Chemical Technician jobs in Tampa, FL

Responsible for mixing or applying chemicals such as pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, or insecticides through sprays, dusts, vapors, soil incorporation, or chemical application on trees, shrubs, lawns, or botanical crops on city properties and grounds to include golf course, athletic fields and parks. Requires specific training and State or Federal certification in chemical mixing and application. Work is performed under general supervision.

• Mixes chemicals such as pesticides, herbicides or fungicides for application to trees, shrubs, lawns or botanical crops.  
• Prepares work area prior to beginning job and cleans area after completion of job. 
• Utilizes Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as required.
• Applies herbicides in accordance with prescribed use and in accordance with accepted industry practices and rules and requirements of regulatory agencies such as Environmental Protection, Department of Environmental Regulation and Department of Agriculture.
• Identifies lawn and/or plant diseases to determine the appropriate course of treatment
• Schedules and performs weed control and elimination procedures; organizes and prioritizes weed control inspections, maintenance and responses.
• Operates lawn maintenance equipment in the fertilizing, mowing, edging, weeding, trimming and pruning of grounds, shrub, trees, and plant beds.
• Operates light to heavy vehicles, tools and equipment in the application of various herbicides and lawn care functions, e.g., truck, sprayers, tractors, loader, backhoe, chainsaw.
• Ensures the safe and appropriate use of various chemicals agents and substances, mixing such per label instructions and product specifications, and using in accordance with prescribed safety precautions and directions.
• Maintains accurate records of chemical and biological agents used, e.g., records work order logs, maintains inventory of materials, evaluates, and prepares cost estimates for various projects.
• Completes all required paperwork to include work orders and monthly reports.
• Performs budget responsibilities in purchasing and reporting chemicals.
• May be required to work overtime or alternate hours as necessary for the efficient operation of the department.  
• Position is designated as Mission Critical by Department Director.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS:

• Perform related work as required.

• High school diploma from an accredited school or its equivalent.
• One (1) year of experience in pesticide/chemical application.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must obtain a Chapter 482 Limited Lawn and Ornamental License within six (6 )months of employment. 
• Must possess and maintain a Chapter 487 Ornamental and Turf Pesticide Applications Licenses.
• Must possess and maintain a valid state of Florida driver's license.

• Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions.
• Ability to read, write and perform basic arithmetic.
• Skill in the practices and procedures of pest control, e.g., inspection, location, and identification of suspected or reported infestation by insects and other pests.
• Knowledge of chemicals and calibration of pesticides, fertilizers, and herbicides.
• Knowledge of various chemical agents used in the trade; ability to use such in accordance with prescribed safety precautions and directions.
• Knowledge of grounds maintenance.
• Ability to utilize various hand held manual and electrical sprayer and trapping equipment.
• Ability to operate various automobiles and transport vehicles, e.g., car, utility truck, and portable man lift.
• Ability to operate basic office equipment, e.g., computer terminals, printers, copy machines, telephone systems and facsimile machines.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors; ability to work cooperatively with employees, and the public.
• Ability to work independently to carry out assignments to completion; ability to carry out assignments with minimal instructions.
• Ability to recognize and report hazards and apply safe work methods.
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Requires light and heavy manual labor work that involves walking or standing most of the time, exerting up to 100 pounds of force on a recurring basis and some driving of tractor mowers.
• The job requires exposure to hot/cold temperatures, adverse weather, toxic fumes, noxious odors, and wet/humid conditions.
• The job requires normal visual acuity, field of vision, hearing, speaking, color perception, sense of taste, sense of smell, depth perception, and texture perception.

All City of Lakeland positions are subject to testing (e.g. written, oral, performance, computerized, interview, and/or any combination).  Candidates selected for testing will be notified via email or telephone.  Please check your e-mail and telephone messages regularly, including "junk" folders.  Test times and locations to be announced.

THE CITY OF LAKELAND IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/EQUAL ACCESS EMPLOYER AND A DRUG FREE WORKPLACE