Spray Lead

Position Summary

The Spray Lead for Blueberry and Hazelnut Farms assists the Farm 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. 
• Provides daily direction and support to spray applicators and irrigators.
• 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.
• Coordinates with third-party Pest Control Advisors (PCAs) regarding spray recommendations, application schedules, and crop protection needs to ensure accurate and timely implementation of treatment plans.
• 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. 
• 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:

• 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.

Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of crop agronomics. 
• Knowledge of the use of hand and power tools. 
• Knowledge of pesticides, foliar nutrition, fertigation, and irrigation systems (drip/micro/overhead).
• 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. 
• Ability to calibrate, operate, and maintain spray equipment and irrigation components.
• Strong attention to detail. 
• Ability to read and follow product labels, safety instructions, and re-entry intervals.
• Self-driven, dependable, and trustworthy.

Preferred Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• 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.