HARRIS  COUNTY  FLOOD  CONTROL  DISTRICT

SUMMARY  JOB  REQUIREMENTS  FOR

HERBICIDE  APPLICATOR – SOUTH  SERVICE  CENTER

JOB TITLE:                          HERBICIDE  APPLICATOR

POSITION TITLE:               OPERATOR  I

GENERAL SUMMARY

The duties of the Herbicide applicator include, but are not limited to, the following: 

• Apply selective and/or non-selective herbicides for the eradication of undesirable vegetation, and/or applies fertilizer to promote the growth of desirable vegetation;
• Responsible for the safety, efficiency, and productivity of all maintenance work performed;
• Inspect, maintain, and operate various types of tractors, herbicide spray equipment, vehicle(s) and small engine equipment;
• Identify specific types of desirable and undesirable vegetation;
• Apply various types of herbicide for selective applications;
• Maintain non-commercial herbicide license ;
• Calibrate spray equipment for broadcast and/or backpack applications;
• Mix specific types of herbicides for selective applications;
• Maintain daily TDA herbicide report and daily activity report;
• Use various types of hand tools;
• Hand cut channels that are inaccessible to tractors;
• Remove debris and selective vegetation from channel rights of way;
• Clear drifts from channel obstructions;
• De-snag channel bottoms;
• Plant and maintain trees on channel rights of way; and
• Comply with all Harris County Flood Control District policies and procedures concerning execution of duties and job performance.
• Other duties may be assigned as the scope and nature of the job changes.  

KNOWLEDGE

• The job is fairly complicated requiring successful job applicant to have: 

Ø High school graduate or equivalent;

Ø Knowledge of herbicide application;

Ø Knowledge of rules and regulations set forth by the Texas Department of Agriculture;

Ø Operational knowledge of various types of tractors and spray equipment; and

Ø Knowledge of different types of chemicals. 

• Successful job applicant must demonstrate ability to: 

Ø Identity various types of plants;

Ø Read and comprehend such written material as safety cautions, warnings, maps, traffic signs, operating instructions, etc.;

Ø Write/record legible notes of activity and correctly complete required forms;

Ø Solve simple mathematical problems that may be required in normal work situations; and

Ø Effectively communicate with co-workers, general public, industry, and/or governmental representatives. 

LICENSE

· Valid Class “C” Texas Operator Driver’s License

• Non-Commercial Herbicide License

PHYSICAL EXERTION

• Requires frequent walking and working on rough and uneven surfaces or ground such as sloping terrain, plowed or furrowed areas or construction sites
• Requires frequent operation/use of small hand power tools/equipment
• Requires carrying backpacks containing herbicides weighing up to 30 pounds
• Regularly drives a vehicle with automatic controls

ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURE

• Will be exposed to vegetation retardants, herbicides, and/or fertilizers
• Routine exposure to significant levels of heat, cold, moisture and air pollution
• Routine exposure to petroleum products including but not limited to oil, gasoline, grease, diesel, other fuels and lubricants
• Routine exposure to nature’s dust, mists, vapors, fumes, other pollutants and toxic plants such as poison ivy, poison oak, and other vegetation that may contain/emit allergens or other pollen compounds
• May be exposed to wasps, bees, other flying/walking insects and aquatic bacteria, viruses, and other micro-organisms
• May be exposed to vibration and/or noise in excess of 85 decibels

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