Hybrid Spray Lead bei AC Foods

Description

 Position Summary:

The Spray Lead for Blueberry and Hazelnut Farms assists the Spray Supervisor in ensuring all spray jobs are properly executed, and equipment is accurately calibrated and maintained. This position requires a strong understanding of Pesticide and Foliar Nutritional Recommendations and proficiency in entering spray data into AGRIAN software. The role is essential to support organizational goals and model best practices, guided by our values of Excellence, Accountability, Transparency, and Stewardship (EATS).  

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Applies fertilizers or pesticide solutions to manage insects, fungi, and weeds effectively.
• Ensures thorough coverage of designated areas by considering weather conditions, droplet sizes, elevation-to-distance ratios, and potential obstructions.
• Prepares spray mixtures by filling tanks with water and chemicals according to written pest recommendations.
• Operates and maneuvers nozzles, hoses, and tubes to direct spray applications.
• Trains on safe measurement, mixing, and application of sprays, including routine calibration of equipment.
• Calibrates spray rigs and maintains accurate settings for optimal performance.
• Cleans and services machinery using appropriate tools and methods to ensure operational efficiency.
• Adheres to proper use and maintenance of personal protective equipment (PPE) for each task.
• Interacts with farm staff and landowners courteously and professionally.
• Operates agricultural equipment safely, including spray rigs, tractors, and farm vehicles, while performing routine inspections and maintenance.
• Maintains work areas, chemical storage facilities, and equipment to promote safety and efficiency.
• Identifies crop issues during spray operations and communicates observations to farm managers and agronomy teams.
• Transports spray and farm equipment as needed to support operational requirements.
• Understands and applies Pesticide and Foliar Nutritional Recommendations to maintain crop health.
• Completes accurate records on tank charts and enters data into the AGRIAN software program.
• Accesses AGRIAN software and other technologies to make informed spray decisions and run necessary reports.
• Supports and assists the irrigation department as needed.
• Promotes and adheres to company safety policies and the Illness & Injury Prevention Program.
• Supports organizational and departmental values and goals through all tasks and responsibilities.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Lead Responsibilities: [remove if not applicable]

• Delegates and coordinates tasks of team members.
• Oversees the daily workflow of the department.
• No direct reports.
• Partners with safety to promote a positive safety culture.

Requirements

Essential Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily, including all important aspects of the job- whether performed daily, weekly, monthly, or annually; and any duty that occurs at irregular intervals. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Knowledge of crop agronomics.
• Knowledge of the use of hand and power tools.
• Strong knowledge of Pesticide and Foliar Nutritional Recommendations.
• Skilled in operating large equipment in orchards.
• Mechanical mindset and basic maintenance and repair skills on farm equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals.
• Ability to understand and effectively follow instructions furnished in written and/or oral form.
• Ability to focus and complete duties in a timely manner.
• Ability to work independently without close supervision.
• Ability to use safety equipment and pass respiratory test for respirator.
• Ability to pass the pesticide safety exam.
• Ability to train effectively and model best practices.
• Ability to work in a team and communicate effectively with fellow employees and management.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Self-driven, dependable, and trustworthy.

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent, preferred.
• 3+ years of experience operating agricultural spray equipment and other farm equipment.
• Private Applicator Certificate, preferred.
• Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
• Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Excel, Word) and AGRIAN software. 
• Bilingual verbal and written English/Spanish, preferred.