Apprentice Applicator

Keystone Cooperative•New Holland, OH

About The Position

The Apprentice Applicator safely and accurately applies products to labeled crops and sites based on recommendations from the Manager/Salesperson. The position also operates and maintains Company application equipment, builds customer relationships through product application, and reports observed field conditions to customers and the location manager. Following annual performance evaluations, the position could lead to a Custom Applicator position.

Requirements

High school graduate or GED; experience may offset this qualification.
Valid driver’s license and ability to meet a Motor Vehicle Review in accordance with Company policy.
Must obtain and maintain state commercial applicator certification as required by the state.
May be asked to obtain and maintain an Ag CDL.
Communicate effectively with team members and customers, and represent Keystone professionally and courteously.
Ability to read, count, and write, and to use technology to complete documentation accurately, including understanding shipping/applicator orders and tickets, product labels, SDS sheets, warning signs, and emergency procedures.
Ability to use technology to locate application sites accurately and read field maps.
Willingness to adapt to changing application technologies and seasonal variations in workload responsibilities.
Be a team player and contribute to a successful operation and company.
Work required overtime as the season demands.
Maintain the physical condition needed to regularly lift more than 50 pounds, climb ladders, perform preventive maintenance, and carry out other physical duties required to run an agricultural location.

Nice To Haves

Basic mechanical skills for daily equipment maintenance.
Familiarity with crop chemicals, nutrients, farming practices, and crop characteristics.

Responsibilities

Apply dry fertilizer products and lime to customers’ fields safely, efficiently, and accurately.
Use supplied information and application-equipment technology to apply the right products at the right rates to the right fields and customers.
Assist with mixing, loading, unloading, and transporting crop protection and fertilizer products.
Follow applicable laws, regulations, safety rules, and PPE requirements when handling and applying products.
Obtain and maintain state commercial applicator certification and keep current with its requirements.
Inspect equipment before field applications and conduct post-application inspections.
Maintain safety equipment in optimum condition in the applicator equipment and immediate work area, and follow safety regulations and guidelines.
Maintain and update applicator and equipment logs.
Perform required calibration and preventive maintenance recommended for the equipment.
Rinse and wash down equipment in the field and at the location in compliance with regulatory guidelines.
Assist team members with physical duties needed to run an agricultural location.
Assist with operational scouting, product transportation, and other customer services.
Follow applicable Environmental Health and Safety, OSHA, and DOT policies and procedures.
Build customer relationships through application work and provide feedback about field conditions to customers and the location manager.