Applicator I (CDL B)
About The Position
Prepares and spreads custom applications of agronomy products on customers' fields, including dry and/or liquid fertilizer, crop protectants, lime and other treatment products. Performs general maintenance and repair work to keep equipment in good operating condition and follows established regulations and operating procedures while working independently at customer sites. The role involves preparing products according to customer work orders, transferring dry bulk products into spreading vehicles, operating application equipment, and ensuring proper coverage and spread patterns. A Class B Commercial Driver's License is required; licensing requirements may vary by location based on current state and federal regulations. The Applicator communicates with team members and managers about scheduling, equipment, materials and productivity; travels to customer sites in company vehicles; maintains equipment and records; assists with inventory and material handling; and keeps work areas and equipment clean. The position also includes required training, safety compliance, and possible assistance with warehouse duties or delivery routes. Work is primarily outdoors, with seasonal schedule variation, extended hours, and exposure to weather, equipment hazards, dust, odors, fumes and agricultural chemicals. The role requires continuous physical activity, including lifting and carrying loads up to 100 pounds at times.
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED.
- Class B Commercial Driver's License; licensing requirements may vary by location and applicable regulations.
- Safely operate a motor vehicle and comply with the company motor vehicle safety policy.
- Complete a basic Agronomy Short Course within the designated period.
- Complete one-on-one training with an experienced applicator before using equipment unsupervised.
- Learn and apply applicator equipment operation, including precision agriculture software and hardware, company procedures and government regulations.
- Troubleshoot and perform general maintenance and repairs on applicator equipment.
- Ability to use GPS equipment.
- Ability to read and interpret operations manuals, manufacturer instructions, diagrams and formulas.
- Ability to work independently and follow safety, quality-control and operating procedures.
- Ability to perform arithmetic calculations, including percentages, using whole numbers, fractions and decimals.
- Attention to detail and ability to communicate professionally with customers.
- Proficient English speaking, reading and writing skills.
- Ability to work extended hours to meet business demands and report to work on time in adverse weather conditions.
- Ability to hear vehicle and equipment sounds, coworkers and radio; speak with coworkers and customers about production and safety; and meet the listed vision requirements.
- Ability to perform continuous physical activity, including bending, crouching, stooping, driving, standing, walking, repetitive hand and foot movements, reaching and twisting; lift, push, pull and carry up to 50 pounds continuously, 50–80 pounds frequently, and 80–100 pounds occasionally.
Nice To Haves
- Previous experience applying fertilizer, crop protectants and other treatment products and/or working in an agricultural environment.
- Forklift operating experience.
- Previous Southern States work experience.
Responsibilities
- Prepare dry fertilizer, crop protectants and other treatment products according to customer work orders, and transfer dry bulk products into spreading vehicles.
- Operate bulk spreading vehicles, including dry row spreaders, John Deere dry bodies, spreader trucks and/or Terra-Gators; apply products to customer fields and verify coverage and spread patterns.
- Maintain communication with Applicator team members and the manager regarding scheduling, dispatching, equipment condition, material supplies and productivity.
- Drive to customer locations in company vehicles and represent the company professionally while respecting customer land, property and equipment.
- Operate, maintain and clean equipment and vehicles; perform routine preventive maintenance and repairs, report complex issues, and maintain current maintenance records.
- Participate in annual equipment rodeos and GrowMaster certification.
- Assist with physical inventory, inventory control, shipping and receiving as needed; operate forklifts and other material-handling equipment according to facility procedures.
- Keep tools, equipment, supplies and work areas clean and orderly, minimize waste, and dispose of waste properly.
- Attend required training, certification courses and meetings and develop applicator, scheduling, servicing, operations and safety skills.
- Follow safety procedures, use required personal protective equipment, comply with company policies and government regulations, and operate equipment safely.
- Assist in the warehouse or drive feed and farm-supply delivery routes when business needs require.
- Perform other assigned job functions.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
