About this position
DEPARTMENT: Field Operations
REPORTS TO: Foreman or Field Supervisor
EFFECTIVE DATE: March 2026
SUMMARY: The Field Technician, Pesticide Applicator is responsible for the safe, accurate, and compliant application of pesticides and other plant health products across residential and commercial properties. This role supports Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs through monitoring, diagnosis, calibrated application, and detailed recordkeeping.
Working under operational leadership, the Technician ensures all applications comply with provincial legislation, product label requirements, and company safety standards. In addition to plant health services, this role may support general ground maintenance and construction activities as operationally required.
All pesticide handling and application activities must comply with the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act and regulatory requirements administered by Alberta Environment and Protected Areas.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Pesticide Application & Plant Health Services
Apply herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, fertilizers, and related products using backpack sprayers and other calibrated equipment.
Mix, measure, and prepare chemical solutions in strict accordance with label directions and Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
Calibrate application equipment to ensure proper rates and coverage.
Identify turf and plant health issues including weeds, disease, and insect activity.
Implement IPM strategies including monitoring, threshold assessment, and targeted treatments.
Post required signage and ensure proper notification procedures are followed.
Maintain detailed and accurate application records, including product used, rates, weather conditions, and site details.
Monitor weather conditions to minimize drift and environmental impact.
Report spills, misapplications, or safety concerns immediately and follow emergency procedures.
2. Chemical Handling & Compliance
Store, transport, and handle pesticides in accordance with provincial regulations and company protocols.
Maintain inventory control of chemical products and report usage levels.
Ensure proper use of PPE specific to chemical handling and application.
Participate in regulatory audits or internal inspections as required.
Maintain applicator certification and continuing education requirements.
3. Equipment Operation & Maintenance
Operate backpack sprayers and related application equipment safely and effectively.
Conduct daily equipment inspections and maintain cleanliness to prevent cross-contamination.
Troubleshoot minor mechanical issues and report repair needs.
Support operation of general landscape maintenance equipment when required.
4. General Ground Maintenance Support
When not performing plant health services, the Technician may:
Assist with mowing, trimming, edging, and seasonal clean-ups.
Perform debris pickup and property detailing.
Support installation crews with basic construction or landscape tasks as directed.
Assist with loading, unloading, and securing materials and equipment.
5. Safety & Professional Conduct
Adhere to all company safety policies and OH&S requirements.
Participate in toolbox meetings and complete required hazard assessments.
Communicate professionally with clients when questions arise regarding treatments or site conditions.
Represent the company’s mission, vision, and values through conduct and workmanship.
Seasonal Transition: Snow & Ice Management
From November through April, operations transition to Snow and Ice Management services. During this period, the Technician supports winter operations including:
Snow clearing (manual and equipment-assisted)
Application of ice control materials
Monitoring of treated sites during active weather events
Availability for weather-dependent scheduling, including evenings, weekends, and on-call shifts during peak snow events, is required.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience: Minimum 1–2 years of landscape maintenance or turf care experience preferred.
Previous pesticide application experience strongly preferred..
Education & Certification: Post-secondary education in horticulture, turf management, environmental sciences, or related field is an asset.
Current First Aid certification is an asset.
Regulatory Knowledge: Valid Alberta Class 5 Driver’s License with clean abstract required.
Reliable transportation to job sites in Edmonton and surrounding areas required.
Valid Alberta Pesticide Applicator Certification (Landscape or appropriate category) is considered an asset.
Systems & Technical Experience: Working knowledge of turfgrass species, common weeds, insects, and diseases in Alberta.
Ability to interpret product labels, SDS documentation, and regulatory requirements.
Basic proficiency with digital platforms for service documentation and time tracking (e.g., Aspire, Site Docs).
COMPETENCIES:
High attention to detail and regulatory compliance mindset.
Strong understanding of safety protocols and risk mitigation.
Sound judgment in environmental conditions and application decisions.
Accountability and integrity in documentation and chemical handling.
Ability to work independently while maintaining productivity.
Clear and professional communication skills.
Physical stamina and ability to perform outdoor manual labour.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Primarily outdoor work environment in varying weather conditions (heat, cold, wind, rain).
Exposure to chemicals in controlled and regulated settings.
Frequent walking, bending, lifting (up to 50 lbs), and carrying backpack equipment.
Exposure to noise, dust, and equipment vibration.
Fast-paced, route-based service environment.
The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or physical requirements. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.