Job Description
Below is a description of the position of Team Leader Plant Health Care Specialist that is open in Plant Health, a Department within the Production Department.
The individual we are seeking will be required to report directly to the Plant Health manager. The individual will get instructions from the Plant Health manager, supervise and oversee the work of pesticide applicators paying special attention to safe handling practices and correct and timely applications, coordinate herbicides and spray applications with other departments, and update the Plant Health manager throughout the workday on the status of applications. Below are some of the characteristics we are looking for:
1. Ability to lead and work well with people.
a. Bilingual (English/Spanish) b. Have or be ready to take exam for private pesticide applicator certificate c. Most have a valid driver license d. The job is demanding in that it involves shifting priorities throughout the work day and supervision of several applicators scattered across the farm. e. The individual must be flexible, able to multi-task, and thrive under the conditions described in item b f. Lead by example and strive for constant improvement g. Work closely with other Plant Healthcare Specialists in the department as part of a coordinated team h. Work with other departments on scheduling problems
2. Attention to details.
a. Must be willing to follow the instructions and guidance of the Plant Health manager, the Nursery Manager, and the Prides Corner Farms Management team. b. Ability to focus on the assigned and modified tasks and carry them out to completion. c. Ability to teach and inspire others on matters of safety, proper pesticide application, posting, and overall conduct on the farm. d. Ability to keep detailed records of pesticide applications and turn them in daily. e. Keep the Plant Health manager updated on daily progress.
3. Must be flexible.
a. The priorities within the Plant Health Department and Prides Corner Farms will determine the work hours. Many of our hours are before and after normal operational times, but this usually depends on the time of year. b. Assignments will be constantly interrupted by conflicting schedules, new problems, emergencies, and etc. c. Assignments can be rescheduled, but not ignored and eliminated.
4. Have a comprehensive understanding of PCF policy and procedure including mission statement and strategic plan.
5. Maintain a positive attitude in regards to learning new aspects of horticulture. This includes taking on new tasks that require thought.
Specific Job Responsibilities: A. While working closely with the Plant Health manager you will be responsible for all facets of plant care, especially aspects that are directly related to the proper training of pesticide applications (technique, coverage, and timing) and safety issues for other plant healthcare specialists. You will lead specialists through various departmental tasks in an efficient and productive manner.
B. Translate spray missions and check on Specialists throughout the day to ensure proper technique, correct locations and plants are being sprayed, and the proper flagging of treated blocks after treatment and the removal of flags when the REI is completed.
C. While working with the Plant Health manager, you will be responsible for scouting designated areas. You will report insects, signs of disease, or any abnormalities that you feel pertinent.
D. Participate in the ongoing spray/herbicide planning within the department when necessary.
E. Maintain a safe work environment and report safety problems to your supervisor. This means not only in the area you are working but any area where you might see a safety violation or potential hazard.
F. Insure that Plant Health equipment is used in a respectful manner. This will include cleaning and maintaining personal protected Equipment (PPE), spray equipment, departmental vehicles and tractors, and the pesticide facilities.
G. End of day lock up. You will be responsible for locking up all pesticide sheds, proper storage of vehicles and spray machines, and chemical cleanup. This includes reporting all accomplishments of the department for a given day (mainly for Spanish speaking specialists).
H. Inventory- Maintain chemical and miscellanies inventory and communicate with Plant Health manager regarding ordering.
I. Responsible for using Microsoft Excel and Access to create herbicide application reports. J. Responsible for using Microsoft Excel and Access to create Plant growth regulators application reports, K. Responsible for using Microsoft Excel and Access to create insecticides/ fungicides application reports
L. Responsible for using Microsoft Excel and do the data entry to maintain pesticide record update on a daily basis
M. Weekly timecard approval for Plant Health department employees
N. Responsible for helping your Manager to create and implement yearly labor and materials budgets for your department.
O. Responsible for working closely with the PCF IT department to ensure that all software, equipment is working in order and well maintained
P. Responsible for using Microsoft Excel and do the data entry to maintain Safety Data Sheet (SDS). update
Other Responsiblities:
A. Discipline- There will be times when discipline will be necessary to correct problems concerning an employee. A TL has the power to enforce disciplinary action when concerns such as tardiness, extra brake or extra lunch, missed time and absenteeism are prevalent. For minor infractions such as these, informing the Pesticide Supervisor is the only prerequisite. Discipline is important to reinforce these infractions so that both you and the people working for you can perform your jobs efficiently and are not a distraction. For more major infractions it is encouraged and necessary to bring in the Nursery Manager and Pesticide Supervisor to help determine if discipline is necessary and what kind of discipline should be used.
B. Hours- You will be expected to arrive and be ready to work at 7:15 a.m. If you cannot make it to work for any reason, you must call your Supervisor or Human Resources before 8 a.m. on the day that you will be absent. Make sure that all employees within the Pesticide Department are punctual. That is that they are on time, takes only 10 minute breaks, takes half hour lunches and punches in and out at the prescribed times.
C. Uses equipment provided to them in a respectful manner. a) Tools- All tools will be accounted for on a daily basis (weeding forks, water jugs, weeding buckets, spray guns and drench wands). The TL will be responsible for all lost tools. Remember, if you let another employee borrow a tool that belongs to the pesticide department, you are still responsible for that tool. If a tool is broken or lost, inform the Plant Health manager. You need to have the right tools to perform your job productively. Tools will be provided if need to do your job. b) Vehicles- All vehicles must be maintained in proper condition. That is it must be kept neat, and clean. Empty garbage daily. You will be responsible for cleaning departmental vehicles or assigning someone to this task. Report any problems or accidents to the shop immediately. c) Tractors- Maintain department tractors. Any damages to tractors must be reported to your Plant Health manager or the Shop immediately. This includes any damages that you or other people in the department may encounter.
D. Tractor Training- You will serve as a certified PCF Tractor Trainer. After certification, you will be responsible for training all new employees within the department as well as testing people in other departments.
E. Pesticides Training- You will be certified to train Back pack technics, proper use of personal protected Equipment (PPE, herbicide application, spray application technics
F. Hiring- Participate in the hiring process for the Plant Health Department. You will be responsible for talking with potential employees regarding department tasks and what it is like to work for PCF and specifically, for the Plant Health Department.
G. Communication- You will be responsible for communicating with other departments during spray/herbicide missions and Re-entry Intervals (REI’s). This will include contacting irrigation after herbicide applications. If you are unsure of a chemicals’ REI, check the label or ask your Plant Health manager.
Goals:
Prides Corner Farms wants to grow its people. When exceptional people show promise, PCF recognizes them, gives them responsibility and leads them on a path for growth with the Management Team. As the nursery grows, positions are always being expanded and created. Keep you eyes open for employees that show potential for growth.
Make certain decisions on your own. You are part of PCF’s Management Team because you have the knowledge and leadership skills to react to situations and do certain tasks on your own. Remember that your Plant Health manager or the Nursery Manager are just a PHONE call away if you have questions.