Pesticide Applicator

Purdue's Grounds department is responsible for maintaining the iconic appearance of the West Lafayette campus.

Job Summary:

As the Pesticide Applicator, you will:

• Perform mixing and application of (turf or ornamental) pesticides to control/eliminate pests and assist with other grounds maintenance activities.
• Must be able to access areas around all of campus to apply pesticides, using different types of sprayers.
• Assist other crews on landscape projects and day to day maintenance

• Apply pesticide according to state and federal laws.
• Implement integrated pest management program (IPM).
• Inspect all trees, shrub, turf for nutrient deficient disease and pest problems.
• Maintain tree protection policy as well as turf damage.
• Safely store pesticide and chemicals according to state and federal laws and the Indiana State Chemist Office including sustainable initiatives (example…storm water runoff and IPM).
• Maintain inventory and keep detailed records of usage.
• Monitor effectiveness of pesticides and take adequate action to ensure pest control (pest control methods may include biological cultural mechanical/physical sanitation or chemical control).
• Attend professional seminars and other education events to remain current in fields.
• Assist in giving in-house training related to the proper and safe use of pesticides.
• Cover areas to specified depths with pesticides, applying knowledge of weather conditions, droplet sizes, elevation-to-distance ratios, and obstructions.
• Connect hoses and nozzles selected according to terrain, distribution pattern requirements, types of infestations, and velocities.
• Mix or apply pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, or insecticides through sprays, dusts, vapors, soil incorporation or chemical application on trees, shrubs, lawns, or botanical crops. Usually requires specific training and State or Federal certification.
• Record chemical usage by providing data on pesticide, pest, location, date, plant and volume applied.
• Prescribe and apply appropriate pesticides.
• Determine appropriate pest control methods which may include biological, cultural, mechanical/physical, sanitation, or chemical controls, of pesticides and take appropriate action to insure pest control.

Education & Experience:

Qualified candidates will need:

• High school diploma/GED required.
• 3 years-experience in pesticide application specifically either/or with ornamental or turf.

Skills Needed:

• Ability to read, write and speak English and communicate effectively with others required.
• Must possess appropriate Pesticide Applicator's License (Specify: 3A for ornamentals or 3B for turf) and have a strong knowledge of proper uses of pesticides including knowledge of EPA Federal and Indiana State Chemist Office guidelines.
• Must maintain licenses including successful completion of required medical examinations.
• Valid driver's licenses required.
• College coursework/degree in agronomics or horticulture area would be helpful.

• Fire, Police, and Skilled Trades 2
• Job Code: 20003386
• Pay Band: S040
• Staff Compensation Guidelines: https://www.purdue.edu/hr/paytimepractices/comppay/index.php

• To learn more about Purdue’s benefits summary CLICK HERE
• Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position
• A background check will be required for employment in this position
• FLSA: Non-Exempt (Eligible For Overtime)
• Retirement Eligibility: Non-exempt Defined Contribution Plan
• Purdue University is an EOE/AA employer. All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply