of labeled crops and sites from recommendations made by the Manager/Salesperson. This position also operates and maintains company equipment involved in these applications. The role involves building and maintaining customer relations through product application and providing feedback to customers and location managers on field conditions observed during application.

Successful performance may lead to a Custom Applicator position.

• Provide quality application of dry fertilizer products and lime to customers in a safe and efficient manner.
• Utilize supplied information and application equipment technology to ensure correct products, rates, and fields.
• Assist in mixing, loading, unloading, and transporting crop protection and fertilizer products.
• Follow all laws, regulations, and safety rules (including PPE) when handling and applying products.
• Obtain and maintain state commercial applicator certification and stay current with requirements.
• Perform daily inspection of equipment before and after field applications.
• Maintain safety equipment in optimum condition and follow safety regulations and guidelines.
• Maintain applicator and equipment logs and ensure they are kept up to date.
• Perform required calibration and preventive maintenance recommended for equipment.
• Comply with regulatory guidelines in rinsing and washing down both in the field and at the location.
• Assist other team members with various physical duties necessary for operating an agricultural location.
• Assist with operational scouting, product transportation, and various services for customers.
• Follow Environmental Health and Safety, OSHA, and DOT policies and procedures as applicable.
• Required overtime as the season demands.

• High School graduate or GED; experience may be used as offset.
• Valid driver’s license; must be able to meet a Motor Vehicle Review per company policy.
• Must obtain and maintain required state commercial applicator certification.
• Minimum of an Ag CDL.

• Communicate effectively with team members and customers and represent Keystone Cooperative in a professional and courteous manner.
• Read, count, write, and utilize technology to accurately complete documentation, including shipping/applicator orders and tickets, product labels, SDS sheets, warning signs, and emergency procedures.
• Basic mechanical skills for daily maintenance of equipment preferred.
• Be familiar with crop chemicals, nutrients, farming practices, and crop characteristics.
• Possess willingness to adapt to changing application technologies and seasonal workload variations.
• Use technology to accurately locate application sites and read field maps.
• Be a team player and enjoy the effort necessary for a successful operation.

The employee must be in good physical condition to lift more than 50 pounds, climb ladders, perform preventive maintenance, and other duties necessary for operating an agricultural location. Regular tasks include walking, standing, lifting, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, handling, feeling, and grasping.

• Health & Wellness:
  Affordable medical, dental, vision coverage, and wellness programs.
• Financial Security:
  Competitive 401(k) with company match, life insurance, and disability coverage.
• Paid Time Off:
  Generous time off with pay.
• Career Growth:
  Training, development opportunities, and tuition assistance.
• Employee Discounts & Perks:
  Exclusive savings and programs.